Big Idea
Most leaders look for readiness.
Developers look for potential.
Today we will discuss the, “I See In You Principle.”
Great leaders don’t just manage what is; they call out what could be.
Think about your own life for a second.
How many times have you doubted yourself?
Has there ever been a time in your life when someone else saw something in you before you saw it in yourself?
That moment, when someone names potential in you, can change everything.
It can ignite confidence, growth, and a whole new direction.
Biblical Foundation: Jesus & Peter
In John 1, the first time Jesus meets Simon, He says:
“You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas (which translates to Peter).”
Here’s what’s powerful about that moment
Simon wasn’t Peter yet.
He was impulsive, emotional, and inconsistent.
Definitely not “the Rock”.
But when a rabbi gave someone a new name, it wasn’t casual; it was prophetic.
Jesus was saying
“I see who you can become.”
And then He didn’t stop there
He built relationship
He provided teaching
He created challenge
He walked him through development
Over time, Simon became Peter.
Leadership Shift: From Placing to Developing
There’s a big difference between placing leaders and developing leaders.
Placing leaders says, “They seem ready, let’s give them a role.”
Developing leaders says, “I see potential, let’s grow them into it.”
Most leaders scan the room asking, “Who is ready right now?”
Developers ask, “Who could this person become in a year if I invest in them?”
That shift changes everything.
The Problem: Winging It
A lot of leaders believe in development, but in practice, they’re winging it.
They promote someone because they’re faithful. They throw them into the deep end. They hope they figure it out.
Sometimes it works. But often confidence drops, frustration rises, and burnout follows.
Winging it fills roles. It rarely multiplies leaders.
The Solution: Intentional Development
Multiplying leaders requires a clear pathway, defined expectations, intentional growth steps, and a reproducible process.
When leaders know the path, they stop guessing.
And when they stop guessing, they start multiplying.
Practical Application: Practice “I See In You” In Your Department!
Here’s your challenge:
Be on the lookout over the next few months (prior to our pipeline rollout) for individual(s) on your team who you see potential in. Jot down names! The beauty of doing this lesson NOW is we have time to strategically observe!
When the time comes, we will begin practicing the “ICNU” principle!
“I see leadership in you.”
“I see compassion in you.”
“I see the ability to influence people.”
“I see potential you haven’t stepped into yet.”
We will then have the opportunity to invite them to come alongside you, where you can provide the teaching, modeling, delegating, and coaching they need to become their own multiplying leaders! Our Leadership Pipeline is designed to help you do these very things, with excellence!
Discussion Questions
- What qualities, character traits, or behaviors tend to make you notice leadership potential in someone?
- Can you share a time in your own life when someone has called out your potential? How did it impact you?
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