A word on Leadership, Assignments and the Blessings of Service.

 

James E. Faust relates:

“A year or so ago I sat in an elders quorum meeting. The members of the presidency were fine, capable young men; but when they got around to sharing the quorum responsibilities and getting the work done, they limited it to those who were present and who would volunteer. Not one assignment was given.

One of the first principles we must keep in mind is that the work of the Lord goes forward through assignments. Leaders receive and give assignments. This is an important part of the necessary principle of delegating. No one appreciates a willing volunteer more than I, but the total work cannot be done as the Lord wants it done merely by those doing the work who may be present at meetings. I have often wondered what the earth would look like if the Lord in the Creation had left the work to be done only by volunteers.

If we look upon fulfilling of assignments as building the kingdom of God and as being an opportunity as well as a privilege and an honor, then assignments and challenges should certainly be given to every member of the quorum. Such involvement should include, with appropriate wisdom and discretion, those who perhaps need them the most—the inactive and the partially active brethren. Assignments always should be given with the greatest love, consideration, and kindness. Those asked to respond should be treated with respect and appreciation.” (http://lds.org/ensign/1980/11/these-i-will-make-my-leaders)

In my quorum, we have fallen into this pattern. Not because the quorum members are not willing to accept the assignments – simply because we have not been really assigning that much – and simply asking for volunteers. We are hoping to change that this year. It has taken a bit of effort to create an assignment schedule, but I feel that is the right thing to do, and know that things will work out.

There are a few benefits of making assignments (the right way):

* The ability to plan well ahead of time. It is almost not fair to the members of the quorum to ask them for help the next day or the next Saturday with a 3 or 4 hr. assignment. Sometimes they had planned some activity with their family, but because they are good and willing people, they accept the opportunity to serve others. If they know ahead of time, they can work the right service opportunity into their schedule.

* Give the opportunity to all the members of the quorum, and not only to those who are present in the meeting. A lot of the members of our high priest group have callings in different organizations so they cannot be present in class. And I know they would enjoy and benefit from some of the opportunities of service we get throughout the year.

* The quorum is a unit of service. This is something that I first realized when I was on my mission. When we met for our district or zone leader we had a chance to meet after serving all week. It was a moment to rejoice in the work we had done the previous week, get some training, and plan the following week. It was not until I understood the price of being part of the quorum (the hard work done by full time missionaries) that I was able to understand the meaning and the value of our quorum. The hard work we were doing, helped us understand that we were valuable members of an important group of individuals.

Elder Faust continues:
“Ever since I was first in Egypt in World War II, I have been interested in ancient ruins. There is a fascination in observing why some columns still stand and others have toppled over. Very frequently those still standing do so because they bear a weight on top. There is, I believe, a parallel principle in leadership. Those who stand faithful to their priesthood are often those who bear some weight of responsibility. Those involved are those most likely to be committed. So a successful quorum leader will want all of those in his quorum to have an opportunity to serve with some kind of calling appropriate to the circumstances.”

So it extremely important to assign people instead of asking for volunteers, but it is also super important to ensure that when making assignment, assignments are made appropriately:

1. Assignments should be done in a respectful manner. I tell my children to say “please”, that is a lesson for their lifetime.

William G. Dyer mentions in one of his talks:

Dr. Rensis Likert, formerly of the University of Michigan, has stated that a fundamental condition of an effective organization is the degree to which it conforms to […] the “principle of supportive relationships.”[…]:

“The leadership and other processes of the organization must be such as to ensure a maximum probability that in all interactions and in all relationships within the organization, each member, in the light of his background, values, desires, and expectations, will view the experience as supportive and one which builds and maintains his sense of personal worth and importance.” (Rensis Likert, The Human Organization (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967), p. 47.)(http://lds.org/ensign/1972/08/personal-concern-a-principle-of-leadership)

It is indispensible that each member is an organization (whether it be work or church or any other organization) feels respected, valued, and supported. At church, the work is done by volunteers, or people who are asked to do something (an assignment), and they do it of their own free will and choice. Whenever making assignment we should do it in a manner conducive to the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

We should also support the individual fulfilling the assignment, the individual should:

1. know exactly what they need to do (be super specific), and 
2. have the resources necessary to successfully fulfill the assignment. (usually just knowing whom to contact in case of questions makes a big difference)

Assignments are done to help each of us grow. Sometimes we thing that the actual task is more important than the process of going through the assignment. Why would we have lawyers and doctors come and help us clean the church building, wouldn’t it be more convenient if they just helped pay for a janitor to come clean it? That’s not the point, the point is that we all grow by helping clean the church building – we grow in the process. We are not created for the assignment, the assignment is created for us.

Since it is so important for each of us to complete an assignment, or a series of assignments successfully, it is  of utmost importance that we as leaders learn to follow up on assignments.

We follow up to:

1. Ensure that the immediate needs of the assignment got met. (did the building get clean? Did Sister X get the assistance she needed?)
2. Reflect on the assignment. How did it go? How could have things gone better?
3. Thank the individual fulfilling the assignment. After all he spent 3 hours of his own time, a word of gratitude goes a long way.
4. If the person that was supposed to complete the assignment did not do it for any reason, we should not be negative (Most people feel already bad enough that they did not succeed), we should instead focus on finding ways to help the person succeed. Instead of saying/thinking I will not assign brother Y to complete this assignment anymore, we should think: How can I help brother Y get to the finish line? Should I go with him next time? Did he have the resources he needed? Is there some area where I can help him? Does he need any training? Does he have the time for this assignment? Maybe we should find an assignment that better adapts to the needs of brother Y?

In his talk, Elder Faust says “In essence, the contract between the bearer of the priesthood and the Lord is this: If you abide by the law of the priesthood, every blessing within my power to give will be granted you, even to become as I am (see D&C 84:33–39).”

It is our responsibility as leaders to instruct others and help them do the best in their assignments and get to put the priesthood to practice, so that they can become like our Heavenly Father.

“Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Josh. 1:9.)

Having an assignment is like having a calling… it can be scary, but if the assignment is done by inspiration, the assignment is an opportunity for each of us to grow and to be qualified by the Lord.

-Luis Cabrera

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Related scriptures and/or quotes:

“Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Josh. 1:9.)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:6–7.)

“O, Lord, I am a man of stammering tongue, and altogether unfit for such a work; how can I go to preach in that land, which is so famed throughout Christendom for learning, knowledge and piety; the nursery of religion; and to a people whose intelligence is proverbial!” (Quoted by Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball,‍ Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1945, p. 104.) … and of course Heber C. Kimball was a great missionary in England.

“11 And Moses said unto God, Who am‍ I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodos 3:11)

* D&C 121:40-44

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* The story of the mute missionary that came with me down to Houston.

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Questions.

1. Experiences being overwhelmed by a calling or assignment. How did things turn out? What Christian attributes did you develop?

2. You have more experience than me in leadership principles. Examples of good leaders and how they practiced some of the following principles
a. Assignments. clear and well planned.
b. Concern for others.
c. Following up.
d. Asking people with love, not because of their position.
e. Humility