John Stanko

"And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers" - Exodus 35:34-35.

The Lord gave two men in this passage ability to do two things: produce excellent works of art with their hands and teach others to do the same. They were not only to do the work, but they were also to find and ready others to do creative work themselves. It is interesting that their coaching and teaching skills were gifts from God just like their creativity, so those two men had both a divine gift and a responsibility to impart what they knew to others. Leaders have the same mantle, for it isn't enough for them to lead. Leaders must also equip others to lead and prepare for the day when a successor takes over for them.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Today's Step is to plan for the day when you will be replaced. This may not happen for quite some time, but that isn't in your control, for it may happen sooner than you expected through promotion, resignation, an unforeseen setback, or even death. Identify three or four people whom you can coach and into whom you can pour your experience and knowledge. Don't hold back out of fear or overconfidence in the future; prepare your successor(s).