How to Empower Leaders
When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:1-2 NIV
One of the main responsibilities of leaders, especially senior leaders, is to empower those who they lead. But what does that look like and how will those reporting to you know they are empowered? Let’s look at this from an incident in Jesus’ training of the Twelve.
From the sending of the Twelve in pairs on a short-term mission assignment, we note that “he sent them out…to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick.” The disciples were sent with a very clear job to do – proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick. One of the foundational items needed for empowerment is a clear job description. Those we lead need to know what exactly is it that they are to do. What is the outcome or goal of my contribution? As their leader, you need to define this for them or perhaps, in conjunction with them. Don’t leave them guessing if they are doing the right thing.
Jesus also gave them “power and authority” to carry out their job of proclamation and healing – the spiritually sick as well as the physically sick. Nothing frustrates direct reports more than being given a job to do but lacking the authority or resources to accomplish it. More bricks, no straw!
Jesus did not ‘micro-manage them in telling them how to exercise the power and authority given them. Rather, He specified the outcome – ‘heal’ and let them determine the how. No doubt they did what they saw Jesus do as he modeled for them before sending them out on independent assignment.
Once the mission was completed, they regathered at a time and location no doubt predetermined before they were sent. They debriefed their experiences with Jesus (see Mark 6:30). Note that the Twelve did not have to check back with Jesus after they were sent until they once again regrouped. They were released and empowered to act on their own initiative. Yes, they did have restrictions – the villages of Galilee only – but otherwise they were free to roam. Did they go to familiar places or venture off into corners of Galilee that were unfamiliar?
Do those you lead have the power and authority to do their jobs? It may be a good time to ask them if they have all they need to do what they have been asked to do.