Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 3 (day five)
Then Eli discerned that the Lord was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’“. Samuel comes with confusion and questions. Eli discerns that it IS the Lord. Yet doesn’t do the work for Samuel. He doesn’t shortchange Samuel by over explaining the situation. He doesn’t give him the answers. He doesn’t tell stories about his own glory days. He simply encourages and empowers Samuel to correctly listen and respond to the voice of the Lord.
This is a great example for parents and grandparents to follow. We must create a relationship and climate where there is freedom and opportunity for our kids and teenagers to ask questions. Then, we can empower and help our children to do the work of understanding and discovering the voice and guidance of the Lord. It could be a spiritual turning point for them as they grow and mature and begin to own their own faith. (See 1 Samuel 2:26)
Encouragement and empowerment are two important concepts in leadership. They are the keys to excellence. Eli set up a great example for all to follow in giving up control and transferring the responsibility to Samuel for direct engagement and communication with the Lord. Samuel would benefit from learning, unlearning, taking personal responsibility for his decisions and performance, for hearing directly from God and for building a close personal relationship with God in carrying out God’s plan.
In my view, Eli was infact preparing Samuel to continue the work of the Lord while he was taking the role of a coach and facilitator. God appeared to Samuel and Eli had no doubt that Samuel was the one God called on to serve Him. Eli played the role of a coach, advisor, sponsor, and facilitator and gave Samuel the opportunity to act independently of him and to be on his own with his guidance when necessary!
We can see an empowerment relationship and culture through Eli-Samuel relationship. Empowerment can only occur in a trusted working relationship and in a culture of people and organizational excellence. In this climate of trust, everyone will use each other as resources, learn together, show genuine concern for one another, and support each other. Leaders challenge followers to stretch and take reasonable risks and are forgiving when efforts do not succeed as expected.
Eli set a great example and an empowerment model for parents and leaders to follow indeed! Parents serve as coach and advisor, or facilitator and provide support and encouragement along the way but allow for their children to take ownership, accountability and responsibilities of their own actions and decisions!! They grow and develop and have a sense of fulfillment and engagement in a culture of trust and empowerment!
I consider Eli’s leadership model a transformational leadership model. Go for it!