Podcast Summary: followHIM Favorites – "Bring a Solution" (November 11-17, 2024)

Episode Title: Bring a Solution • followHIM Favorites • November 11-17 • Come Follow Me
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Release Date: November 7, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the followHIM Favorites series, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into the principles of effective leadership and problem-solving aligned with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me curriculum. Focusing on the scriptural narratives from Ether chapters 1 through 5, the hosts explore how biblical stories can inform and transform our approach to leadership in various spheres of life.

Exploring Leadership through the Brother of Jared

Hank Smith initiates the discussion by referencing the story of the brother of Jared from the Book of Mormon, highlighting the Lord's direct communication and guidance:

Hank Smith [00:16]: "It's so interesting the way the Lord talks to the brother of Jared. He says, 'I've heard you say it. This way, we can't see, we can't breathe, we can't steer.'"

This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of leadership qualities, emphasizing the importance of responsiveness and adaptability in addressing challenges.

The Five Levels of Delegation: A Foundational Framework

John Bytheway introduces a transformative concept imparted to Hank during his missionary service in the Philippines—The Five Levels of Delegation—a framework designed to cultivate effective leadership:

Hank Smith [01:00]: "Elder Phil Broderick sat us down and said, 'I want to teach you something President Smith was all about. A real leader trains leaders.'"

Hank elaborates on each level:

1. Level One: Seek problems, solve them, and keep them to yourself.
2. Level Two: Seek problems, solve them, and report back.
3. Level Three: Seek problems, study them, and recommend a solution.
4. Level Four: Present the problem and ask, "What do we do?"
5. Level Five: Always come with a recommendation when presenting a problem.

This structured approach encourages proactive problem-solving and fosters a culture of initiative and responsibility.

Real-World Application: Missionary Leadership and Beyond

Hank recounts a pivotal experience where he applied these delegation principles as a mission president:

Hank Smith [02:28]: "We communicated almost like telegraph. They called it RCPI, Radio Communication of the Philippine Islands. It was these little guys on scooters would bring around little notes."

Faced with logistical challenges, Hank utilized the delegation framework to devise a solution, demonstrating the practical utility of these leadership principles in real-world scenarios.

He further reflects on how these lessons were cemented through personal interactions with President Menlo Smith, who was deeply moved by the brother of Jared's story:

Hank Smith [03:05]: "He read the Book of Mormon. And the story that touched him was the way that God dealt with the brother of Jared because it matched the way he worked with people."

This connection underscores the profound impact that scriptural insights can have on personal leadership styles and organizational culture.

Leadership in Practice: From Mission to Ward Council

Hank discusses how he integrated the five levels of delegation into his roles as a bishop and in further education at BYU:

Hank Smith [03:54]: "I used it as a bishop all the time. Instead of just handing problems to someone, how does the Lord do it?"

By emphasizing recommendation over merely presenting problems, Hank fostered a more collaborative and solution-oriented environment within his ward council and educational settings.

Lessons Learned: Growth through Wrestling with Challenges

The conversation highlights the importance of internalizing lessons through active engagement and reflection:

Hank Smith [04:02]: "You go study it out in your mind and you wrestle with it, because that's how you'll grow."

This approach aligns with Section 9 teachings, advocating for personal growth through introspection and deliberate problem-solving.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Hank and John invite listeners to tune into their full podcast for more in-depth discussions with experts, reinforcing the series' commitment to making LDS study fresh, faithful, and fun.

John Bytheway [04:16]: "We have a really fun time in these chapters, so we hope you'll join us there."

Key Takeaways

• Proactive Leadership: Transitioning from identifying problems to recommending solutions enhances leadership effectiveness and fosters trust.
• Delegation Framework: Adopting the five levels of delegation can transform organizational dynamics by empowering individuals and promoting accountability.
• Scriptural Insights: Drawing lessons from scriptures, such as the brother of Jared's story, provides timeless principles applicable to modern leadership challenges.
• Personal Growth: Engaging deeply with problems through study and reflection leads to personal and communal growth.

Notable Quotes

• Hank Smith [01:00]: "A real leader trains leaders."
• Hank Smith [03:05]: "He was my mission president. I think this really stood out to him."
• Hank Smith [04:02]: "You go study it out in your mind and you wrestle with it, because that's how you'll grow."

Further Resources

For additional insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to explore the full followHIM podcast available on major platforms:

• Show Notes: followhim.co
• YouTube: FollowHimOfficialChannel
• Instagram: instagram.com/followhimpodcast
• Facebook: facebook.com/followhimpodcast

Note: The followHIM Podcast is independent and not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed are those of the guests and podcasters alone.