Identify Your Champions

Whenever the Lord raised up a judge over Israel, he was with that judge and rescued the people from their enemies. . . . But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways. Judges 2:18-19

My company had negotiated a substantial contract with a major corporation, and work was just beginning when the vice president who had approved the deal for our client resigned and left the company.

The client paid a cancellation fee and stopped the project because the person who left had been the champion, and without him, no one felt compelled to continue.

Champions are people to whom the entire organization can look for vision and motivation on a particular task. They’re the cheerleaders. They ignite the light at the end of the tunnel.

When God raised up a judge, the people saw that person as a champion.

Champions are not always members of the executive or leadership team. Allowing a nonmanagement staff person to champion a project can be a great way to groom them for more responsibility in the future.

Champions should be visible. Who are the champions for your key projects?