Today I had lunch with my friend, Britton. He is a very talented 19 year old college sophomore. Over the last few years, Britton has been growing as a spiritual leader and worship leader. He has an incredible heart for God and is committed to be a true disciple of Jesus.
We met at Moe’s for big burritos. I asked him to give thanks for the food, though it probably needed a blessing of Lipitor as well. As Britton prayed I was immediately humbled. He prayed with thanksgiving for me and our friendship. He prayed for me to be an influence in my ministry at Landmark. We always get together for lunch when he’s in town and talk music, worship leading and share what’s going on in our lives. Friendship is the focus, but in our conversations, we learn from each other and grow as leaders.
This Sunday my friend Matt will be leading worship in my place. He’s a humble guy and loves the background way more than the spotlight. I have seen Matt grow so much over the last year as a worship leader, dad and husband and leader in our church.
A week ago I attended Catalyst with 13,000 friends. We met for two days of discussion about leadership and saw examples of leaders impacting the world.
With all these thoughts about leadership, here are three ways I see leaders develop.
1. MODEL – We’ve all been told at some time that we are being watched by others. What are you modeling for them? Do they see you living out qualities and behaviors they want in their own lives? When people want to grow, we look for examples. We look for blueprints and examples of could be. Are you a leadership model?
2. MIX – Hands-on learning is a great tool. Developing leaders through mixing is taking a person by the hand and having them “shadow” your every move. When you lead a meeting, they sit next to you. When you develop ideas, they brainstorm with you. When you have difficult tasks, they assist you. Mixing is leadership development that combines experience and wisdom with hunger and a willingness to learn. Are you mixing with those who want to lead like you lead?
3. MANDATE – A mandate, simply defined, is an authoritative call to action. You’ve heard the phrase “baptism by fire” or stories of a cruel father teaching his son to swim by throwing him into a lake. A leadership mandate is taking a willing learner and setting them free…whether they want to be or not. Expectation requires young leaders’ decisions, actions and independence. A mandate is requiring someone to rise to their ability before their confidence let’s them know it is time. Have you given a mandate for a leader to lead?
These are merely three ways I’ve observed leaders developed.
Questions for you…
- How has someone encouraged and mentored you as a leader?
- How have you seen other leaders developed?
- What would you add to the list above as a method of developing a leader? (Words starting with “m” not required, but bonus points awarded
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Today is another day for you to make an impact. Your greatest impact may be by helping someone develop into who God wants them to be.
Jon,
I loved your article. I believe this is exactly how Jesus discipled. I chuckled when I read number three and thought about Mary “mandating” Jesus in the water to wine miracle.
Thanks, Brad. I bet Mary had lots of mandates.
In your ministry, how do you disciple students? What would you add to the list?