The Art of Delegation

I got my day started early meeting with the Executive Bible study that I lead every other week. These men are not only great leaders but great men. The majority of them are either leading their companies or they are in key positions in their organizations. Today we were studying through the life of Moses and in Chapter 14 of Moses by Chuck Swindoll. The lesson we learned about was delegation and how important it is in our lives to learn to share leadership with others. It was so fascinating to hear from many of these guys (around 20) some that have reached the height of the what the world says is success and to hear about the lessons they have learned a long the way.

Moses father-in-law Jethro was huge in his life and in the eventual organization of the nation of Israel....the key was Moses listened! I am so thankful that I have guys in my life that have been that for me through the years. If I had to look back on my journey and lessons learned over 16 years in full-time ministry and 10+ years at NorthStar....learning to build great teams by delegating to the right people would be right at the top of the list!

Here is the outline from Moses by Chuck Swindoll:

Four Thoughts to Grow On:

Ex. 18:17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people's representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.

1. Separate the essential from the additional

“The principle is that God assumes responsibility for enabling His man to fulfill every task to which He has appointed him. Now there are some self-imposed tasks which others can do better that we, and we should relinquish them. But even should they do them worse, we should still relinquish them – a severe test for the perfectionist?” J. Oswald Sanders in Spiritual Leadership

2. Restrain yourself more, involve yourself less

3. God’s servants are not exempt from natural laws

“You will break the bow if you keep it always bent” Old Greek Motto

“his eye was not dim, nor was his vigor abated” Deut. 34:7 Moses was 120 when he died

4. Efficiency increases as we relinquish

(adapted from Moses by Charles Swindoll)