Leaders produce leaders. It’s just that simple. The gains that a leader can see from their efforts will be lost if you do not bring up additional leaders that share your vision and passion. Leadership development is crucial to true leadership.

The limiting of potential lies in that most good leaders are naturally talented to lead and cannot clearly define what makes them successful; they just are. The leaders find it difficult to make those potential leaders in their charge as successful. The issue becomes when the leaders starts developing a task view of the mentoring process; instead of building the characteristics of the leader. Some key characteristics are ability to listen, empathize, persuasion, awareness of surroundings, foresight, stewardship, and a focus on growth and community building. Effective leaders focus on developing these characteristics in those they mentor.

Ask yourself these questions to see where you are at:

1. Can you articulate the characteristics that make you successful in your area?
2. Who am I mentoring?
1. What characteristics do they possess?
2. What areas are you actively fostering?
3. What is your plan to replace yourself in your ministry area?
4. Have you set clear goals for those that you are mentoring?
5. How do you identify if an apprentice is successful?
6. How will you empower those around you?

Give me your thoughts; what else should be on here?