For the past 17 years, I’ve been blessed to serve under multiple high-capacity leaders – leaders who are driven, who aren’t afraid to break the status quo, and who are passionate about making a maximum impact for the cause of Christ.
I absolutely love serving and being a part of these types of high-capacity teams and ministries, and there are some things I’ve learned over the years that are keys to success. While these specifics listed below could apply to anyone following a leader, they are especially essential for someone who serves under a high-capacity leader.
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Possess/Internalize their vision. Every leader has a vision. And everyone who follows that leader has a job – to be a student of that vision and all it’s details. Because most likely, that is the exact reason why you’re there – to help carry out your leader’s vision. So intentionally observe it, ask questions about it, and make it a priority to prioritize what is most important to your leader in your church or organization. And whatever vision you have for your areas of responsibility, allow theirs to seep into and shape yours. If you find it terribly difficult to possess your leader’s vision, you might need to consider finding a place where you can.
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Prepare to be stretched. High-capacity leaders often have a tendency to be going at a speed that’s faster than those they lead, making it difficult to keep up. This requires the willingness to be stretched, and stretching ourselves is a key component to continued growth. If we stay being what we’ve always been, we’ll continue doing as we’ve always done. There’s no growth in that formula. This is why high-capacity leaders naturally seek out other high-capacity leaders who aren’t afraid to be stretched.
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Prioritize their preferences. Every leader’s preferences will be different, and being a student and facilitator of your leader’s preferences will place you on the path to success. This requires the important character trait of teachability. Allow your leader to teach you, train you, and correct you. There’s a good reason you are working for them, and not the other way around. Embrace it.
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Put aside your pride. In other words – get over yourself. You are where you are to serve who you are serving. This means that there will be times when your will must submit to theirs, whether you like it or not. You don’t always have to be right, and in fact, it’s very healthy for you to learn not to be. A follower who thinks they always have to be right is not a follower at all. “Lead up” when you can, but also be willing to “sit down” when the time is right.
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Remember your purpose. Why are you there? Your position is the role of a servant-leader – to come alongside of and help make your leader’s ministry and God-given vision a success. Jesus said it well in Luke 22:26, “He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve… I am among you as he that serveth.” Jesus had to be one of the most high-capacity leaders of all, yet he encouraged His disciples to remember their purpose and submit to servant-leadership.
It’s both a privilege and a challenge to serve under a high-capacity leader. It’s also one of the best ways to strive to become a better one yourself.
