Published by R.P. BenDedek with permission from Dr. Tony Keys', this article is an edited excerpt from Dr. Key's book: 'Growing Future Leaders'. Whilst the book is primarily aimed at Christians, the organizational and business principles contained in it make it a valuable tool for all business leaders.

Prima Donnas and Proteges

In the development of future leaders, there is no room for 'prima donnas.' The phrase 'prima donna' comes from the Italian 'prima donna absoluta' meaning: 'the absolute first lady of outstanding excellence.'

However, in the 19th century, the term prima donna spoke of a person of the highest standing in a particular field or activity, who behaves in a self-important or temperamental manner, one who is conceited, jealous and who is only concerned for themselves.

There is no room for this narcissistic style of leadership in any growing organization. People are needed who are collectors of proteges, people who willingly put their lives into the grooming of future leaders.

Saint Paul was no prima donna. Rather, he was a collector of proteges. Throughout his life, he gathered around himself young men and empowered them through the process of mentoring to take on positions of leadership within the early church. This is particularly seen in the life of Timothy. In the Book of Acts, Chapter 16, Paul takes Timothy with him on his second missionary journey and enters into a mentoring relationship with Timothy that lasts until his death.

We have an insight into Paul's mentoring program for Timothy in Philippians Chapter 2 Verses 17 to 25 where he prepares to send Timothy to the church at Philippi. He says in Verse 22: "You know his proven character." He means that the church everywhere knew that Timothy had been tried and tested and had been found faithful in all that came his way.

Next, Paul calls Timothy his son. Here Paul shows admiration or the admirable respect of an older minister to a younger minister. Paul treats Timothy as a colleague, even though he is his junior. Paul makes a point that honor and respect should be given to Timothy, for he is of great advantage to the church at Philippi.

What is Paul doing?

Firstly, he is implementing a succession plan for the one whom he has mentored. He is preparing the church for the event of Timothy stepping into his place.

Secondly, Paul is preparing Timothy for his next mentoring stage by having him go to Philippi and he is providing him with the opportunity to get his roots down in the soil of experience.

Thirdly, Paul is empowering Timothy as his 2-IC by having Timothy minister at the church of Philippi.

Fourthly, Paul is expanding his scope of influence. Paul understood that by working with and empowering proteges he was able to accomplish much more than he could on his own.

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America, is remembered not so much for his presidency but for his work as a legislator in developing the guidelines for democratic government that still today influence free nations. It was said of him by the historian Clay Jenkinson:

"To understand Jefferson, you need to know that he was a collector of proteges. He could never have achieved what he did without able-bodied men."

Jefferson's success was largely due to collecting proteges.

The Apostle Paul's success was due to the same reason. Paul would not have been able to accomplish what he did if he had not been a collector of proteges, Galateas whom he empowered for leadership. Collecting proteges enables all leaders to achieve far more than they could on their own and their influence extends far beyond their own realm and lifetime.

It is vitally important that leaders be collectors of proteges.

Growing future leaders is not for prima donnas.

It requires more than just the anointing for the position of leadership.

It requires stamina and commitment to 'run with horses.'

It requires the stamina and commitment of collecting proteges and it requires the power and strength of God to raise them up to be great leaders - great Galateas - who will take the Gospel into all the world and change the destiny of millions.

God is challenging us to 'run with horses' by growing our own transformational leaders. Being king, being anointed, is not enough. We are not to shuffle along under the anointing. Like Paul and Jeremiah, we are to demonstrate the heroism of commitment, living lives of purpose far beyond that which we think we are capable of living, by raising-up others to continue on after us with great success.

May God Bless You and your leadership with many proteges.

Dr. Tony Keys
Brisbane, Australia.
Email: trinitylead@uq.net.au
Copyright 2011
The Trinity Institute of Leadership Inc.

Growing Future Leaders - The Enormous Potential of Followers - Published 2006 by CRS Publishing, Unit 9, 147 Marshalltown Rd, Grovedale, Victoria 3216, Australia.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the NKJV Holy Bible

Dr. Tony Keys' Articles - Writers Journal K.C.

Christian Books on Leadership Various Authors

Pastor Tony Key's professional career includes extensive experience in leadership positions in non-profit organisations, ministry, education, industry and churches.

He has been actively involved in a vast range of leadership roles, which includes experience as the Director of two Christian tertiary education centres, Church Pastor, Assistant Principal of a non-profit Christian School, Factory Manager, Youth Worker, Crusade Co-ordinator, and an administrator for a theatre company.

He has travelled extensively throughout Australia and the world, preaching and ministering in churches as well as conducting leadership seminars for churches, bible colleges, missionary and not-for-profit organisations and meeting in a consulting role with church leaders.