Learning and Leading in Ministry: Chapter Twenty-Seven

Critical Exchange

Learn transition.

Track and field people know that the relay race features one major difference from individual contests: a cylindrical stick called a baton.  Each runner hands off the baton to the next runner, who runs a lap and then snaps it into the hand of the next runner. The exchange takes place within a certain zone clearly marked out on the track. As he closes in on the zone, the first runner barks out a signal and the teammate puts out his hand to receive the baton. For a brief period of time, both runners run together until the baton safely moves from one to the next.

This exchange sounds easy on paper, but carrying it out is loaded with danger. If one hand holds on too long, if one hand releases before the other hand grasps, if either hand drops the baton or if passing of the baton takes too long, the team loses the race. More than any other aspect of the relay race, passing the baton from one runner to another defines success. A great track, good conditions, superb physical health, superior speed and athletic skill mean nothing if the runners muff the exchange.  In fact, the value of the relay race is that it emphasizes the team concept, that individual achievement must be subordinated to two or more people working together. 

The striking correlation of the baton exchange between runners in a relay race and the transition between leaders should be obvious. Some call this transfer of authority the passing of the mantle or the torch, but neither of those symbols capture the critical nature and timing of the relay race. An optimal window of time exists for a change of leaders to occur and the principle parties involved miss it at their own peril or that of the organization. Great care must be taken to guarantee a successful transition.  And, it cannot be done unilaterally.  Both participants must work together to see the operation through to success.

If you are turning everything over to your successor, think of the leadership role as a baton. The following thoughts and actions can ensure the success of the exchange: I will let you get going before I arrive. (I will give you some time to get used to your new role). I will definitely give you full control of the baton. (I will let you truly be the leader). I will let go before we leave the exchange zone. (I will back off and not interfere with your leadership). I will encourage you as you take the baton. (I will give you pointers and provide help whenever you ask for it). I understand that all of us represent equal segments of the race; I am not less than you, but neither am I greater than you. (I am not going to compare my leadership to yours). I want to do well, but my greatest concern is that we all win the race together. (If the church, organization or group suffers because I don’t handle the exchange well, we all lose).

By the same token, there are thoughts and actions that kill the exchange: It’s my baton; I can’t hand it off. (I am entitled to this position). You can’t carry it as well as I did. (I am better at leadership than you are). The people won’t accept you like they did me. (They’ll never love you like they did me). I’ll hang onto it a little longer until I’m sure you can do it. (You’re going to ruin this organization). I’m finished with my part; come and get the baton. (If you think you’re so good, let’s see how you can do without my help).

John the Baptist owned the right attitude about transition. “I must decrease but he must increase.” His view may have been difficult for him to accept, but it did not diminish his role. He acquiesced to divine progression. Leaving leadership may be more difficult than receiving leadership, but both are absolutely critical to the life of the organization. The attitude toward it makes the difference.