Drew Boswell

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Helping Leaders Who Are High on Want To But Low on Follow Through

badleader
In the course of leading any organization there will inevitably be a time when a leadership position will need to be filled. It may be a result of previous poor job performance, the person may move on to another position, or for whatever the reason may be – perhaps the position was too quickly filled with a person that seemed promising but seems to presently be struggling.

The following are some things to consider for a leader who started out with strong want to and ambition but is showing themselves to be low on follow thorough and quality leadership:

Step 1: Determine Responsibilities.

What is the expectation for this leadership position? A job description will need to be put together or reviewed – outlining specifics for the position (i.e. hours needs, responsibilities, deadlines, qualifications, etc. Having these expectations will take away (somewhat) personality conflicts and will focus attention on concrete job expectations. If a person has to be “fired” from a position, it should be based on these written specific expectations and not ambiguous personality conflicts.

Make the expectations clear. For example is a teacher shows up to class late and not prepared to teach a lesson – then you could reference that teachers are expected to arrive early and to be prepared to teach a specific lesson with quality and learning objectives. Then there should be a way of evaluating if the said teacher is teaching a lesson in such a way that the students are learning.

Step 2: Outline Accountability.

Working together in a group give specific tasks and ask for updates. If there are deadlines, requirements for the group, etc. everyone should be informed. There should be no surprises for anyone in the group regarding what is expected and when it is due. If something does happen that affects the group in a negative way, the leader should be able to quickly tell the group and they should be able to clearly understand what happened (i.e. a missed deadline, simply not doing the job, not following up, etc.)

If deadlines are missed, communication is spars, or there is a constant last minute scramble then this becomes a leadership issue, not that life is “not fair” or “everybody is against me.”

Step 3: Keep Lines of Communication Open.

If there are “issues” that need to be addressed, then there should be a way of sharing and discussing problem areas or that things are going great. Even when things get sticky, keep the lines of communication open and keep talking.

Step 4: Proper Training.

Has the leader been properly trained? The leader may have found themselves in a position where they do not have all the information, resources, training, etc. that they need to do the job properly – and they may not even realize it yet.

In children’s ministry, if your leader is grasping for resources (songs, games, crafts, etc.)  then they may simply be unaware of the vast sea of available games and songs. They may just need to be pointed to a training website, some good games books, etc. This is why curriculum is so key to having a vibrant ministry. If the leader is given adequate training, resources, and information – you may see a radical turn-around.

One indispensable training/resource for the struggling leader is to connect them with a successful/mature mentor. If this is a good relationship then they will be able to work through issues as they occur and to head off problems before they happen.

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To correct a struggling leader without these four steps really is not fair to them. Perhaps they are unaware of what the organization expects or they may not have an avenue to express their plans. A leader should not be surprised when someone comes to talk with them about how things are going (negatively); if they are then the organization has failed, not the struggling leader.

So let’s quickly review:

  1. They have been given a clear job description – clear responsibilities.
  2. They have been clear on what is expected on a regular basis – clear expectations.
  3. Communication has been open and both the leader and the organization are “on the same page” – clear communication.
  4. They have everything they need to do their job.

________________

31525_20140130_153502_newrelationships09But in the course of time if all of these steps have been put in place and the leader still is struggling then they may need to step down from the position. So what do you do?

  1. Meet with the leader and outline the next steps in the process. If things are bad then you are trying to mediate a positive outcome. Seek to deal with specific issues (lack of preparedness, lateness, bad attitude, missed deadlines, etc.). Give them an opportunity to make adjustments.
  1. If this doesn’t work, and the leader simply is not qualified, capable, etc. then they need to be asked to step down. When you have to take this difficult step, consider the following:

a. As best as you can don’t make it personal. Give dates, times, specific details of the problem behavior.

b. Allow the person to respond and feel as though their voice is being heard.

c. Keep the conversation on track and focused on the actual issue. In these tense moments it will be easy to shift blame, point fingers, and bring up distant history.

d. Leave the meeting with action plans and next steps. No one should leave the room wondering what will happen next.

e. Stop the meeting after one hour, definitely don’t go past one-and-one-half-hour. Find a stopping point and schedule a follow-up meeting.

f. Don’t allow the conversation to circle back over the same topics or points again and again.

Having these discussions is never easy and no one wants to correct a struggling leader. But this is an opportunity for you to help them to become a better leader, improve your organization, or (worst case) open up a position that a better leader can fill. They can’t serve in that position if someone is currently holding the position.

