Leading by Following

January 30, 2017

Rejecting Gifts

In some cultures it’s an insult not to accept a gift from someone who offers it. That’s because a gift is considered an extension of one’s self. In rejecting a gift you’re in essence rejecting the person. As offensive as this seems, people do this all of the time in businesses, non-profit organizations and even churches.

Heads of organizations regularly reject and thereby insult people by not allowing them to contribute their gifts and talents. Sure they wield power and tell them what to do, but that’s not leading. Most people affiliate with organizations because they believe they have something to offer. Therefore, if leaders hope to achieve and sustain success, they must take advantage of what people are offering.

Allowing Others to Contribute

However, allowing people to contribute their gifts and talents is a daunting task for power wielders. It requires them to be flexible by giving up a degree of power or control and in some ways following. Yet, that’s exactly what leaders do to sustain long-term success. They maximize the gifts and talents of their volunteers or employees by allowing them to contribute.

Engagement or Control

As fundraising consultants, people ask us all the time how to engage more people in their organizations. The response is simple, “You can have engagement or control, but you can’t have both. The more control you impose the less people will be engaged. To engage people you have to give up some control.” It sounds simple enough, but because it sometimes requires leaders to become followers, it is often neglected. In an interview I had with Former Goodyear Chairman and CEO Stan Gault, he explained:

“All of us are followers in some ways and at some time. We’ll not always have all the bright ideas on our own. When someone has an idea, we certainly should honor that. I’m not the slightest bit embarrassed to say that I’m a follower. I think when you’re following you also have an opportunity, perhaps even an obligation to ask how do you do that better.”

Actually, Stan was talking about exchanging some power and control for the “bright ideas” of his people. Regardless of the type of organization in which it occurs, facilitating this kind of an exchange strengthens the commitment and engagement of the people involved and is a sure church growth tool.

A Good Example

Bob Russell retired a few years ago as pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. During his career he grew the church from a little over 100 members to more than 20,000. In an interview, Bob explained to me how he empowered volunteers and staff to use their talents and contribute to the church’s success. He said,

“90% of leadership is recruiting the right people. You get the wrong person and it doesn’t matter how much oversight or direction you give. But you get the right person and give them responsibility, resources and encouragement and it’s amazing what they’ll do. You try to smother people and box them in, then they’ll work to please you rather than please the Lord and fulfill their giftedness. So I really believe in recruiting good people and then giving them the freedom to do what they’re gifted to do.”

Leading by following is really about trusting, trusting in the gifts and talents of the people being led, trusting in their willingness to become engaged and trusting in their integrity when you allow them to lead. This is a proven strategy on how to motivate church members as well as nonprofit staff and volunteers.

“I really support The Covenant Group’s strategic planning process because their approach encourages staff-based support with board buy-in, and I felt that was important given what we were trying to achieve. The outcome is an effective plan that builds consensus and provides a clear sense of direction.”
- Jennifer Scott, Director of Development - The Cabbage Patch Settlement House

“The Covenant Group is highly competent, very experienced and knowledgeable. They provided a broad perspective by equipping us with useful data…and best practices in the field. All in all, they are excellent.”
- Dan Jones, CEO - 21st Century Parks

“The campaign has truly been a miracle. People were committed from the beginning, but…even raising $650,000 seemed like a stretch. To nearly double that amount is incredible! When the plan they developed allows you to hit a goal like that, it builds such a sense of community. The momentum built by the campaign is spilling outside the walls of our church and benefiting others in the process.”
-Father John Hollowell - Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

“For those of us who don’t do this everyday, The Covenant Group instilled confidence in us. They helped us get through the fear and apprehension by providing us with a process, training and motivation. They taught us and helped us plan in a way that was for the better. We have built lasting relationships with donors and we will continue to steward these relationships long into the future.”
- Sue Finke, Director of Institutional Advancement - Covington Catholic High School

“No one anticipated we could raise this amount. Even the Archdiocese is surprised. The funds raised represent about 15 times our annual giving. But it’s not just the financial results. People stand around talking more than they did before the campaign. There is also a renewed and energized spirit among the parishioners. It’s the most exciting thing to happen in our parish in the last 100 years.”
- Gary Libs, Campaign Co-Chair - St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church

“The Covenant Group’s process involved a lot of people in our congregation doing small tasks … that built ownership. They took our vision and put it into a concrete plan. They helped us understand the importance of making our vision clear and laid out the steps to make the vision a reality. Their process built consensus and showed people how they could help. Their methods are based on a solid theological foundation that includes key documents, prayer support, and requisite training … all of which were invaluable.”
- Daniel Montgomery, Pastor - Sojourn Community Church

“Everything The Covenant Group did to help us…in the initial stages was helpful…the development of the case statement; our materials; the training of our Board members; strategies; all these steps laid the foundation for eventual success. They brought such a high level of professionalism, a wealth of experience and a strong track record of integrity and success… just being associated with The Covenant Group helped us.”
- Nancy Doctor, Development Director - Wellspring

“The structure The Covenant Group provided was excellent. It allowed our members to use their God-given talents to benefit the church community They helped us develop a plan and identify key leadership candidates to chair the effort, as well as engaging between 80 to 100 people to carry out the work of the campaign. It was truly a whole congregation effort and The Covenant Group helped facilitate that. They helped us reach our full potential as a congregation.”
- Ron Poisel, Pastor - Christ Lutheran Church

Leading by Following

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