If you played sports of any sort, you hated the "ball hog." You hated the teammate that took all the shots. You despised the teammate who didn't pass. You were the most frustrated by the teammate who didn't give the other players on the team the opportunity to shine.

Leader, if the "ball hog" got on your nerves in sports, the "ball hog" needs to get on our nerves in leadership.

Leader, let someone else lead. Let someone else run the meeting. Let someone else facilitate the discussion. Let some else make the decision. Let someone else answer the question. Let someone else come up with the plan. Let someone else do the thing you usually do. Let another leader lead.

I know they don't do it like you.
I know you think you do it better than they do.
I know you're convinced they're not ready.

I know it's hard.
I know it's uncomfortable.
I know it might even feel irresponsible.

But, I also know this (and I only know this about you, because I know it about me!)...

You're insecure - you think that by letting someone else lead you may lose your influence. You're fearful - you think the way someone else will lead might "mess things up." You're prideful - you think the way you lead is most effective.

And though some of these things may be true, you need to let someone else lead anyway. If you're not yet convinced, here are 5 consequences of not delegating leadership opportunities:

1. A SHORTENED LEADERSHIP LIFESPAN

If you don't delegate leadership opportunities, you will get burned out. You will get fatigued. You will not have the strength to lead for the long haul.

2. UNDEVELOPED LEADERS WON'T BE DEVELOPED

If you don't delegate leadership opportunities, the people in your organization with leadership potential will never grow in their abilities. Without leadership experience how can one gain leadership experience? If never given the chance to get better, how will they get better?

3. DEVELOPED LEADERS WILL LEAVE

If you don't delegate leadership opportunities, people who can lead well will find somewhere else where their leadership gifts can be utilized. It's only a matter of time before they will leave you. And, you know this to be true, because you, as a leader, if you found yourself in a similar position, would do the same thing!

4. YOUR FOLLOWERS WILL GET "LEADER FATIGUE"

If you don't delegate leadership opportunities, those that follow you will begin to become numb to your voice. Your style, your tone, and your method will become like "white noise" in the ears of those in your organization. Utilizing other leaders will keep your voice relevant.

5. A SHORTENED ORGANIZATIONAL LIFESPAN

If you don't delegate leadership opportunities, your organization, ministry, business, group, or team will only last as long as you do. When you delegate leadership opportunities and develop leaders, what you lead will have the potential to live way beyond your life.

Leader, pass the ball. You have teammates that are ready and waiting to "score."