The Curtain of Distraction; Dealing with Kissing Unicorns

635602498134294831-PNI-asu-bkc-main-0219-64“The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men”

The students at Arizona State University have devised a very clever way of lowering the points on the opponents scoreboard at their home basketball games. When it is time for the opposing team to shoot a foul shot the students unveil the black “Curtain of Distraction.” When this curtain is opened it reveals all kinds of college-devised tomfoolery.

These distractions range from a Miley Cyrus wrecking ball montage, kissing unicorns, or a robust boy dressed in a diaper. If it is bizarre it will serve its’ purpose of keeping the points off of the scoreboard. ASU coaches love it because it has resulted in lowering the average opposing foul shots by 2.5 points per game.

VEGLNKNKKDIUWTN.20140116221901__1422990609Do you ever feel like the basketball player trying to do your job of getting points on the scoreboard only to have the opposing team open up a “curtain of distraction?” You never know what is on the other side of curtain, and it could be anything. In life there are all kinds of bizarre life circumstances and wild opportunities.

Have you known the sound of the ball hitting the rim and rolling out? Brick. Air horns, waving plastic inflatable tubes, and kissing unicorns all conspire to distract you.

 _______________________

So how do you deal with the world’s “Curtain of Distraction?”

  1. Know what you want and focus on that alone.

There are a million good things you could put your hand to accomplish today – but there is only one thing that should capture your undivided attention in this moment. Knowing what you are trying to accomplish will help you recognize the current interruption as a way to move your project forward or if it is yet another thing seeking to pull you off task.

Prioritize – put that which is the most important first. Don’t allow the urgency of the moment to overshadow your long range goals.

  1. Plan your day.

usa-today-8335312.0Some people map out their whole week at one time. Others the night before map out their day. Still others start their day with a cup of coffee and a calendar and map out what needs to happen that day. However works best for you, taking time to think through your goals, priorities, and dreams each day will help you to stay subconsciously aware of what is the most important.

There will be opportunities that pop up and the curtain will be opened. It is your plan for the day that will keep you from staring too long at the tooth fairy with a purple tutu and distract you from the eternal.

  1. Build in margin.

Your ability to focus when the crowd is screaming will come from many days of practicing with screaming crowds in the background. You will have to deal with interruptions as a constant part of life. There will be people who constantly drop by your office. Incoming phone calls and kissing unicorns are apart of your day so why not plan for them.

maxresdefaultDon’t max out your schedule and calendar as though they don’t exist. You don’t know the exact time that Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball is coming into your office but you can count on her appearing some time this week. Build in some time on your daily plan for her to appear.

  1. Communicate your plan with others.

Communicate your goals with your teammates so that they can help you when the distraction curtain is opened. The goal of a foul shot is to go into the basket. Listen to those on your team when they try to keep you focused on the goal and to steer you away from the kissing unicorns. It is vitally important that everyone know the ultimate goal. Let them know. Help to guard them when the are making the shot list and let them help you when it is time for you to step up the foul line.

 

 

Didn’t We Just Decorate the Christmas Tree Last Year? Evaluation and Goal Setting

goalsChristmas shopping is in full swing, radio stations are blaring Jingle Bells, and the end of the year is roaring at us like that toy train at the bottom of the mall Christmas tree. With the end of this year and the beginning of a new one, it is important to take time to evaluate and plan. Tis the season is the best time to sit down, sip some gingerbread latte, and look forward into 2015. There is a wonderful gap in time right after Christmas and before New Years Day when the world’s spinning seems to slow down for a moment.

If we are not careful we will find ourselves repeating the same year again, and again, and again. If we allow ourselves to be swept away by the current of the day we get pulled into an undertow of allowing everyone and everything to dictate our lives. Year after year, after year. . . we will look back on our lives and realize we have gone no where. The way to avoid this is to set aside time to evaluate the previous year and determine a plan for the upcoming year.

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Why set goals?

1.   Goals allow us to direct our lives instead of being directed by circumstances and other’s priorities.

The statement “the squeaky wheel gets the oil” is a very true statement. But if you are constantly putting oil on immediate squeaky wheels you will never have time to determine what is making them squeak and stopping it. Let the wheel squeak for a while and take time to step back and think. Carving out time can be extremely difficult. But understand this time of evaluating and goal setting to be an investment in the overall health of your life and those that you lead.

2.   Goals help you to identify what are the most important areas in your life and establish plans to guard those priorities.

Sit down and choose five major areas of your life. They may be things like family, marriage, ministry, church, friends, education, relationship with God, etc. For example, if you know that you need to spend more time with your spouse, then take this time to figure out what is keeping that from happening.

