Do you look for ways to help your teammates become contributors to the leadership process? (200-5)

The wise leader seeks to move the team from leadership consumers to leadership contributors. Read Mark 8:1-21.

For the second time Jesus had fed a large crowd, this time in excess of 4,000. Jesus was teaching His disciples that God could provide a lot of food from a few loaves of bread and some small fish. A much deeper lesson came later when they realized that this miracle was just an example of how God provides for all their needs. This second level of understanding was critical for Jesus’ disciples to become leaders after His death.

Leaders should consistently be moving their team from consumers of their leadership to contributors in the leadership process. Leaders begin this process of growing their team by first providing their teammates security and meeting their most immediate needs. Jesus demonstrated this when He twice fed large crowds from virtually no initial supplies. Once a teammate is secure in their position a leader must move them into positions where they themselves develop big picture understanding and can effectively serve others. Jesus challenged His team in verses 14-21, helping them see the big picture including understanding other people’s motivation and the power of their own attitude.

Do you constantly look for ways to help your teammates become contributors to the leadership process? Are you as happy when one of your teammates has a great success as when you have a great success? During my days with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, one of the leaders I greatly respected discussed with me all the individuals he had hired who were now in positions of authority (some with more authority than his own). His attitude and pride in having discovered and mentored these leaders was something that taught me a great deal about a true leader. Wise leaders consistently seek to develop the leadership skills of their team.

2 Timothy 2:2 “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”