I recently asked myself, what does it really take to develop world class leaders? I think this question could change the game for my ministry and my life. In the middle of discovering my need for incredible leaders, I’ve also discovered some interesting things about myself. I’m really excited because I’ve asked the question to some people that I really feel like can help me and can’t wait to share some of what I’ve learned.
Also, I ran across Kenny Conley’s blog as he’s going through his process on finding a student pastor and talked about his goal of developing 3 leaders of leaders in 6 months and literally had to pick my mouth up off of my kitchen table.
I am flabbergasted (thumbs up if you said it right on reading this the first time) that Kenny would set such an audacious goal but also was more surprised to see that he thinks that he has 4!! Unbelievable!!
So I’ve got a lot to learn, but wanted to share where my head is at, this very moment:
1. Letting Go
In order to see Switch grow to the place where we believe it can go, it’s going to take me, letting go of a lot of stuff. This has been much harder than I’ve ever thought that it would be. When it comes to leadership, I feel as though I’m pretty well studied, but much, much different than I ever could have imagined when it comes to Spiritual Leadership.
Not only that, but I’ve learned about just how much of a control freak that I really am. Frightening, really.
2. Lack of Plan
I never knew this, but when I worked for the Brown, I was given this huge book of everything that we need to teach employees how to do. I was incredible at it. I’ve learned that being a bit green at preteen ministry has shown that I need to take the time to develop what it actually is that I want leaders to know.
That’s been tough, because of my tendency to control things, it’s a bit tough to pinpoint where it is that I really need to train others. Not only that but I’m usually teaching and sometimes when you are the “face” of a ministry, training others to do things can be a bit difficult. If only I could release a little bit of control
And there has been one thing that I just didn’t understand when it came to my personal leadership capacity, it’s the X factor.
3. Leading Adults
I can lead young people, preteens, and kids no problem. I’m good at it. There is a lot more involved in leading adults. I could go on for quite awhile about this, but I’ll give you a few of my personal struggle with leading adults
- My own confidence (fake til you make ain’t me in this area)
- Perceived lack of expertise (could however tie into number 1)
- Fear (What if they listen to me?)
- Relationships (I struggle to build and maintain relationships sometimes)
