In his book, The 360°Leader, John Maxwell writes about a principle of leadership that, “all
good leadership is based on relationships. People won’t go along with you if they can’t get along with you.” There are two relationships that are essential to leadership success; a relationship with individuals, a relationship with believers and with Jesus.
John Maxwell’s principle to leadership is true for leaders and potential leaders at all levels;
but let’s look at this principle and how it is essential for athletes as individuals who train and
prepare themselves as a team to be ready and in position to pass and receive the baton. This
principle is proven as we look by at the Jamaican 4X100 Men’s Relay Team at the 2016 World
Olympics in Rio. These individuals formed a team who personified a relationship that combined its efforts as individuals whose training evolved into team. The synergy of this Jamaican team clearly indicated how they worked together as a unit and produced greater results to perform as a team. Although individuals, they performed and executed each leg of the relay with precision and with poise. The result of years of dedication, sacrifice and team cohesion proved positive in Rio for the 2016 World Olympics. This Jamaican team dominated the 4×100 event and secured the “Gold” medal in part due to their investment as a team.
To understand the dynamics of receiving a baton. The team must establish a relationship that pulls each individual [or runner] into a unit. Each runner has a role and responsibility to perform.
The first runner, known as the lead-off runner, must understand that an excellent start is
critical. His (or her) acceleration from the starting blocks need to be explosive; the bend that
moves the runner closest to the inside lane should be deliberate and the lead-off runner should be reaching top speed to deliver the first hand-off.
The second runner, is in position to receive the baton from the lead-off runner. This second runner enter the heap with controlled efforts to stay within the exchange zone and accelerate to reach top speed required for be ready for the third runner to receive the baton.
The third runner’s precision is required to receive the baton at the designated checkpoint. The third-leg runner’s reaction should be controlled to know exactly when to begin the route and stay within check points. Acceleration is key to this leg as well.
The final runner, the anchor is in position to react to the third-leg runner. Once the third-
runner is in the exchange zone, the anchor must be ready to accelerate beyond all other runners and be capable of exceeding recorded or set speeds.
The Jamaican team, anchored by Usain Bolt, the “fastest” man in the world, finished the race ahead of all other countries. They delivered and received the baton as trained.
John Maxwell’s principle to leadership similarly applies to leaders who are believers called-
out by God to inherit the mantle.
The inheritance of the mantle is the acceptance of and wearing of an anointing and stepping into special spiritual endowment. An endowment, when pulled into the position of Spiritual authority, the action or miracle or that authority is without doubt or question. In 2 Kings 2:9, Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of his anointing. In other words, he asked to be the primary representative of God of his time.
There is a place and responsibility to receive a baton, but the inheritance of a mantle demands great responsibility and it is not for the weak or the Spiritual immature. Read and study the story of Elisha (1 Kings 19:13, 19; 2 Kings 2:8,13-14), who took up the mantle from Elijah, wrapped it around himself and operated with Spiritual authority. Elisha’s desire was to serve. His mentor, Elijah recognized this desire and the call.
Bishop Merton L. Clark constantly teaches on passing the mantle to the next generation; so come hear how this call of inheritance maybe your call.
My name is Johnie S. Stevens. I am a Point Man!
