[My Wednesday blogpost series is connected to my 2020 4Q program in which I share my personal responses to the questions raised in the worksheets.] 

In the four stages of leadership development, leaders relate differently at each level to those they are training and developing. At the beginning stage, people need the basic information of what, how, where, when, and why. At the growing stage, they need further instruction, practice, and evaluation. At the maturing stage, folks need their own assignments, new challenges, and encouragement. And at the reproducing stage, they need freedom and empowerment to go out on their own to develop others. Leaders adjust their leadership styles to accommodate developing leaders’ needs.

For the serving leadership development model, list four different tasks that one or more people are currently working at under your leadership. Discern the stage (Beginning, Growing, Maturing, or Reproducing) they are at in that task. Write down the specifics of how you will instruct, coach, mentor, or commission them based on where they are at in accomplishing that particular task.

TASK: Assisting others on their academic journey

STAGE: Beginning [Instructing leadership style]

Since I completed BA and MA degrees later on in life, I’ve had a number of people seek out my advice on how to approach higher education. Discussing education with those just starting out means focusing on the basics and explaining a perspective quite different from that of a teenager graduating from high school. I give very practical pointers about what to avoid, how to save money, and what really matters in getting an education. I share names of schools, programs, and websites that can assist one in testing out of required credits. I drive the conversation and give mostly information pertinent to their situation.

TASK: Shooting instructional videos

STAGE: Growing [Coaching leadership style]

My co-trainer Fred with the Reverb Network is already well on his way with shooting teaching videos. I’m coaching him on how to set up lighting and framing with his camera. I’m also sharing some other basic tips for making a great training video. While giving some definite pointers I am also asking what he thinks would work best in his context. 

TASK: Learning how to use an Apple/Mac computer 

STAGE: Maturing [Mentoring leadership style]

I’m currently using a mentoring approach with my wife Amy as she continues to build on her knowledge, working with the Apple/Mac platform. She has the basics down, and is able to function almost at the level she did on her PC. From time to time she will ask me about how to do certain tasks, use particular shortcuts, and figure out a better way to accomplish a process. I typically ask her questions to guide her at this stage so she can figure things out on her own.

TASK: Training and developing leaders in the Reverb Network 4-year process 

STAGE: Reproducing [Commissioning leadership style]

Our Uganda National Director with the Reverb Network is traveling throughout Africa training and developing leaders after having gone through our 4-year training program. I only occasionally check in with him to share encouragement and see how he is doing. I am currently looking for opportunities to expand his influence outside of Africa and for him to meet with key leaders from other countries. Sometimes I have the privilege of training alongside him and learning from his leadership experience.

Now it’s your turn. How would you describe your leadership with those you are currently developing—family, friends, community, or co-workers? Go ahead, write something down…you are a serving leader!