Today, leadership development is essential and even vital for the sustained growth of any organization. Mentoring can be one of the greatest tools, as long as those being mentored can handle the truth and are able to discuss a possible blind spot in their current leadership and plans for growth. It often takes a blunt recognition of “comfort zone thinking.” It takes a mentor that does more than give empty praise, or "yes man thinking." It takes genuine trust in others to learn from others. I have been blessed to have been asked to mentor, confront, and even praise some of the most successful business leaders, political leaders, and pastoral leaders all my life. God opens these opportunities and even today, I still mentor a number of leaders. Each of us can learn something new, and that definitely includes me. That’s why I always promote learning, reading and associating with much brighter and much more adept people than myself. I seek to learn firstly from God Himself through his word and great spiritual leaders. I have encouraged many to expand on ideas and have been blessed to see the wonderful results. I love encouraging others to experiment outside the current focus of the organization, but always keeping the main thing the main thing. To be asked to sit on boards or come alongside a pastor or business leader lights my fire. I love to solve problems and confront challenges, but most of all God has blessed me with a vision to see things BIG. And really nothing is too Big for God. Please always remember there are seasons in mentoring leadership. Some leaders only occasionally, others quite often. Also know that leadership can and does outgrow you and that is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign you have with the direction of God to help them achieve a certain standing. Every leader and every organization must determine whether leadership development is important to them. This is only the first step in leaders developing leaders. Leaders should produce leaders who produce leaders. Leadership is not exclusive leadership, it is inclusive. The best leaders I know are those who set out to grow by multiplying rather than managing and protecting their position. There must be a great commitment to collective thought, time, and effort dedicated to teaching and instilling the values and vision into the hearts and minds of those who have steeped out of the box, even though it may only be one step outside the box. The nurturing and incubation process begins right then. Great leaders never overlook that fact it is not like singing a solo, it is an orchestra and choir in all it's glory, producing amazing music. Part of building a great organization is leadership development. Always be on the lookout and encourage new leaders.