In America the quest is for the gold, the ring, the trophy. We want to stand on the podium and show the world what we’ve accomplished, to humbly receive the accolades, to thank everyone who helped us get here while knowing it we were really the ones who made it happen.
There is no denying the adrenaline rush of being the first to the finish line, the greatest among equals. It feels good to hear others recognize your effort and dedication. Winning almost never comes easy or without sacrifice, and the praise that goes with success is food for the soul.
As I’ve gotten older and gained experience, however, there is a place I’ve come to desire more than the awards stand, and that’s the platform another leader stands on. It is fulfilling to see a watch a younger leader succeed knowing I’ve had a small part in that success. I may have given her advice, contributed to her cause, or introduced her to someone who could help. There’s nothing like seeing a leader stand on the podium, knowing in some small way I helped her get there. I call it the power of partial credit.
You see this power at work in the armor bearer who buys into Jonathan’s crazy battle plan “heart and soul.” You see Jonathan pay it forward as he supports David’s leadership, knowing that David will usurp his own claim to the throne some day. Ananias gets partial credit for Paul’s success, and Paul gets points for Timothy’s. The power of partial credit is at the heart of all servant leadership. The goal isn’t that I succeed, the goal is that I sow into other leaders, younger leaders, cheering them on as they cross the finish line and take the gold.
Occasionally I get texts from church planters I’ve invested in who are seeing growth and health in their new congregation. Leaders will share with me how something I’ve said or something I’ve written has helped them make a crucial decision. Today a friend’s first book is being released that I had the privilege of encouraging him to write. None of these accomplishments are about me, and my contribution to each is very small. In the most cases my part is unseen except by a very small circle. But the reward is incredible.
We all want to win, to finish first, to take the prize. Very few things of value in life are accomplished by leaders hoping for a participation trophy. The secret I’ve discovered, however, is that contributing to the success of others is the true prize. To quote Bob Buford, “My fruit grows on other people’s trees.” It is the power of partial credit.
Who could you invest in today? Who could you encourage, guide or teach, asking nothing in return? Where can you win through partial credit?
