How To Recruit Leaders
A great deal of your success as a leader is in the ability to spot and recruit talented leaders. King David seemed to be a master at attracting and enlisting top talent (see 1 Chronicles 11-12). Your ultimate legacy will be the leaders you attracted, trained, and released as great warriors. At one time, we had 28 pastors on staff. As I travel around the nation speaking for many of them in their own churches, I am amazed to see their innovation, talent, and ability to multiply.
What are the top qualities of David’s great recruiting?
1. Initiative
“Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first will be chief and commander.” Some men are initiators, full of confidence and leadership. David offered everyone the opportunity to be his top leader, but only Joab took the initiative to accomplish what seemed to be an impossible military victory.
2. Sacrifice
“So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water from the well of Bethlehem.” Some men go above and beyond and take every assignment to the next level. These three men heard David just mention his desire for a drink from Bethlehem’s well and made it their mandate.
3. Skillfulness
“Using both the right hand and the left to sling stones and shoot arrows.” Some men have developed both their primary and their secondary talents. Some leaders are content to always lean on their strengths. These men were intent on developing their weaknesses into strengths. They never stop growing!
4. Fearlessness
“Mighty men of valor…whose faces were like the faces of lions.” Some men run to a battle and not away from it. They are not easily intimidated by something risky (v. 15). The Gadites were the type of people you want to be in a foxhole with. They “ran to the roar,” not frightened by a fight.
5. Loyalty
“We are yours, O David.” Loyalty is the knitting of hearts with no secret ambition or betrayal. Amasai was totally given over to fulfilling David’s dreams, visions, and aspirations. He had no hidden agenda. He served with a single mind and heart, living to bring David’s dream to reality.
6. Wisdom
“Men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel ought to do.” The men of Issachar had an unusual ability to project future developments. Some men contribute their intelligence and strategy to your team. They sense movements, trends, and direction. They don’t think only about today but are always thinking 1-5 years minimum ahead for your organization.
As you are interviewing a new staff member, ask yourself, “Which of these six qualities do I see the most of in this person? What quality of excellence do they possess that I lack on my team? Can I still see myself working alongside this person 5-10 years from now?
My goal is to impart timeless truths that will enhance your value as a leader and keep you there your entire life journey.