You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Wow… Very wise words from a mentor. With that as backdrop, let’s look at some important lessons for effective succession planning.
- Discipleship: Pass on what you know to reliable and qualified people, so they can teach others. This can be achieved through high impact training, coaching and mentoring.
- Apprenticeship: Join me. Apprenticeship is Work-based learning. In other-words you learn by doing. In an apprenticeship, you train the apprentice on and off the job. They are also to be assessed on and off the job for competencies.
- Effective Communication: Communicate effectively in very simple terms, and keep reminding your followers of the goals and objectives. Use all forms of media and channels to stimulate the interest of the stakeholders.
- Reflection: Reflection gives depth and dimension into a matter. It provides insight and illumination which stirs the reflector into action, or in some cases; change or review a proposal. It is also imperative that we imbibe a reflective culture within our organisations. Allow people to reflect and learn from their mistakes.
- Faithfulness: Please your commanding officer. In pleasing God, you inspire others to do likewise. If you are not a good follower, you can’t be a good leader. True leaders have a servant’s heart.
- Recognition and Reward: The Victor’s Crown. True leaders are not insecure; they recognise and reward hard work, faithfulness, skills and talents.
- Recruitment: Entrust. Seek out and reach to potential successors, and start this process early.
- Prayers: Most importantly, pray as Jesus did. Pray that they grow in grace, pray that the enemy does not derail their destiny.
In the words of The Rabbi on this very important subject;
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’
~ Sabali
Healingsprings fellowship 