3.   Goals help you to move forward as a person.

When was the last time that you did something that really stretched you? Goals help us to move from a wish to making something a reality. What is it in your life that is keeping from trying something really big? This may be the year when you need to cut off personalities that are constantly having a negative impact on your life. Set a goal and go for it!

The leader has to train himself to listen to the correct and healthy voices in his life. There will always be those that discourage, irrationally criticize, and are just negative. And there are those that give healthy criticism, and helpful suggestions. There are also that are encouraging, give energy to a situation, and add light to your life. Also, be aware that sometimes that negative critical spirit may even be you. So take some time and think about what you are hearing, who you are hearing it from, and intentionally surround yourself with people who will encourage you to go even further than you have ever been before. You can do it. I do believe that it is so important to reach a little further, and stretch yourself beyond what you feel comfortable doing. [Click here to read this entire article.]

4.  Calendaring With Vision and Goals in Mind.

Now as you look into the new year take your goals and put them on the calendar. For example, if you know you need to take batter care of yourself then put times at the gym on the calendar. It is up to you to guard those goals and times on the calendar. If you and your spouse have set aside Saturdays to be family days – don’t allow something of less importance to crowd out that set aside time. It is important to also build in “margin” or extra space into your calendar so that when life happens and you have to enter into that time you had set aside for something else, then you can still have time to accomplish what was originally in that time slot.

5.   Communicate Your Goals with Those Around You.

Letting other people know what you are working on will communicate to them what is important to you. It can also serve as a point of accountability when you begin to get off track with your goals.

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So What Now?

Vision – what does the end of the road look like? What vision do you have for your life, or far more importantly, what is the vision that God has of you life? Write it down. No one knows the whole life big picture, but you should have some idea for the next year.

Goals – Now after you have seen a picture for the next year, then establish some goals based upon the vision. Goals are not wishes. Wishes have no plan; goals are a vision that you have developed a plan to accomplish.

Mile Markers - Goals are then broken down into reachable steps or “mile markers.” If your goal is to run a half-marathon, then study and research to see how you would train and spread that out over the needed length of time.

Regular evaluation – how are we doing? Are we moving forward? Take time to regularly (daily, weekly) epaulet to see if you are on track to reach your goal and accomplish your vision.

No organization is autonomous from the community at large – how is the progress you are making affecting those around you? Sometimes your goals and forward movement can have a positive (or negative) affects on those around you. Recognize that others may not like your growth because it may challenge them — others may see it as a source for inspiration. Either way, keep moving forward.

2013 In the Rear View

FE_DA_NewYear2013_122012_425425x283There are two times a year when I get more introspective than normal. In the summer months when I go on vacation, I ask “Lord, am I where I am supposed to be?” In other words, how’s my relationship with the Lord, and is His purpose and plan clear in my mind? The second time of the year when I ask myself questions is at the end of the year. It is during this time that I ask, “Lord what did you teach me this year?”

“Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

George Santayana

I have found it be essential to stop and consider what the Lord has taught me in the previous year (just as it is essential to stop and “sharpen my ax” in training). There are some people who are not adding experience to their lives, they are simply repeating the same year again and again making the same mistakes again and again. The following are some of the highlights from 2013. Because sometimes life’s lessons come with a scar, involve people (with feelings), etc.,  they are intentionally brief and without much commentary.

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1.  Invest in people before you invest in possessions. Physical property will break, technology will fade, and eventually every ‘thing’ will need to be replaced. People, on the other hand, are an investment that has limitless dividends. For example, if you help a person become a teacher (or a better teacher) then not only do you help them, but you influence all the people they will eventually teach.

We as Americans like to hold things in our hands. We think that we have security in our possessions. We find comfort and limited peace in our bank accounts and retirement. But our true wealth is what we cannot hold on to – the lives of other people. A Christian leader’s life long job is to invest in and equip others in order that they can be sent out to do ministry. So it is a lifetime of letting go (in love), not of holding on.

Don’t get me wrong we need stuff to do ministry and life, but people should always come first. If you only have a dollar then buy a friend a cup of coffee and spend time in conversation.

2.  Know and learn to love the culture where you minister. If you are a children’s volunteer then you need to be able to enter a child’s world and know what the child likes. You should know what they are doing when they play in their homes.

If you are a youth volunteer you need to know what youth think is ‘cool’, ‘righteous,’ ‘sick’, ‘ill’, or whatever. If you are on staff at a church then you learn to love whatever the culture you find yourself. If you don’t, then you always stand outside the circle making commentary on things you don’t understand or appear to appreciate. This is an issue of immersion. You must immerse yourself in a culture (dress, language, food, customs, etc.) and actually adapt them to your life.

