I recently discovered a new blog favorite over at Maximeyer. Mark shared some great thoughts on leadership that I thought I would pass along to everyone.

In an organization with 100 people:

  • 20 people are doers.
  • With a leader.
  • 80 are hanging around watching, experimenting, consuming, or complaining.
  • When the 20 expand to 40, chances are there’s 200 now in the organization (or will be).
  • The 20 tend to get frustrated with the 80 for not doing anything and at times will tell them. (They should avoid that.)
  • The 80 will ride the coattails of the 20 and feel like they did it and even take credit for it.
  • This sometimes frustrates the 20. They should not be frustrated. They should just do.
  • Great leaders pour vision into the 20 while casting the net out to the 100.
  • Frustrated leaders spend a lot of time trying to get the 80 be part of the 20.
  • Of the 80, some will become doers as the organization grows.
  • The doers that simply do will some day realize there are people following them.
  • Some of the 80 will become part of the 20 with a simple personal invite.
  • A leader will be turned down 4 times for every yes. This does not bother great leaders. It frustrates others.
  • Frustrated leaders have the opportunity to be great leaders.

Thanks Mark!

I have been a frustrated leader at times in my life and ministry. Once I realized I didn’t have to give in to the complainers, I was a new man. If you find yourself frustrated by the 80, I want to challenge you to turn your eyes on the real challenge at hand and just DO IT! I am committed to pouring my life into the 20% who are a part of the dream team because you are the ones who do the work of the ministry.

Who’s with me?