Jan 05, 2023

In many organizations, those who ask the best questions become the object of criticism while the questions remain unanswered

 




Here is something I have observed on numerous occasions with organizations I have worked with. 

Those who ask the best questions are often the target of criticism for asking what are considered irritating questions while the answers to those questions often go unaddressed. Rather than focusing on the question, the organization often focuses on the one who asked it.

Why would this be? Organizations...

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Oct 10, 2021

Why self evaluation by church boards is so critical


 It is an interesting thing that church boards are quick to evaluate what is happening in the ministry of the church, their pastor and staff but slow to evaluate themselves. This lack of self evaluation is ironic given the expectation of a healthy staff while they do not apply the same expectations to themselves. I am speaking of how the board deals with one another, the issues they face, the...

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Oct 05, 2021

Eight issues that can be confusing for church boards



 Church board leadership is always a challenge. And, often boards or individual members are confused on the role of the board. If these areas of confusion can be resolved, the work of the board becomes far easier. Here are eight issues that often cause confusion on a board.


1. What are we actually trying to accomplish?
This sounds like a simple question but the truth is that a majority of church...
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Oct 01, 2021

Twelve characteristics of healthy church leaders


 

If we desire healthy church boards, we need to ask: "What are the characteristics of an effective church leader?" The fact that 80% of churches are plateaued or in decline would indicate that this is an important issue. When I consult with troubled churches is it not unusual to find that those in leadership are poorly equipped to lead. Consider some of the ways churches have traditionally filled...

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Sep 29, 2021

This one practice will set you apart from other leaders



Most leaders are over-committed and run with very little margin. We say yes too often, no too seldom and don't evaluate our commitments against our true calling and purpose. 


The net effect is that many of the most important things don't get done on time or well. We are too busy working in our business (and pleasing others) and don't have time to work on our business.There is not time to reflect,...
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Sep 28, 2021

It only takes one person to hurt a team


 One of the realities of teams is that it takes only one individual who is not in alignment with the rest of the team to significantly impact the unity of the team. This can be a result of any number of issues. For instance, they:

  • may not be in agreement with the direction of the team or organization
  • do not pull their own weight in terms of productivity and results
  • may have attitudes that are...
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Sep 27, 2021

responses to change


 Many are familiar with the bell curve that describes how people respond to change: innovators; early adapters; middle adapters; late adapters and laggards. In my experience in the change process I have another set of suggested categories to watch for. Where individuals are on this continuum from change resistors to evangelists for change makes a great difference when you are considering them for...

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