Five Signs It Is Time to Give Up with a Critic
Leaders will have critics. The author Elbert Hubbard quipped, “Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing, and you’ll never be criticized.” And while feedback is different from criticism, both can be helpful. Feedback is different from criticism in that it seeks to correct and restore rather than embarrass and destroy. Nevertheless, the Lord can and […]
You Are Micromanaging IF…
Sometimes when one claims to be enduring micromanagement from a leader, the person is actually experiencing good leadership. A good leader understands the skill and experience of each person on the team and adjusts the approach accordingly. Sometimes, because the person is new or unproven, good leadership means being more involved, giving more direction. However, […]
Stop Saying You Are Being Micromanaged IF…
In many cases, what is called “micromanagement” is really a wise leader giving direction to someone who has shown they still need direction. According to Ken Blanchard’s famous “situational leadership” model, a person who has not proven to be competent in a specific skill should receive “directing leadership” from the leader. Not to give direction […]
Three Reasons Leaders Must Constantly Say “No”
Steve Jobs famously said, “I’m as proud of what we don’t do as I am of what we do.” He was ruthlessly focused as a leader. Many of us have a difficult time saying “no,” but leaders must do so for at least three reasons: Lost Focus With all the devices and all the technology, […]
Skills Can Kill: 4 Dangers of (Only) Skills-Based Leadership Development
Both character and competence are essential for leaders. Of David, the king of Israel, the Scripture states, “He shepherded them with a pure heart and guided them with his skillful hands” (Psalm 78:72). In other words, David possessed both character and competence. When people think of developing leaders, they often think in terms of necessary […]
Six Places Leaders Are Developed
Where does leadership development happen? What environments are beneficial to leaders in their development? From a Christian perspective, leadership development is not constrained to one environment. Because the whole world is His, leadership development can happen in a plethora of places. Because He continually matures His people, God will use anything to conform us more […]
3 Ways To Finish Well
A great player on our team finished his time with us this week. Matt Capps, who served as The Gospel Project brand manager, is beginning his new ministry assignment as senior pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, NC. I told Matt when we hired him from a church staff position that I would give […]
7 Basics for Better Staff Meetings
Though it is common to lament staff meetings, to take jabs at their usefulness, and to breathe a sigh of relief when they are canceled, the reality is that staff meetings are essential. Teams must communicate. Without effective staff meetings, over time, people and teams will move in a plethora of directions. I have been […]
4 Groups to Whom the Leader Should Listen
The culture and direction of entire organizations, churches, ministries, and institutions is driven, in part, by whom the leader listens to. These people impact much of the leader’s decision-making, direction, and perception of reality—both challenges and opportunities. As I recently shared, wise leaders ensure they are hearing the right voices and listening to people who […]
Diagnosing Ministry Phase in Your Context
The Lord used Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and Nehemiah is often recognized for being a strong and focused leader. It is important to note that he did not merely show up in Jerusalem, after arriving from serving under the Persian king in captivity, and declare a direction. Before he articulated a vision […]