Moving from Doing to Leading to Multiplying

Some people accomplish great things because of their skills or because they can influence others to do what they want.  A leader is one who is able to influence others, not simply one who does something with proficiency and excellence.  Those who can influence others to accomplish goals and objectives have the potential to become good leaders.  

A great leader, however, is one who multiplies him or herself by investing in, encouraging and developing others in maximizing their leadership potential.  People know that he or she believes in them and won't work around them, but through their leadership.

Next time you need to get something done, ask yourself who around you should learn to lead by helping you in the process.  Learn to empower others and to delegate your leadership to them.  Do this slowly and be careful not to move too quickly, but also gauge yourself over time to evaluate whether you have been too slow to empower others.

Are you a doer, a leader or a multiplier?

Good Read... The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Posner

How Jesus Multiplied His Ministry

As I'm reading through Matthew chapters 8 and 9, I'm struck with the rapid pace of the miracles of Jesus.  One after the other keep happening.  In Matthew 9:35, we see the essence of Jesus' earthly ministry.  

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

In chapter twelve, Jesus very deliberately calls his twelve disciples and gives them authority to do the very same ministry He was doing.  Jesus' form of leadership was empowering.  He gave authority to men who hadn't yet spent much time in his classroom.  "And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons." Matthew 10:7.

For many of us in leadership, this presents a challenge to our thinking.  Most of the time, we are not in a mode of multiplication, but rather control and preservation of our authority.  This is especially true if we have a divine call from God to do ministry, AND years of seminary training.  How do we get over this, while still maintaining our integrity as overseers who will be held responsible for what is taught to new believers? (Matthew 18:6).

How comfortable are you as a leader in empowering and sending early?

Committment

2 Chronicles 20-21

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the Lord his God.  And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart.  So he prospered.

King Hezekiah could have followed the easy path which the other kings and leaders chose.  He could have face opposition and just decided to do what was easy.  He was a good leader because he didn't seek selfish gain or fame.  He initiated reforms that were necessary for the people, because God wanted them to happen.  It is difficult to be led by values and convictions in a world that has very different ones.  

The key to Hezekiah's strength to carry out some difficult reforms was that he wanted to please God and not men.  Sought God with all his heart.  Imagine what a leader could do if he/she sought after God with such abandon that nothing else mattered.  To do so and maintain one's work ethic is important.  So many people use their faith as an excuse not to work and do what is right.  I have seen many religious people fail to have the personal discipline and values that are needed to do great things over the course of many years.  

According to John Maxwell, Hezekiah led a lifestyle that was different from the other kings. He stepped out in faith to do what was right.  He had a strong faith in God.  He didn't give in to the criticism of an older generation who didn't like his reforms.  He gave up personal time, energy and money. He had the daily discipline necessary to carry out his work for the long haul.