3 ways to be a Generous Leader

If you are reading this, you are most likely a leader. If you're a good leader you are developing leaders under you to lead in ways you never could, or never would have time to lead. A great leader is always about identifying and inspiring other leaders to join his or her leadership team.

I sat back the other day and began thinking of all the leaders I've identified over the last few years, and how many of them no longer report directly to me. I was actually shocked, and wondered, "what have I done?!" Then I realized that they didn't leave the organization, they have all just moved to different roles within our staff. Then I got excited about all the people working in their passions and strengths who are growing in their leadership. So if you want to go to the next level to be a generous leader, just apply these three steps.

1) Care deeply about the leader's design & not your desires: It's easy to look for leaders to help you get your stuff done. And if you're a great leader, there's lots to get done. But when we put a leader in a place they are not designed for, we may be setting them up for frustration. Many will submit to your plans, but if you really care about the person, you'll listen to them and discover what they were designed for. And you may discover she is designed to do something other that what you desire. In that case, the most caring thing is to explore and ultimately get her in the right role on the right team.

2) Share your leaders with other staff: Your staff needs good and great leaders on their teams. When you discover a new leader or a new passion in a leader, get them aligned with the team they will thrive in. The reality is that they won't be on your team, which could be seen as a loss. But three wins happen: a) The leader gets to work in her passion b) You just helped your staff by giving them a winner c) you've scored some major points with your staff.

3) Live with open hands: If you have the belief that you "own" the leaders under you, you'll most likely not be willing to share. But the reality is you can't "own" anyone. You can try to possess them, keep them, incentivize them not to leave, but you can't own them. When you truly believe they are created in God's image, given special gifts, talents and passions, and that they truly belong to God, you can rest assured that He will lead them.

If you would like more leadership ideas there's more on soggythoughts.blogspot.com
If your church is ready to double your great commission impact contact me at dave.elshaug@intentionalchurches.com
intentionalchurches.com