Have you ever watched a time lapsed photo of a flower from seed to bud, and finally a beautiful flower springs forth in all its glory in seconds?!
Leaders help people blossom. Every movement reveals more treasure and beauty. The biggest goal I have as I lead is to always help people see themselves as Christ sees them. The next step is to encourage them to think past their limited potential, and instead realize their ultimate potential with God Living inside them. Finally I love to Encourage, Enlist and Enliven them to see how they can join God where He is working and be in the most useful place for the Master of all and find real joy.
Leaders can manipulate or they can earnestly want the best for those they lead. The truth is if you want to lead, learn to celebrate others strengths. Take time to focus, keep your eyes open for untapped potential. Find out what they love to do and what they do well. Let them know what strengths you see in them. Compliment them and show how they can fit in. Encourage them to join you in whatever you are doing. The challenge most leaders have is that they never ask the question. What do you love doing?...tell me why?
Recently, I watched a teacher teach and was extremely impressed. After being introduced to her and complimenting her on her abilities and talents, I said, “ you seem to really enjoy what you do." To which she quickly replied, "oh yes I certainly do." I asked her to tell me a bit about herself, where she got her training. "Oh", she said, "I have been teaching children for the past 10 years and love it. In fact I ran the children’s ministry at our past church." "Tell me about your family", I asked, and the conversation went on. Then I kept an eye on her life and watched as she taught teachers to teach. I invited her to do one of the classes at one of the team seminars. She did not disappoint me, in fact she shone like the light in the room. I was observing as well as watching how she worked with our Local director. Then I invited her to meet me for coffee and I painted the vision of how she could be involved in ministry and told her of the opportunity and how I saw her fitting in to the big picture. I left her, encouraging her to pray about it. Every time I could remember, I prayed to the Lord of harvest. Then I suggested we must meet again and gave her a time and place. I encouraged her attend training at our international headquarters, which she did.
Since this process has started, she is now teaching Good News Clubs in 3 different clubs and she has been involved as a regular teacher in all our training seminars. She has traveled to our international home office to attend a mind expanding experience of the big picture of the global aspect of the ministry. Today she is beginning the process of coming on staff full time and has begun raising her missionary support. Step by step God is leading and Beth and I are so excited to watch how such a wonderful person with such amazing gifts is going to be used in the kingdom - we also treasure her and her husbands friendship.
In the end, it is prayer, love, and being able to see where God has people fitting into His plan and then not being afraid to ask. Watch for decisive action. From this point, help them to grow their identity in Christ Jesus. Help them see there is joy in serving Jesus and continue to encourage them and build them up to be future leaders.
In order to help others blossom, a leader needs:
A strong sense of identity.
A strong sense of empathy.
A strong sense of purpose.
A strong sense of perspective.
Aim for their greatness rather than you own .