Elaine Vitikainen
Malcolm Webber in his blog, The 2 Things That Every Leader Must Do, says there are only two responsibilities that a leader cannot delegate to others:
- Vision development
- Leader development
Developing the vision
A leader sets the vision. I was working with a new Director of a Christian NGO in Cambodia. The organization did not have a compelling vision. Yes, they had a written vision statement, but it did not really “live.” It did not excite or motivate staff. In fact, many did not even understand the vision. Consequently different projects were doing their own thing. To bring alignment, the director focused on establishing a shared vision. It took hard work, but now it’s bearing fruit.
Developing leaders
I remember one leader admitting to me, “I would never want to work my way out of the job.” At the time, I was shocked. On reflection perhaps he was just being more honest than most of us dare. To create forward momentum we constantly need new people to step into greater responsibility. This should not be new to us. Jesus modeled this with the disciples (Matt. 14:16; Mark 16:15; Luke 10:1; John 14:12). We read about it throughout the Bible (Eph. 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 3:10-17).
So Christ Himself gave the [leadership offices] to equip His people for works of service, [so that] we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12, 15)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it . . . and [as] the servant of God … become thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14, 17)
Cultivating leaders and establishing vision are critical. These two responsibilities are vital to the health of the organizational culture.
Pause and Reflect:
What can you do this week to strengthen or better communicate the vision of your work?
Think of three strategies and try them out.
What can you do to develop the leadership of those you work alongside?
Think of three strategies and then choose two colleagues and apply those strategies.