The Power of More Than One
a little over 900 words … three-ish minute read … discover the power of more than one
We have all heard in a variety of contexts the encouragement to never question the power of one.
Perhaps you’ve heard it from a mentor or a good friend or colleague who affirmed a unique aspect of your giftedness. Maybe you’ve been the encourager or the truth-teller or the idea generator with a member of your team or as a parent with one of your kids. I know I have been on both ends of that equation as a recipient and as the one providing encouragement.
History is full of stories of movements that were ignited by the actions of one person who passionately believed in something and connected that belief to action.
We see this scenario played out in every sector of life - culture, business, the church. Some are more widely known than others, like Martin Luther King, Junior whose story and impact on our culture reverberates yet today. Or Mark Zuckerberg, whose Harvard experiment birthed the digital social revolution.
Some are less known. One of my all time favorites is Henrietta Mears. For those that don’t know the name, you’ll be surprised that she was a Director of Christian Education and Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church Hollywood. She grew the Sunday School program from 400 to 6500. Impressive in and of itself. But she also profoundly impacted the ministries of Bill and Vonette Bright (Campus Crusade), Jim Rayburn (Young Life) and Billy Graham. Mears is believed by many theologians to have most directly shaped Bill Bright’s Four Spiritual Laws, which defined modern evangelism in the 20th century.
One cannot deny the power of individuals committed to their cause.
So why the title for this post, The Power of More Than One? Good question. Here are a couple of thoughts:
First, though movements may be started by one person, they are never grown or sustained by an individual. Movements' greatest impact and transformation are the result of many. Movement leaders carry the torch but they are surrounded and supported by teams of people and communities and networks that create the fuel for change.
Second, “one is the loneliest number”. Besides being the Three Dog Night 1968 hit, it’s the truth. And even a cursory search of the internet will lead to discovery of story after story of leaders whose oneness led to loneliness which led to isolation and resulted in tragic ends. Again, in every sector - culture, business and most tragically the church.
And what are the implications?
First, wherever you find yourself leading, know the strength and gifts that you bring to influence change. But superpower those gifts with the power of more than one. Take some time this week to build up your team or to empower a younger leader.
Second, ask yourself, who is in my circle that knows me well enough to ask the hard questions and love me well through the hard seasons of leading. If you don’t have that person(s), think about who it could be and make the ask.
And what about some resources?
Check out this article for 22 innovative ways to improve teamwork in the workplace. This article includes things like clarify ownership, talk less and listen more and my personal favorite, avoid cringe-worthy team-building exercises!
Some thoughts on how to avoid isolation at the top?
Make a new friend on purpose.
If you don’t have mentors in your life, seek some out. If you do, ask yourself when’s the last time you checked in?
Wherever you find yourself on this journey, don’t do it alone. Connect with a peer group. Check out the following options through one of my Leadwell Cohorts.
Join a Leadwell Cohort
Through Leadwell Cohorts, leaders gain unique insights from peer learning environments. Leadwell Cohorts leverage the group setting for leaders in similar roles. The wisdom of well seasoned mentors and expert resources from multiple disciplines empower participants to tackle some of the most pressing issues and opportunities of our time. This collaborative community helps leaders bust through their leadership lids and create plans for accelerated results.
Why be involved in a peer cohort?
There is significant power in the gathering of true peers that results in organizational health and accelerated results. Participating in a Leadwell Cohort prevents you from leading in isolation and provides a diverse set of perspectives on some common leadership challenges and opportunities.
You have led through one of the most difficult seasons this world has ever faced in the midst of a global pandemic, seeking to discern what's next and what's the new normal? And though some things are becoming clear, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Community brings clarity.
Some of the best learning comes through interaction with leaders from other disciplines. You will have access to subject matter experts in areas as broad as business, science and the arts who will share successes from their context that lead to application in yours.
Not only do you have the support and insight of your peers, each group is served by mentors. These leaders see their role and calling as helping you to avoid some of the dumb tax they have already paid.
The next groups are filling up now and include opportunities for senior pastors (under 40), executive pastors and senior pastors beginning to think about succession. The groups are by invitation only and limited to 12 leaders per group. If you are interested in applying for one of the remaining spots for this fall, email me at greg@ligongroup.com or select a time to talk that works for you here.