FollowtheLeader.indd

(Dana P.) #1
LEADERS ARE PARTNERS


  • Richard Phillips wisely points out: “Unless we successfully
    pass the baton, and nurture successors to receive it, we will
    ultimately have failed as leaders...The truly worthy career
    does not end with its own story, but in the story of those who
    follow...It is important for all leaders, at all levels, to carefully
    oversee the appointment of a successor, if their legacy is to
    endure.”^31


It has often been pointed out that there are three phases of leadership: First,
the need to be needed. Second, the need to be succeeded. Third, the need to
be exceeded. Not only does a wise parent want his children to grow and
mature to the degree that they can succeed them; they want them to grow
and go beyond them to the degree that they exceed them in life! I have
often told my children that my desire for them is that they become more
spiritual...more mature...more productive...more successful than I have
been. I want them to “stand on my shoulders” and reach greater heights
for the Kingdom of God than I have achieved by God’s grace. I well
know that whatever success I have experienced is because I have had the
privilege of standing on the shoulders of godly parents and grandparents
before me. By standing on my shoulders, I want my children – and
grandchildren – to go even higher! To have your physical and spiritual
children succeed you – and exceed you – is the greatest joy of parenting! It
is also the greatest joy and privilege of partnership leadership!


“ Two are better than one, because they have a
good return for their work; if one falls down, his
friend can help him up! But pity the man who
falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two
lie down together, they will keep warm. But
how can one keep warm alone? Th ough one may
be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”
(Eccl. 4:9-12).
Free download pdf