Leading from the back
I’ve arrived at the point in life where I lead from the back.
I’ve been the guy in the front, literally carrying the flag, for a long time. Decades.
I’ve fronted rock bands. I’ve owned companies. I’ve given the morning speech to a plant full of employees as the boss, for years. I’ve been a mentor, a boss, a president, a founder, a leader and a daddy. All at once.
But nowadays, I’ve built some things. And I wanna know that the legacy will live on beyond me. So I lead from the back.
I’m back there watching. Seeing how the leaders do it. Taking them aside later for encouragement or correction.
I’m waiting to see great men step up, into their calling, into their greatness, and into the void I’m leaving, as I lead from the back.
I don’t have to about orders anymore, I can shout encouragement.
I don’t have to be daddy bringing the spanking, I can be grandpa bringing the love and the excitement.
It’s an odd transition going from enforcer to encourager.
Sometimes leadership does need a harsh and heavy hand when the table gets flipped and the cards go everywhere.
But I’ve come to the age and the place, finally, where leading with a light hand becomes enjoyable.
It’s a reminder for all of us. Lean back and let others bring the light into the void. Guide, correct, encourage, excite.
Motivating the mentors is the ultimate position of leader ship. So raise the mentors, then motivate them. Even an apostle needs to be built up at times.
All the way down to the lowest level of leader ship, we can learn to lean back, and lead with a light hand. We can encourage those who are interested to take the next step in leader ship. Responsibility there’s always what we’re offering, not power or position.
So sometimes you have to step back, and let them take responsibility.
And what you will find is someone who gives it they are ultimate, and does it far better than what you envisioned, because you’ve given them space to give, grow, and show excellence.
Looking for the next level of men to promote. Having an individualized leader ship plan to develop them. Leaving space an error for them to expand, clipping their wings when necessary, and fertilizing the pruned.
Time will come for you to do these things.
If you are a leader.
Leadership 101
James Disciple Johnson
Founder
Disciple Christian motorcycle club