Transition of Leadership- part 3

If you've followed on along, this is the 3rd post related to the story of leadership transition from King Solomon to his son Rehoboam, as told in 2 Chronicles 10. If not, you might want to review the previous 2 posts. As with part 2, this will mostly be questions to consider, and these will focus more on the one coming into a leadership role or position. Athough it can mostly be looked at from a younger leader's (pastor's) perspective, there are some good things to ponder for those of us who've been in leadership for quite a while.

A couple things to keep in mind... it's always tough to follow in the footsteps of a founding leader/ pastor, especially if they were a very charismatic personality-leader type, very popular and well-liked. It is especially difficult when they remain nearby–it's hard to get out from under their shadow. Can you even imagine what it would have been like to follow someone like Solomon! Solomon did very well, but his dad (King David) set things up very well for him. That favor was not returned for Rehoboam. Lesson to be learned!
Here's some questions to consider–

• If you're a founding leader/ pastor– What are you doing now to provide for a smooth transition for whoever will follow you?
• If you're a new leader/ pastor– What or whose model of leadership are you following? That of Jesus, or someone you're trying to emulate, even if you're a different type of person than they are?
  • Are you following a founding pastor? If so, what are you doing to help the people of the organization or church adjust to a different leadership style and personality?
  • Are you starting out fresh with a new vision and direction? What are you bringing along with you as a leader from your own experience, good or bad? (those close to you, like your wife/husband or close friends, should be a good source to find out)
• Has God given you a fresh vision for leadership?
  • Can you articulate this vision clearly so others can see it with you?
  • Has God revealed His plan for how this vision is to be implemented and fulfilled?
  • Or– Are you moving forward with your own ideas as it seems best to you? Is the plan for implementation based on ideas or a framework borrowed from someone else who has been successful? Have you sought out counsel from more experienced leaders?

One leadership book that I've found very helpful over the years is called, "The Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make" by Hans Finzel. I like it because it is based on real experience, is concise and practical, and provides some clear direction for how not to make these same mistakes. Well worth the read. Hopefully, along the path of leadership, we can learn how to make good transitions, so others may follow well. If you want the top 10 ways to lead, observe the master leader, Jesus!