LeadershiftSýnishorn

In a world that tells you to “get ahead”, it’s tempting to believe that advancing yourself is the best way to become a leader. Climbing the corporate ladder is just the price you pay—and people will understand if you have to step on a few fingers as you make your way to the top.

Except the question leaders should ask isn’t “How far can I go?”, but “How far can I help others go?”

Or—even better—“How far can I take the mission, and then how can I help others take the mission beyond my best work?”

While “climbing the ladder” helps you prove yourself in order to gain influence, you take your leadership to a whole new level when you hold other people’s ladders as they begin their climb.

Just before Joshua was named the leader of Israel, God brought Moses to the top of a mountain, so he could see the promised land Israel had been traveling toward for forty years. As Moses looked out on the land, God told him that since he had rebelled against God’s command (Numbers 20:2–13), Moses would not be allowed to lead the people into their new home.

Instead, God directed Moses to appoint Joshua as Israel’s new leader.

For many decades during their long journey, Moses had invested in Joshua. Moses entrusted him to build an army (Exodus 17:8–13); he spoke the word of God to Joshua (Exodus 17:14–16); Moses leaned on Joshua as a servant (Exodus 24:13; 33:11; Numbers 11:28); and Joshua was always nearby whenever Moses spoke with God face-to-face (Exodus 33:7–11).

So when it came time for the Israelites to enter Canaan, Joshua was the obvious and prepared choice as the new leader for God’s mission. Though Moses would not be allowed in, because he recognized that his leadership was about him, his influence and impact was still present in the leadership of Joshua. 

What about you? Are you holding the ladder for others? Are you actively working to invest in the leaders who will come after you?

Nothing is more tragic for a leader than to get to the top of the ladder and realize you’re all alone. Invest in others. Help build their ladder.

Questions to ask yourself:

Who held your ladder for you as you climbed it to where you are now? How did their help encourage and better prepare you for what lay ahead?

Who in your life stands out as someone specific to invest in helping to climb their ladder? How will doing so help your overall mission?