btw…I really don’t like doing laundry. Yet, another reason I’m glad I’m not a washing machine.

Capacity – in a literal sense, I don’t think capacity can be increased. Capacity is, per the definition, that person’s potential. I immediately think of a washing machine (yeah, crazy I know – with 3 kids, I wash a lot of clothes). That washing machine’s capacity is limited to the size of the tub regardless of what I do… its capacity cannot be increased. Now, it’s not near as productive or efficient if I don’t fill it up, but there’s nothing that can be done to increase its capacity.

I believe leadership capacity is similar – but only in the general sense mentioned above. As Anne stated, capacity is quite subjective to the specific areas in question. Creativity, delegation, vision, empathy, problem solving, administration are just a few of the areas to measure one’s capacity.

These are some of the areas on which we focus when consulting with church clients – determining the specific requirements NEEDED for each leadership position, then specifying the actual experience verses potential (capacity) the prospective leader has.

There is so much to this, but a few other points:
-Unfortunately, people don’t come with a small, medium, large capacity labels as washing machines, so determining their capacity is quite challenging. We’ve yet to find a tool, other than their leadership history, to prove that out (and past performance doesn’t always predict future performance – (several years back Hybels interviewed a Harvard dude who spoke to that)).
-I’m interested to know how you’d answer these questions – In what ways does someone “appear” to have the potential ability? How do we measure their potential? – Great questions to ask – I have my thoughts on those but will save for another time.
-If you do have a leader with “high capacity,” you’ve only just begun. They have to be taught, trained, coached, developed… over and over again – Look at professional athletes – millions of dollars are spent drafting “potential” – but how many of them actually become all-stars or pro-bowlers? Professional sports organizations have incredible “farm” systems and training resources to maximize their team potential, but still, many don’t make it.

So, I think our role is to first understand the VERY specific needs (competencies) for each leadership role, then develop the most productive tools to identify leadership potential, experience, ability, and capacity. And then, create a strategy to develop those very things to best fit the leadership position and the organization.

Great topic – btw, you just helped with my newest blog.

Peace and love!

Was that’s servants capacity increased right there? I think so! As we are faithful in the leadership opportunities God gives us, we will grow, and he will give us more opportunities. Through our growth in the process, He will stretch us each time and when we prove faithful he will increase our capacity for more.

however, i realize i have a high capacity for empathy. i can sometimes read and feel people out before they even know what’s going on. and that well never seems to run dry.

so…i think it just depends on how you define capacity. and leadership for that matter.