As a leader, delegation is really important.

You have to be able to pass off tasks that other people can do if you want to accomplish a big vision.

Delegation does several things:

1. It gets other people involved and invested in the vision. It becomes a part of them and they become a part of it.

2. It opens up opportunities for you to do what only you can do. It is difficult to focus on your strengths if your time is consumed doing tasks that other people are capable of doing.

3. It creates community. Everybody accomplishes something together and you see the result of your sacrifice on a larger scale than if you attempted to do everything by yourself.

4. It cultivates an atmosphere of trust. You can’t delegate tasks effectively unless you trust the people you work with.

5. It’s humbling for the leader. To see somebody else accomplish something effectively, even if they do it differently than you would have reminds you – as a leader – that other people are quite capable.

There are probably a hundred more things we can list about the power and necessity of delegation, but those are a few that stand out to me.

One final thought about delegation is this:

I want to delegate because I have to, not just because I want to. I want a vision to be so big and overwhelming for just me that I can’t help but pass off tasks to others in order to see it accomplished. It’s a great experience to be a part of something bigger than you are and to have people around you that will carry the burden with you.

andy ::

Starting out with a new idea can be overwhelming. It takes time for it develop and grow. Like a child learning to walk or speak, it’ll take times of falling on their butts and slurring or mispronouncing words. We have to make an effort to run like we’re in a marathon, not a sprint.

We can’t be discouraged when things take a long time to happen. Whether it be buying a house, finding a mate, starting a business, finishing school or college.

It takes time. John Maxwell says – and I’m paraphrasing – that we need to be crock-pot leaders (simmer over time and be fully developed) rather than microwave leaders (quick and easy but sacrificing on all of the really great stuff).

Take time. Rembmer, life’s a marathon. Don’t give up.

andy ::

I used to write on here every day. It was great. Over a year ago, I stopped writing so frequently and then definitely fell out of the habit all together.

Not cool, Andy… not cool.

Then, in October I said I’d wrote more often and it’s been over a month and still no posts.

Getting better, Andy… but not great.

So, I’m going to do better… Great even.

Yes, great indeed.

I want to create a community where we can share, learn, live and live well…together.

Even though I may never meet you, that’s ok… That’s the beauty of the internet.

So, we may start small, but we can grow. Join me, won’t you?

My promise, to blog, to share, to create and to live, inviting you to be part of it!

Live on.

andy ::

I haven’t posted anything in a really really long time, but I’m thinking I’m going to get back into the habit.

A lot has happened over the past year. I met, fell in love with and proposed to a beautiful woman named Stephanie. We’re going to be married next year.

I got another job, left my old one, than…after seven months went back to it and am now the lead director of Safehouse, a non-profit youth organization in my local community.

God has taught me a lot about life and love. In some ways I feel like I know less than before and in other ways, I feel like I understand more of what Jesus was talking about when He spoke some of those powerful words to His disciples 2,000+ years ago.

I’m looking forward to writing again. If you are a subscriber, I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long. If you’re new, I’m glad you’re here!

I’m sure we’ll have a great time together.

andy ::

I would love to be able to make things like this!

So cool.

I posted a blog on May 27th of last year. I copied and pasted it into wordle and this is the bubble cloud of words.

I think this pretty much sums it up.

Please finish this sentence.

My purpose is…

thoughts?

Here is a screen shot of the windows I had open during class yesterday.

Four of those are class-related and yes…one of them is a chat window.

Maybe I should pay attention a little more?

In Minnesota:

I am studying ::: (sort of)

Drinking some hot chocolate ::: (because it’s freezing here!)

And I’m watching football. Overall it’s not a bad Sunday afternoon.

I miss home ALOT and I’m ready to get back, but it could be worse. I’m thankful for the opportunity, (plus this hotel bed is really comfortable).

Oh yeah….it’s SNOWING here too! SNOW! Can you believe it?

Are you jealous?

andy ::

If you’re a leader, or a human, you may have a tendency (like I do at times) to make decision that include other people with the motive of how it will effect us. I want to be loved, validated, accepted and appreciated and sometimes, unfortunately, that desire may sneak in and become the driving force behind why I do some of the things I do.

The gang over at Deadly Viper have dome some pretty cool writing on this over the last week. Check it out and let their words sink in and challenge you. Ask yourself, “Why do you do the things you do?” and be honest. It may be painful to answer, but it’s the best thing you can do for yourself in the long run.