Where have I been? The last couple of years have been an absolute joy as I have been growing my capacity as a leader. I’ve picked up a couple of things and am looking forward to passing on the things I’ve learned along the way.
The truth is this, it doesn’t matter what occupation you hold, you’re probably going to run into a younger leader who is talented, energetic and, if we’re being honest, a little bit intimidating. You remember it though, right? Being the young leader who was against the world knowing you had all of the answers and the entirety of your future at your fingertips?
I have discovered five important favors that play into the art of developing young leaders and I have every intention of writing them here on this blog. The first one is no surprise: Unlock the BIG Vision.
You know the vision that you woke up this morning and accomplished by the time you sat down for lunch? That’s no the one I’m talking about. It’s the vision that is so big that to arrive alone would be impossible. That’s the big vision. I do a lot of my work working with young leaders within the context of non-profit work. Specifically I work for the church. When I unlock the big vision to my leaders, I allow them the opportunity to jump in to something they didn’t know they didn’t know.
No one wakes up and thinks to themselves I hope today is just a mediocre day. When you unlock the big vision for your young leader you simultaneously are unlocking the chains to their worldview and unleashing the potential to their influence.
For me, the big vision is a multi faceted, church wide approach to not only our ministry, but also to our community of Ann Arbor. I don’t want you to show up and do church stuff or nonprofit work at our organization.
Rather, I want you to join me in a movement that has been going on for just under 2000 years designed to bring peace to a world in conflict, reach out and feed and clothe the homeless, fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves, speak up for those whose voice is not heard, protect those who need protection and bring love and forgiveness to those who deserve justice. I want you to give to something greater than you because of how you are wired and created and to also realize that regardless of your faults you still belong here. Would you join me? You could join me right now in that movement.
THAT is big vision. THAT is a sell! People sign up for that.
So often people give tasks to young leaders when they really should be giving opportunities to young leaders. Give the bigger vision. Give someone something they cannot say no to.
This was part 1/5. Looking forward to writing it. Cheers!
leadershape 