Building Strong Leaders Series

Watch Out for Monkeys

Key Thought: Stop being the problem solver and become a leader who coaches                               people in solving their problems.

Introduction

They are everywhere. Waiting for you, the unsuspecting leader, every day. They come in all sizes and a variety of types. They seem innocent at first. However once they multiple they choke out a leaders effectiveness, detract from the mission and bring organizations to a halt. What are they? They are monkeys. Ken Blanchard in his classic leadership book mentioned below used the phase monkeys to refer to the problems a leader is confronted with on a daily basis. He famously wrote, "Don't take on the problem if the problem isn't yours. That monkey doesn't belong to you! Here is a simple example which explains the concept of 'monkeys.' You are the leader/pastor of an organization/ church. The leader of the youth program comes to you and tells you that not enough parents are volunteering to pick up youth and drive them to youth activities. Monkey alert! This is a problem or issue that someone needs to address. Most likely the youth leader is hoping consciously or unconsciously that you will take the monkey and resolve the issue. You have a choice to make. One choice is to say, "that is terrible - I will make a few calls and see what I can do." The monkey has now jumped onto your back (and joined the 10 other monkeys already there) and the problem is yours to solve. The youth leader leaves smiling and unconcerned. Choice two is to ask a few questions that will empower the youth leader to take responsibility and  to solve the problem and thus grow as a leader. You could ask, "What are your thoughts on how you will solve the problem? What else have you thought about? What steps can you take to move towards your desired outcome? If you need any input from me on your plan let me know.  The youth leader leaves the conversation empowered to resolve the problem. You now have time to focus on the problems that are yours.

Biblical Basis

The first Biblical example that comes to my mind is Moses and his father in law Jethro (Exodus chapter 18). Moses is wearing himself out solving everyone's problems. He is the leader and surely that is what a leader must do correct? Jethro sees what Moses is doing and says to Moses, "What you are doing is not good." The reason it is not good is that not only will Moses get worn out but the people also will be worn out. Jethro then gives Moses advice from God. Now often times these verses are used to talk about a leader delegating responsible to others but that is only a small part of what is going on. The key point is how does Moses see himself. Does Moses see himself as a problem solver or as a leader. Jethro tells Moses he is to focus on teaching and training and selecting people for areas of responsibility. Everyone one of these activities are leadership tasks.Moses is to start being a leader and not a problem solver. Moses followed Jethro's advice and became a leader and as a result the people of Israel were able to grow and have healthy leadership. When problems end up in your lap the basic question is how do you see yourself as a leader or as the problem solver.

The second Biblical example is Paul's relationship with Timothy in the New Testament. Paul started the church at Ephesus and then left Timothy at Ephesus as the leader and he Paul moved on. Following this Paul writes two letters to Timothy giving him advice on how he Timothy as a leader can deal with the problems at Ephesus. It is likely, in my opinion, that Timothy had contacted Paul prior to the writing of the letters by Paul perhaps asking Paul to come back and resolve the problems at Ephesus. After all Paul was the Apostle he had more experience than Timothy and he would be able to resolve the problems. However Paul was a leader and his goal was to develop Timothy not to be the problem solver so he Paul did not take any of the Ephesian monkeys.

Some Key Considerations

The issue of monkeys is not merely a delegation issue. Rather it defines how you see yourself as a leader. If you are the problem solver the organization over which you have authority will never grow beyond your capability to deal with problems. It will stay small. If you are a leader the organization has unlimited potential for growth. This in my view is the key determinate of the size and effectiveness of an organization or church. Secondly a problem solver hinders the growth of those around him or her. No one is empowered or challenge to grow. Instead they develop learn helplessness and learn not to take responsibility or initiative. If a problem arises just bring it to the problem solver its not your responsibility. A leader on the other hand empowers others to take responsibility. As Ken Blanchard writes, "The best way to develop responsibility in people is to give them responsibility." The goal of a leader is to see to it that all monkeys are handled at the lowest possible level of the organization. Grass roots empowerment is a key to a healthy engaged organization.

Rules for Monkey Management from Ken Blanchard

1. Describe the monkey. The dialogue must not end until appropriate next moves have been identified and specified.

2. Assign the monkey. All monkeys shall be owned and handled at the lowest organizational level consistent with their welfare.

3. Insure the monkey. Every monkey leaving your presence on the back of one of your people must be covered by one of two insurance policies: a) Recommend (recommendation from the person), Then act or b) Act (the person bringing the problem, Then advise. You are not merely getting rid of the problem from your view you are assigning it and have a mechanism for reporting back.

4. Check on the monkey: Proper follow up means healthier monkeys. Every monkey should have a follow up appointment.

Recommended Resource

The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Kenneth Blanchard , William Oncken, Jr. and Hal Burrows

Links: https://www.facebook.com/ministrytraining1224/videos/417246292067262/