Individually Bless Your Staff

These are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said as he told his sons good-bye. He blessed each one with an appropriate message. Genesis 49:28

Reuben was unruly. Simeon and Levi were violent. Judah was a young lion. Zebulun would live by the sea. Issachar was sturdy. Dan was a governor. Gad would be a victim. Asher would produce food for kings. Naphtali was a free spirit. Joseph was the foal of a wild donkey. Benjamin was a ravenous wolf.

Jacob knew the personalities of his twelve sons and wove a special blessing around each man’s unique qualities. If one son showed an aptitude for fishing, it wouldn’t make sense to bless him with rich farmland.

Understanding the unique abilities of those who report directly to you and blessing them with assignments to match their personalities can dramatically increase your effectiveness as a leader.

Everyone on your team excels at something. Help them determine what that is, and put it to good use to further your agenda.