3.  Respect and Honor Other’s Investment in the Ministry Where You Find Yourself. Rarely are you the first to ‘till the ground’ and ‘reap the harvest,’ where you minster. Usually there is someone (or even many others) who have come before you. These are people serving in your church who have been doing it longer than you have been alive. Thank God for them, give them what they need to do their ministry, and leave them alone.

4.  React. Do something when someone comes to you with a concern. You do not necessarily have to do what they want done, when they want it done, but if someone has taken the time to set up a meeting with you, then they are expecting you to take some kind of action.

It is not good (in the eyes of your relationship) for you to develop a plan, pray about it, and begin to work the plan if what you are doing is not communicated with the person who initially brought you the concern. If you have not communicated with them, then they assume you are doing nothing, do not value their concerns, and they get very frustrated (especially when needed change takes time).

5. Keep people “in the loop.” especially those on your staff. When ministry gets hectic, stressful, and you feel attacked from all sides, information is more precious than gold. But it seems that this is exactly when people get guarded, protective, and keep things to themselves. Earn trust in the good times, because you will need it in the bad times.

6.  Invest in Friendships. If you want to have a friend, then you have to be a friend. Quit sitting around and waiting for people to come to you (who are you that people should revolve around you?), you make the effort, take the risks, and build the relationship. No, they won’t all work out, but some will.

Take some time and ask yourself the question, “Lord what have you taught me this year?” I would love to hear your list!

 

The Leader and Communication; Joshua 22

Unknown 1One of the life lessons that I have learned from being in ministry is that communication (even too much) is extremely important if not essential. In the lapse of information, people’s minds tend to fill the void with something negative or untruthful.  We see an example of this in the book of Joshua.

After years of fighting together in pitched battle, traveling hundreds and hundreds of miles over rough terrain, and in the end being victorious over their enemies, Joshua’s army was ready to disband and each tribe go to their proper homes. To commemorate what God had done in their lives, and to stand as a reminder for future generations of God’s goodness, one of the tribes built a monument. This good intention set off a wave of trouble.

Joshua 22: 10-12 “And when they came to the region of the Jordan that is in the land of Canaan, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, an altar of imposing size. 11 And the people of Israel heard it said, “Behold, the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built the altar at the frontier of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that belongs to the people of Israel.” 12 And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them.”

Three Things To Remember Regarding Your Leadership and Communication

1. People (no matter what you have gone through together or for how long) Tend To Assume The Worst.

It is hard for us today to imagine how difficult traveling over the vast distances, dealing with various battle injuries, and constantly moving camp would have been for these people. In my limited experience of mission trips and serving with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, there is a tight bond of brotherhood and compradore.  But we see from this passage that in spite of all these things and so much time spent together, with in a very short time, they were ready to go to war against them — to kill them.

Communication broke down both ways. The tribe that built the impressive memorial failed to let the other tribes know what they were doing and why. The other tribes assumed the worst, and instead of sending a delegation to investigate the matter, they put on their armor and sharpened their swords.

Knowing that Satan uses these voids of information to disrupt relationships, one of a leader’s “to dos” is to keep people informed.  If you establish a pattern of doing this and showing your desire for others to know what is going on, trust is established and strengthened.

Unknown2. Think About How Your Actions Could be Perceived by Others. 

No, you are not a mind reader, nor can you predict the future. But before you take an action, or too much time goes by, take some time to think about how you can tell others what you are doing. We live in the age of social media where people tell you everything that is going on in their lives (and many things they should not). Therefore, people expect to have at least a limited entry into your life and for you to tell them what is going on (if not on a daily basis).

Also, perception is 99% reality. Even if you didn’t say it, do it, or even have anything to do with it — if you are perceived as having done so, the results are the same. You have to guard people’s perceptions and the best way to do this is constant meaningful communication.

3. Get Over Yourself.

Some may see this as self-aggrandizement, as if you are pridefully drawing attention to yourself. But this is not the case. In order for others to know what’s going on, and to share the vision God has given you for your ministry, family, organization, etc. then it is necessary to share information with others. Every Facebook,Twitter, blog entry, letter, bulletin blurb, and social media entry is a way to draw others to a work that God is doing and provide them with an opportunity to be apart of it. These entries are also a way to fend off negative thoughts others may have as well.

I have had several leaders tell me over the years, “I don’t care what other people think. I am just going to focus on what God wants me to do.” This passage tells us that you should care what others think. With every piece of communication you can shape the view of your ministry.

 

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"Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts." Rick Warren

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