With the hire of a new student pastor, I’ve been able to step more fully into my role as Executive Pastor. It’s been often times fun, several times stressful and all the time fulfilling. There have been moments where I’ve felt this is what I’m made for and moments where I feel in way over my head.
A role I’ve taken on is more of a coach for several of our staff members. I’m there to help them become better leaders all the while protecting the mission and DNA of our church.
One of the key ways that I’m empowering my teams to lead better is by freeing them up to “make their own decisions”. I’m coaching them on the front end of a big decision by showing the the value of it and helping them think through any paths their decision may lead. Let me say, some have made some choices that I wouldn’t have made. That doesn’t mean they were wrong. In fact, I’ve been proven wrong a few times. Either way, I want them to learn the pressure of deciding when it’s on there shoulders…then dealing with the ripple effect.
I’ll always coach them on the other side of a good or bad decision, but I let them make it. If you’re coaching someone today, let them make a big decision that affects them. When you make the choice for them, you protect them from a potential screw up, but you also rob them of an opportunity.
Make the decision today to empower others to make decisions.
1 response so far ↓
Denise Hedges // October 28, 2009 at 10:50 am |
How true Kevin. I’m sure you’re great at coaching others. When I first became the person doing the coaching, I had to overcome so many sins and weaknesses in my nature (and I’m still very much a work in progress) – the weaknesses of perfectionism, control, pride, and impatience. We all have our “thing” but what I’ve learned is the great joy in seeing others live all that God has intended for them and I’ve realized that although my intent was good, my impact was not when I allowed them to make the decisions and then I came in to accept the consequences when things don’t go well. It’s still a decision I made every day. I want them to grow and learn but try to take some of the risk out of the process so they have a positive experience experimenting in areas they are new at – God is still working in all of us but I can honestly say that the past 20 years I’ve been mentoring and coaching have been the most fulfilling for me. God has shown me that there are so many of his children who have the passion and just need the encouragement and invitation. Be blessed. You’re a super executive pastor and your work is annointed. You are called and chosen for this work. denise