Then Caleb . . . said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people.” ~Numbers 13:30-31
It is usually easier to present change as a simple refinement of “the way we’ve been doing it” rather than something new and different. When a proposal for change is introduced in an organization, people fall into five categories in terms of their response:
Innovators-They are the originators of new ideas and generally are not acknowledged as leaders or policy makers.
Early Adopters-They are those who know a good idea when they see it.
Middle Adopters-They are the majority. They will respond to the opinions of others.
Late Adopters-They are the last group to endorse an idea. They often speak against proposed changes and may never verbally acknowledge acceptance.
Laggards-They are always against change. Their commitment is to the status quo and the past. Often they try to create division within the organization.
Choose Your Mentor Well
And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” ~2 Kings 2:9-10
Every leader needs mentors, especially emerging leaders. God took Elisha through the preparation necessary under Elijah. Note several principles outlined in 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2 underlying his preparation:
Elisha’s Preparation Leadership Principle
1. He was anointed to replace Elijah. 1.Leaders must understand their call and roll.
2. Elisha touched Elijah’s mantle 2. Leaders must wait patiently on God’s
long before he entered his ministry perfect timing for their authority.
3. He burned his farming tools. 3. Leaders must surrender former ambitions.
4. He stuck with Elijah wherever 4. Leaders must pursue good mentors.
wherever he went.
5. He absorbed all he could 5. Leaders must hunger to grow and develop.
from Elijah.
[tags]Leadership, Motivation, Mentoring, Changing Leaders, John C Maxwell, Meet Change, Personal Growth, Mentor, Leadership Skills,Innovators, Middle Adopters, Early Adopters, Laggards, Bible, God, Changing Life, Elijah, Mentoring[/tags]