"Leadership development is growing or increasing our capacity to deploy that influence."
During our most recent leadership workshop, I was asked ("by a non-participant") if I thought everyone could be a leader. I answered with the same response I've given hundreds of times. "Absolutely! Everyone possesses the potential to lead". At its core, leadership is about "influence". More often than not, the quality of our" influence" is intricately tied to how aware of and comfortable we are with our gifts and abilities. The degree to which we embrace those gifts and abilities directly impacts our willingness to share them with others.
As the young Pastor of the Church at Ephesus, Timothy was encouraged by the Apostle Paul not to be distracted by what others might perceive about his leadership but to focus on embracing the opportunity that lay before him:
" Let no one look down on your youthfulness, rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. DO NOT NEGLECT THE SPIRITUAL GIFT WITHIN YOU, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. TAKE PAINS WITH THESE THINGS; BE ABSORBED IN THEM, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS WILL BE EVIDENT TO ALL. (emphasis mine, 1 Tim 4:12-15, NASB)"
Paul encourages the young Pastor not to neglect his spiritual gift but to fully embrace and develop what has been deposited in him. Paul's advice was very specific-he wanted Timothy to "meditate on and ponder over" his gifts and abilities in order to perform well. This highlights an important point that both emerging and seasoned leaders often overlook. Paul was suggesting that Timothy be "reflective"-to take time to think about the significance of his gifts and how he would deploy them. I appreciate the use of the phrase, "take pains with these things"." Reflection can often be a painful process. If a leader is truly committed to growth, it's important to evaluate personal effectiveness on a regular basis. Leaders must critically assess what interpersonal skills and leader behaviors add value as they engage people and processes. They must also discern which behaviors are no longer effective. I frequently assist leaders whose most valuable leadership strategy for growth involves eliminating negative behaviors that keep them from creating an environment where their leader influence can thrive. This "reflective process" is very often the missing piece in a leader's development. It is why some leaders continually struggle at familiar leadership intersections instead of adopting alternative behaviors that help them push past comfort zones to experience new levels of performance. While many of us may be aware of the obvious strengths and abilities we possess in any given situation, we tend to be less familiar with or willing to take a hard look at our vulnerabilities. Taking a more comprehensive look at the full spectrum of who we are as leaders can help us consistently move forward in leader development.
Paul goes on to advise Timothy to "be absorbed" in these gifts-to immerse himself completely in them. The New Living Translation of the Bible uses the phrase "throw yourself into your task." It's great advice for any leader who wants to grow. With a clear understanding that each gift, ability and skill we possess is from God, we ought to throw ourselves into the tasks of using those abilities to showcase His glory. We could wait for permission from others to use our gifts and talents, but, "Why?" Many people have a tough time giving "themselves" permission to move forward; so don't wait for them to give it to you. The sovereign God of the universe has blessed us to be a blessing to everyone we encounter. At this point, the real question is, "Are we willing to embrace the many dimensions of ability He's placed within us? Are we willing to expand our comfort zones in order to grow as leaders?" Every time we're willing to do it, our experience broadens and we are more prepared for the next opportunity.
The last point I want to highlight speaks to the "reason" we are to throw ourselves into the gift: so that our "progress may be evident to all"." All of it is so that our forward movement, advancement and growth would be apparent to those we encounter-for the glory of God. When we embrace and deploy our gifts and talents, we show the world how benevolent and faithful He is. Our growth demonstrates how generous God is and how committed He is to complete all of the work He has begun in us.
Paul understood that for emerging and seasoned leaders, it is necessary to continue to sharpen and refine what has been placed in us. Our leader workshops encourage leaders to dig deeper and strategically value the power of influence given to each of us. It involves a level of risk taking and self-awareness that forces us to make a decision about our willingness to be transformed and to evolve as leaders. So...what are you waiting for? It's your life...are you who you want to be?
Origin: way-of-witch.blogspot.com
