A byproduct of a fast growing organization can typically be a thin staff. In our case at Elevation, we have structured for the growth, but we just haven’t been able to fill the positions as fast as we would like. The challenge is the identification and training of new leaders. We’re not anemic in this area but we seem to always be in “catch up modeâ€?.Â

A few of our staff members are doing something to learn from other organizations. Pastor Steven leads our Directional Staff (made up of our 5 department heads) in weekly meetings. These meetings are different every week but we often have assignments that we’ll discuss at the next meetings. This is typically a book discussion but we are currently doing something a little different.Â

The goal is for each directional staff member to interview at least one high level executive of a thriving organization (religious or secular) who has a hand in the selection and training of leaders. It is basic but we know we’re not alone in our difficulties identifying potential leaders. As always, we want to know what they’ve learned works well and what has been ineffective.Â

It’s another form of open source networking. The book Mavericks sums it up by saying that “nobody is smarter than everybodyâ€?. That definitely applies to us. So this is a simple leadership exercise to help us learn lessons the easy way- through other people.Â

In the end, we hope to not always be in “catch up modeâ€? when it comes to hiring. The trick is to do it before the growth starts to catch you from the other direction by slowing down.Â

Chunks Corbett, Executive Pastor

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