Are you managing leaders who are ready to blossom in their leadership responsibilities? (199-3)

True empowerment pairs increased responsibility with increased authority to get the job done. Read Mark 3:13-19.

Jesus deliberately chose twelve for His leadership team from several hundred close followers. Verses 14 and 15 say, “He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Jesus carefully selected mature or rapidly maturing leaders, gave them a title, responsibilities, and the authority to complete the task. True empowerment always includes the authority to fulfill the responsibilities of the job assignments.

Effective leaders do more than point their team in the right direction. Truly effective leaders supply the resources and create the conditions that allow people to develop the power they need to do their jobs. These leaders think in terms of enablement and freedom as they appoint others and give assignments. They establish a reporting schedule and checkpoints to evaluate progress but do not micro manage (even when the first checkpoint has less than perfect results). It is critical for the long-term success of these developing leaders to build in room for some setbacks and failures as they assume responsibility. Authority must be granted allowing room for growth as understanding and instincts develop.

Two points of caution:

• The leader who offers empowerment too early sets up teammates for failure. Jesus spent all night in prayer before selecting the twelve to make sure he had the right people.
• The leader that waits too long to empower teammates will either lose them to organizations that will use their skills or they will divert their skills to other interests and never fully realize their potential to lead.

Are you managing leaders who are ready to blossom in their leadership responsibilities? God-honoring leaders seek to empower their team by giving not only responsibility, but also authority to complete their assignments.