ReLeading People, Not Just Organizations
Why ReLeading People Matters
What if people need ReLeading, just as much as organizations?
I’ve spent so much focus writing in the realm of ReLeading organizations/departments, but lately, I’ve really been contemplating the concept of ReLeading people. Talk about “fixing what you didn’t break!”
Ever heard the phrase, "People don't quit jobs; they quit bosses?" There's a reason. That employee, volunteer, or intern didn’t just come to you, they came from somewhere else first. Behind every disgruntled and dysfunctional person on your team is often a history of mismanagement, misunderstandings, and broken dreams.
Should we give up on them and move on? After all, profits are on the line. Church growth is on the line. Our reputation is on the line.
Are we called to ReLead people?
The Value of ReLeading People
Your first instinct will tell you that it’s easier to just move on. But research shows the opposite. According to The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), on average it costs a company 6 to 9 months of an employee's salary to replace him or her. For an employee making $60,000 per year, that comes out to $30,000 - $45,000 in recruiting and training costs. Not to mention the intangible costs of team morale and institutional knowledge. More importantly, the people you invest in often become your most loyal and effective team members.
Just ask King David.
David ReLead Broken People
Before he ascended to his calling to ReLead the nation of Israel, David found himself in the cave of Adullum, running from Saul. It wasn’t long before he was surrounded by individuals who were distressed, indebted, and discontented. With some ReLeadership on David’s part, these same misfits became David's loyal army of 400 warriors (1 Samuel 22). Not just any warriors, but David’s mighty men who would lead a mighty army in David’s ReLeader journey in Israel. He didn't discard them because they were broken; he saw their potential and ReLed them into a new season of purpose and effectiveness.
Barnabas ReLead Broken People
Similarly, Barnabas stands out as an example of someone who ReLed not just structures, but also people. He was a ReLeader to the early church of Antioch. We know that he did not start the church of Antioch, but was sent there to lead it (Acts 13). He took a chance on Paul, a man once notorious for persecuting Christians (Acts 11). By extending trust and guidance to Paul, Barnabas changed the trajectory of Christian history. Barnabas wasn't just leading; he was ReLeading. He didn’t stop there. Later, Barnabas ReLed John Mark after Paul rejected him for his ministry journey (Acts 11:38-39).
Barnabas did such a good job with John Mark that Paul later asked Timothy to bring Mark to him since he had become useful to him in ministry. (See Colossians 4:10; Acts 13:5; 15:37-39; 2 Timothy 4:10.)
A Framework for ReLeading People
Diagnose the Problem: Understanding the underlying issues is crucial. Whether it’s a skills gap, a communication problem, or something more profound, accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective ReLeading. We realize that many times the behavior is simply the product of a deeper root issue that needs to be addressed. Great ReLeaders are willing to dig. Let’s strive to find before we fire.
Establish Clear Goals: Effective leadership requires clarity. Ensure you and the person you are ReLeading understand what success looks like. Let’s be clear, they screwed up! Something is broken. ReLeading people is not about being soft, but firmly steering them back to health.
Provide Necessary Resources: Once you’ve identified the problem and set goals, the next step is to allocate resources. This could mean training programs, mentorship, or even just regular check-ins.
Monitor and Adjust: Effective ReLeading requires ongoing attention. Regular feedback sessions can provide insight into what’s working and what needs adjustment.
Jesus is the Ultimate ReLeader of People
We should always remember that Jesus exemplifies the ultimate ReLeader, choosing to guide and renew us each day. As a healer of hearts, mender of minds, and supplier of strength, Jesus underscores that leadership goes beyond merely steering organizations. The core of ReLeading involves the transformation of individuals, a process that not only revitalizes our institutions but also brings about meaningful societal change. The stories of David's mighty warriors and Barnabas' transformative influence on Paul serve as enduring reminders that the essence of ReLeading extends far beyond organizational frameworks to touch the lives and hearts of people.
Go Fix Broke Stuff (including people!)
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS…I’D LOVE TO HEAR THEM!
I really like the examples that you gave. As I thought about it, King David and Barnabas both, understood the power of beliving in people. Even when, like Saul/Paul had an ugly past and those misfits still believed themselves to be "victims" those two examples spoke faith and trust into them. I bet that was instrumental in empowering them to step out of that past, and out of that victimhood mentality, and into the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, which in turn led to their destiny. Words are SO incredibly powerful!!!
Thanks for the feedback Russell. This helps a ton! You are doing the hardest ReLeading there is! And the most important I might add! Keep at it my friend. It's REAL work!