Never Work Alone
Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. ~ Acts 15:40-41
I want to share a secret with you. It’s the greatest principle I’ve ever learned in the area of developing others. Here it is: Never work alone. I know that sounds too simple, but it is truly the secret to developing others. Whenever you do anything that you want to pass along to others, take someone along with you.
This isn’t necessarily a natural practice for many of us. The most common learning model in the United States is when a leader asks questions or lectures while the follower listens and tries to comprehend the instructor’s ideas. But craftsmen use a different model for developing others. They take apprentices who work along side them until they master their craft and are able to pass it along to others. Their model looks something like this:
I do it.
I do it – and you watch.
You do it – and I watch.
You do it.
In all the years I’ve been equipping and developing others, I’ve never found a better way to do it than this.
Share the Dream
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus . . .” Ephesians 1:1
Any dream worth living is worth sharing with others. The person who shares his dream gets to watch it grow. The synergy of shared ideas often takes it to a whole new level. The dream becomes greater than the person launching it ever imagined it could be. And those who participate in it often adopt it as their own dream.
As you give others an opportunity to share your dream, paint a broad landscape for them so that they can catch your vision. Include . . .
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A Horizon – to show the incredible possibilities ahead.
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The Sun – to give them warmth and hope.
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Mountains – to represent the challenges ahead.
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Birds – to inspire them to soar like eagles.
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Flowers – to remind them to enjoy the journey.
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A Path – to offer direction and security.
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Yourself – to demonstrate your commitment to the dream and to them.
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Them – to show where they fit in and to communicate your belief in them.
When you are willing to share the dream by including others, there’s almost no limit to what you can accomplish. The impossible comes within reach.
[tags]Dreams, Leadership, Work Alone, John C Maxwell, Christian Living, Personal Development, Growing[/tags]
