I have many weaknesses. When you are put in a position of leadership, your weaknesses become on display for all to see. As a leader, one of my greatest weaknesses is my inability to delegate.
While people who struggle with delegating normally say that they were too busy or didn’t want to bother someone, that’s not the heart of if for most leaders.
Stemmed from pride, I wrongfully believe that I can accomplish a task better than anyone else can.
I constantly have more work than for which I have time, but I do not take the time to delegate. I fear losing a great amount of time instructing other people, and I also fear losing a great amount of quality if something is not done just the way I think it should be done.
I understand that this inability is leading me to anywhere but a successful path.
Not only am I not able to accomplish all I would like to accomplish, but I am robbing other people (staff members, friends, volunteers) the priceless chance of further development and greater involvement in the ministry.
Did you know that Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, gave him a great leadership lesson on delegation? As he visited Moses, he noticed that he was taking the total responsibility for major national issues to squabbles between two people. He stated, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone…look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe…they will bear the burden with you” (Ex. 18:17-22).
No matter what type of leadership position you are in, let me ask you a question: are you doing the things that only you could do?
By being unwilling to delegate, we have two major consequences: 1) We may do a lot of “good” things that take time away from the thing God has us here for, and 2) We may hinder other people in the Body of Christ from doing what God has them here for.
This doesn’t mean you need to turn into a crazy delegator freeing yourself up of every little thing. You need to be selective and intentional when you delegate. It should be good for all parties involved.
But what could you delegate today?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
