Passing the Baton: Part V

In this series, we’re identifying lessons from Jesus on passing the baton to future leaders. One of those lessons relates to failure.

When you groom leaders for the future, they are going to make mistakes. Those mistakes may undermine your trust in them and make you cautious about the future.

However, failure is the best teacher if one is willing to learn the lesson. Real-life experience gives a person wisdom instead of simply knowledge and humility in the face of their failings.

Peter betrayed Jesus, denying him three times for witnesses. But Jesus knew that Peter was going to make a great leader despite his missteps. Peter went on to become the rock of the early Church and his written works are even included in the canon of the Bible.

In John 21:16, we read how Jesus reinstated Peter when Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

When someone you lead fails, view it as a growth opportunity for them, not a termination event. Real life is filled with failure and the sooner you begin growing from it instead of surrendering to it the sooner your business will blossom.

Questions for Reflection

• How accepting of mistakes have you been in the past? How might you better communicate to your team that you desire them to try new things even if there are some failures at times?
• What was your greatest failure? How did it change you? How has it changed your life? Would you undo it if it meant losing the change it created within yourself?