I believe a crucial factor to growth, is investment. I don’t mean with money, but if you think about it, the same concept applies. You “invest” your money to grow it! No one invests their money because they want to lose it (no one with good sense that is).
I love the time I get to take to invest in others and others in me! When someone invests in me, it makes me feel valued. The same should be true for all of us! But what does it mean to invest in someone?
Is it only about leadership & quality output? Is investment about improving the person or improving what they can do for us? Oh, and what is it supposed to look like?
Can we invest in others without being invested in? Is investment asking 22 questions over & over? Is it about meeting a certain number of times each year/month? Is it about measuring growth to see if we’re making a difference?
I think the thing that keeps us from investing in others or confuses things when we are investing in others is thinking it’s THAT complicated & complex! I’m learning that investing in others (& me being invested in) really comes down to being willing to ask (or be asked) the following questions…
- What do you feel your “NEXT STEP” is in following Jesus? (what do you need to start doing, stop doing, etc.)
- What do you feel your “NEXT STEP” is in (360 degree) leading others? (family, career, volunteering, etc.)
- How can I help you take those next steps?
Then we hold them accountable to taking those next step(s) (or we allow someone to hold us accountable). I’m learning it’s not a complex formula! It’s simply helping each other identify & take their next step.
Just what I’m learning… 