Grow In The Dump.
One of the most common mistakes any leader can make when given the opportunity to lead or manage a new project or team, is confusing the art of delegating with the art of dumping.
I’ll never forget what I heard Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, say regarding the art of delegating as a leader earlier this year at a conference:
“Don’t delegate responsibilities. Delegate authority. When you delegate responsibilities, you create followers. But when you delegate authority, you create leaders.”
I am often asked by younger (and sometimes older) ministry leaders what they should do when they feel like their boss is no longer delegating responsibilities to them, but rather dumping them in an effort to remain in charge, yet void of responsibility.
It seems that nothing can frustrate a lower level leader more than when he or she has come to the realization that his boss or team leader has begun to take advantage of them.
My response to this challenge is quite simple:
If you truly believe you have been called, gifted, and uniquely assigned to your place of employment or ministry, then the time has come for you to learn how to grow in the dump.
I am thoroughly convinced that many of today’s leaders will delegate themselves right out of leadership.
Take the time to discover what burdens (if dumped upon you from another leader) you can adequately handle, and most importantly, are aligned with the kind of responsibilities you believe you should leading in anyway. While I do not believe in conquering giants without a reward, there are times when you can serve someone above you (who is not fit for the position they’re in) right out of that position.
Or even better: you can acquire the skills (and experience) to apply elsewhere for that same position.
This week, take your eyes off what’s coming down on you, and refocus yourself on what has the potential to come out of you. It’s time for many of us to grow in the dump.
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Category: Creative Leadership, Uncategorized
Thanx for that post bro! Needed that one right at this moment!
God now emails me under the pen name Milan Ford. This was so right on the point for what I am dealing with today. Thanks so much. I listen, I hear and I will do.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by milanford, J Adams (Reg) and Vajaah Parker. Vajaah Parker said: RT @milanford: Take ur eyes off what’s coming DOWN on u, & refocus yourself on what has the potential 2 come OUT of u! http://bit.ly/12UYcM [...]
You were sooo on it with this one!
I needed this so much! before i read this i was just saying i need to get through the paper pushing management that are above me…Thank You Milan Ford keep letting GOD use you
I will grow in the dump:)
Sis Veronica
Thank you, Bro. Ford! This is the encouragement I needed today. Your devotional as it was forwarded to me also included the verses John 12:24-26. God opened my eyes today to see that verse 26 says, “and where I am, there My servant will be also”. Not where My servant is, I will be also. If I believe that God has me in my job for His purpose (which I do), He is here with me and will help me grow in the dump.
God bless,
Jenesa
Your site was extremely interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Thursday.
WOW I truly believe and receive and have and are experiencing this and in that last few months have even seen some of the rewards of growing in the dump come to past. THANKS!!!!