How to Invest in the Next Generation By Andrea Buczynski

Will You Intentionally Invest in the Next Generation of Leaders?

Two different colleagues come to mind, neither of whom would say they develop others or intentionally influence the next generation of leaders.

Colleague One

One, a superior vision caster and networker, put his thoughts together on casting vision in a short video. He then created an example and challenged the audience to evaluate him on his grid. It’s been the best little training video we’ve had. Everyone recognized his ability.

As he shared his ways of thinking about casting vision, others were able to benefit. In addition, this leader made an offer to the rest of the global leadership team: “If you have people in your succession pool, I’d be glad to have them join me and introduce them to my network.” What an offer! That kind of generosity in any organization can help younger leaders gain exposure to more senior leaders.

 Colleague Two

A second colleague, who continuously denies being able to develop people, has great ability and experience in leading change. He sees things others do not see. He is willing to push through when the going gets tough.

Telling his “leadership story” has been a way for him to pass on what he has learned in leading complex organizational change. As people listen to his experience of trusting the Lord for the next steps, they find that they too can develop that same courage in the challenges they are facing.

Pass It Forward

Both of these leaders found ways to pass on their wisdom and expertise.

Ask yourself and others:

• What are my unique strengths?
• What have I learned about the Lord, leadership, and ministry?
• How can I pass them on?

In addition to finding your own best contribution to developing the next generation, consider the lessons of the group of leaders I mentioned here. Challenging assignments, feedback, accountability, and being believed in were all cited as factors in being developed.

Leader developers, like leaders, come in many styles, not just one.

Find yours. Be intentional. It’s our watch.

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 Andrea Buczynski is the Vice President of Global Leaderships and Human resource for Cru | Campus Crusade for Christ. She has served there since 1977 and been a member of the national leadership team since 2007. For Andrea, “Leadership development is a strategic necessity and a God-given stewardship responsibility.”

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