Another Botched Handoff!

Although I didn’t give much attention to the recent Summer Olympics, I know there were some great moments for the USA athletes. We won 126 medals in all, including 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze. 

This meant we won more gold medals than any other country. Congrats USA!

However, a more somber moment in the Olympics has stuck in my mind, illustrating a vitally important leadership principle: Despite being highly favored, the U.S. men were disqualified from the 4×100 relay because of a botched handoff.

Our team had some of the fastest individual runners in the world. But relay races aren’t won simply because of dazzling individual achievements. It’s all about getting the HANDOFF right.

Sadly, this has been a recurring problem for American relay teams. Since 1995, they’ve had 11 dropped batons, disqualifications, or bans in the Olympics and World Championships.

This rather obscure event has impacted me personally on a surprisingly deep level. Why? Because at age 73, I’m more passionate than ever about “passing the baton” to the next generation–the next runners in this relay race called life. 

Some of these approaching “runners” are in the church world, but others are representing God’s kingdom in the marketplace. I’ve spent time in both worlds during my career journey, and we need to recognize a new generation of leaders in both. 

Getting the Handoff Right

Just as the USA relay team painfully discovered, passing the baton is a tricky matter. It involves timing, trust, and finesse. If we get these things wrong, we run the risk of being disqualified. 

This is not just a theoretical issue for me! I’ve seen far too many people hang on to the baton longer than they ought, refusing to surrender their authority to those in the leadership pipeline behind them. 

I’ve also witnessed the trauma caused by premature handoffs to young leaders who weren’t ready to shoulder the required responsibility. The apostle Paul was eager to equip apprentices like Timothy and Titus for ministry, but he also warned about entrusting people too quickly (1 Timothy 5:22, 1 Timothy 3:8-10). 

Yes, timing, trust, and finesse…all are crucial ingredients in successful handoffs. 

If the exchange in a relay race goes smoothly, the result is amazing: The team can run a faster time than any one individual. Yet, too often, this is not the case. Precious time is wasted because the handoff is awkward if not completely botched.

I’m sure I’m not the only one this principle applies to. We ALL should be intent on “working ourselves out of a job” and passing our baton to the next generation. 

King David beautifully described this principle: “One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4). 

In his own life, David passed the leadership baton to his son Solomon. Unfortunately, though, this baton was often dropped or mishandled by subsequent generations. It proved extremely difficult for the kings of Judah to maintain the relay race of godly leadership. 

What About YOU?

Friend, I hope you are finding ways to pour your life into the coming generations. This could mean mentoring your children, your grandchildren, or young people in your church or neighborhood. 

If you’re my age, it’s time to think about “getting off the stage.” Instead of hogging the limelight, I encourage you to work behind the scenes to equip future leaders to do the work you’re presently doing. 

The relay race of life can be a breathtaking experience when you get the timing right…find apprentices you can trust…and have the finesse to perform the handoff well. 

If you get it right, you can experience the incredible thrill of seeing your understudies outpace you in their kingdom fruitfulness! When they successfully pass the finish line, it will be a “win” for everyone.