6. Don’t micromanage. This one probably goes without saying. The best first-chair leaders don’t micromanage anyone, but this is especially true if you want to attract the first-chair leader types into the second chair. You certainly can and should have broad goals and objectives for them to achieve, and again, they should be working for the same overall vision of the entire organization, but then, if you want to keep them, get out of their way and let them do their work.

7. Extend recognition. Don’t hog the glory. (Of course, the only real glory goes to God, but don’t be afraid to celebrate their success.)

Let me be clear, as I tried to be with the leadership students: There are exceptional second-chair leaders who never desire to be first-chair leaders. They are awesome! I love having them on my team. In fact, I’ll be transparent enough to say that without some of them, I am very ineffective as a first-chair leader. You don’t want me in the first chair unless I have some good second-chair people around me.

There are good first-chair leaders serving in second-chair positions. Keeping them is more difficult, because they are natural first chairs.

Granted, some don’t even like this type discussion, especially in a ministerial context, because Jesus is in the first chair—ALWAYS—and I totally agree with that, and to some who don’t appreciate the concept, it my sound egotistical. I get that too. I’ve written about the church afraid of leadership previously. But if you want to ignore the realities of organizational structures that exist in any place where two or more people are gathered, including the church, you can probably ignore this post.

Ron Edmondson is a church planter and pastor with a heart for strategy, leadership and marketing, especially geared toward developing churches and growing and improving the kingdom of God.

For the original article, visit ronedmondson.com.

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