Many people believe (I believe this too) that a leader shouldn’t “do” but develop others. A lot of leaders do way too much and they become the ceiling for any grow they want to see in their organization. So I agree a leader needs to develop others and let others lead so that they can expand their organization’s ability to grow.

But there are certain things a leader does. Typically these things a leader does has to do with how to develop others.

A leader leads by example.

When you hire someone or ask someone to volunteer in your church or organization, how much do you assume they know what to do? Are you setting them up to succeed or are you setting them up for failure?

There are certain things you can assume they know what to do. You definitely don’t want to insult anyone. Many times organizations will train someone when they start. This is a good way to start someone out on the right foot. The goal is for someone to know what is expected and how they are supposed to do the job.

The leader is a trainer

Is the person training actually excited to train the new employee or volunteer? This leader should be excited to communicate the vision and strategies of the organization. They should show them how to do their job and lead by example.

I think when an employee or leader doesn’t want to or have the desire to train and lead others, its because they were not properly developed on the front end.

When we train and develop people, we must make it clear we are developing them to develop others.

Be an example so others can be an example. When we train someone to just do a job, we miss an opportunity to teach them how to develop others. This then stunts the growth of the people involved.

So what does this look like in your context? How do you train people? How do you lead? Is just getting tasks done the goal for people in your organization? Or are you making people who can reproduce themselves?

If you are a church or a follower of Christ, we only need to look at the words of Jesus to see what you should do.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,  baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Thanks for reading.