Value #5: Empowering not Controlling

I have to admit that fleshing out this value can be deceptive because leaders may think that they empower others when in actuality they really attempt to control others. 

What I mean is that leaders who are controlling don't usually realize that they are controlling, but the team they're leading knows! When you live and work in a culture ruled by a "Control Freak," it tends to drain the life out of your own dreams, makes your shoulders slump and your face frown. You do your best on a project only to have CF say, "Well, that's good but it's not what I would have done. Next time you should..."

But you don't hear what to do "next time" because you've reached for your smart phone, pointed it at him and tapped the TTD (Taser and Trap Door) App. It's not a real app so don't go searching for it, but if it were...well, you get the picture.  

If you wonder whether you're an empowerer or controller don't ask your team; instead watch their body language, and listen to what they are saying without words.

I don't think anyone who has any amount of Leadership Intelligence is intentionally controlling, maybe it sort of happens while they were sleeping. It was more expeditious to make a controlling decision that usurped the authority of a teammate on Monday rather than trusting them with the responsibility of making the decision themselves. They did it again on Tuesday and then again on Wednesday and suddenly, it became their default mode of leading (or should we, at this point, just call it bossing?)

If we fail to empower others, we will slowly choke the life out of the team and exhaust ourselves in the process--all the while blaming others for our short-comings.

But can you imagine a church that has systematically empowered each person to develop and use their giftedness in ministry? Can you imagine if people had the space to mess up and still be exhorted to keep growing? Sure--progress may be slow at first but it ultimately positions the person and the organization for unprecedented growth.

We want to create a culture where people have a voice, are heard, and are empowered to fulfill the mission of Jesus...to make disciples (without tasers and trapdoors.)