This week has been monumental in my life as a leader and pastor. I am learning that sometimes the best offense is a great defense. In year seven, week twenty one, of the pastorate I have learned FIVE things:
#1 Passion and Zeal are not enough to get you through.
You have to have plans, goals, systems, and sometimes a change from what you originally planned. Passion and zeal are important, but not always enough.
#2 The people around you are the sum total of your Leadership Capacity.
Who are those closest to you? Who are the ones that you rely on to help you make decisions and give support? That is the sum of your leadership ability. It can change today, but that is reality. (So get great people around you) Thank you God for my team!!!
#3 Perception is not always Reality.
What I think, and what really is going on, are not always the same. Numbers never lie, people do…so get good numbers.
#4 The greatest argument is a Preconceived Notion.
If you have already pronounced them guilty, you will not listen or begin to understand. Come into situations unbiased and opem minded.
#5 You greatest Leader may be right beside You.
I moved a staff member from one position, to Operations six weeks ago, and Brand New Church will never be the same. He is exactly what I needed, but I had him in the wrong place for 3 years. Thank you God for letting me see!
What have you learned about yourself this week?
Bridget Haymond says,
I agree with all of your points. I think sometimes ministries can be overly spiritual and disregard the practical action steps like setting goals and writing out the vision (Habakkuk 2:2). It really requires balancing our faith in what God will do supernaturally while working with what we have in the natural.
I am learning the value of being flexible. My observation is that great leaders are flexible; they know when to hang tough and when to let go and revamp. This is where I think the role of a mentor is key to helping us discern perception from reality.
I am convinced that recognizing and maximizing people’s unique gifts, talents and strengths is the only way to operate effectively. When people use their gifts and talents it brings satisfaction to them and glorifies God in the process. Sadly I think many pastors miss the fact that they are shepherding their staff as well as the congregation. Plugging staff members into the right slot where they can flourish and be a blessing is part of the shepherding role of every church leader.
Thanks for sharing these terrific leadership insights Shannon!
on 06 August 2010 / 6:21 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
You are welcome and thanks for sharing yours!!
on 06 August 2010 / 6:24 AM
John UpChurch says,
1. I’ve learned that I can’t get by with simply enthusiasm. God often uses enthusiasm to build character and knowledge about the role He has for us. Enthusiasm is the spark, not the motor.
2. I’ve learned that there’s nothing better than a good helping of humility every single day. Pride often looks far too innocent.
3. I’ve learned that the book of Luke is much richer and deeper and amazing than I had ever known.
4. I’ve learned – again – that I don’t control anything. God’s got that well in hand.
5. I’ve learned even more about how much I love my wife and children. Each day with them is the greatest adventure.
on 06 August 2010 / 6:45 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Good helping of Humility!! I like that!
on 06 August 2010 / 7:24 AM
Scott says,
I have learned no one can have success by themselvs. God is the obvious reason for success. However, without the love of my life I would have never believed I could make a difference.
on 06 August 2010 / 11:12 PM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Amen!! Any big buck country you need me to come and scout out Sept 20th?
on 07 August 2010 / 12:50 PM
Scott says,
I think I might have a couple of places.
on 08 August 2010 / 2:42 PM
G says,
I have been looking for this, was not on the same page in search as it was last week when I first saw it. Anyway, thank God for search history!
on 01 May 2011 / 9:47 PM
kate davis says,
I have learned that nothing in LIFE stays the same.. Life is all about change we are all constantly changing. nothing stays the same. Learning to adapt to change with open arms rather than fear seems to help much.. here is to taking each day one day at a time and living in the moment ONLY helps as well…
on 17 May 2011 / 7:15 AM
Shannon O'Dell says,
Love it!
on 17 May 2011 / 8:20 AM
pret rapide says,
I truly appreciate your well thought out and researched content. You’ve really hit a home run on this topic. I agree with you. I hope you plan on writing more articles. I will read them.
on 15 June 2011 / 5:06 AM
Five Lessons from My Life to Your Life says,
[...] 5 Things I've learned About Myself… [...]
on 01 August 2011 / 12:29 PM