In recent blogs, we have talked about why practicing empathy in the moment is important and what empathy is not. So, how does developing your empathy add value to how you lead? Imagine a situation where your team member is not measuring up. They missed a deadline. They blew up at a co-worker or they…

Ever had an experience trying to do something new and having all the little things go wrong? It ends up taking way too long and is so frustrating. That was my weekend. Trying the simple task of changing cell phone providers. Oh, if only I would have known what questions I should have been asking…

Being a mentor will cost you something: time, effort, energy. Busy leaders have limited capacity and many things that make demands on that capacity. So, why would you even consider being a mentor? Some become a mentor because they see the long range impact of developing the next generation of leaders. Others choose to mentor…

Achieving our goals has gotten trickier in the last year. As we head into a new year, I would like to propose that a key factor in reaching our 2021 goals may be expanding the way we think about mentoring.   “Mentor” is a verb as well as a noun. It’s entirely possible for someone to mentor…

Great leaders have personal growth plans. No matter how seasoned of a leader you are, we all have potential for growth. Someone out there is further along. Someone out there has experience to add to your thinking. Someone out there has questions you haven’t even thought to ask.  Mentors are all around us. Who makes…

We have heard that it is better to give than to receive. The beauty of reciprocity is that when it comes to mentoring both giving and receiving can co-exist. Mentoring, however, is not on the “radar screen” for everybody. It may be easier to put mentoring to the side because of the energy and effort…

Under the best of circumstances, being a leader isn’t always easy. In 2020, it’s become even more challenging as the world navigates crisis upon crisis and leaders are forced to make tough decisions in quick succession. Just leading yourself is hard enough. Leading a team through this is even harder. So how do you make…

The word influence is thrown around often in leadership. We know that great leaders are influencers. As ministry leaders, we are hungry to learn how to influence as we lead others in accomplishing mission, to influence with integrity, to influence in a way that leaves a legacy. But what does influence actually mean? And –…

Did you know that of all the tough conversations you will have as a ministry leader, giving and receiving feedback is reported as the MOST DIFFICULT?! It is a complicated process and we can all benefit from learning the skills to deliver feedback well. But, before we go there, let’s explore a framework to understand…

Confused about the next steps for your ministry? Spring is the season for many ministry leaders to put on their future-thinking hat and plan for the coming program year. Others are facing choices on some big opportunities – possibilities that will grow their ministry; expand impact. They wonder if they are ready and what it…