At one point in my denominational career, I was looking
for a person who would become my associate.
The executive director of the state Baptist convention had one word of
advice: “You need to find someone who could step in and take your place if you
were hit by a truck tomorrow!” Not very
subtle, but his comments make sense. There
are certain things that you have learned how to do that you can pass on to
others. This not only calls out new
talent but makes a smooth transition to new leadership more likely.
Andy Stanley provides a similar challenge when he tells his
staff members, “You should always be training someone who could step into your
position.” So how do you make yourself
dispensable? How can you prepare someone to take your place?
First, you need to know your job. Although someone else might handle the
details differently, there are certain basic concepts and specific information
that someone needs in order to continue what you are doing. In order to pass that on, you need to have a
clear understanding about how you do your job, what is expected of you, what is
essential, and what is negotiable.
Second, you must find the right person to train. The person you select but not only be capable
but must have a teachable spirit. He or
she must be willing to learn. The person
does not have to be just like you in personality but similar gifts would be
helpful. You are not trying to create a
clone but train a competent leader.
Third, you should give him or her opportunity not only to
learn but to practice. Give the person
the chance to do things on their own, be a sounding board for his or her questions
or concerns, and provide performance coaching as needed.
Fourth, you must not be afraid to give good, honest feedback. As a musician friend said to me recently, “Practice
does not make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.” Don’t be afraid to share what you know.
Fifth, you should continue to stretch the person by
providing growth challenges. Give the
person more responsibility. Once your
associate has mastered the basic concepts and skills of the job, encourage the
person to try new ways to address the task. In so doing, he or she may discover
an effective way to accomplish the same things but more in keeping with his or
her own personality or gifts.
Give it some thought.
What can you do in 2013 to make yourself dispensable?
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