In last week’s post we continued our discussion on bad bosses by listing 10 qualities effective leaders, managers and supervisors of people try to avoid, and suggestions on what you can do if you discover this is one of your tendencies. In this article we look at the remaining 10. 10 More Attributes Good Bosses Strive to Avoid Though not... Continue Reading
This is our third article in a series on bad bosses. Why so many articles on bad supervision? Because Gallup workplace surveys show that as many as 70% of employees feel that they are poorly supervised. And my guess is that this percentage is higher in churches and non-profits, primarily because supervisors receive little or no training in how to... Continue Reading
In our last article, Signs That You May Be A Bad Boss, we examined 12 indicators that you may be an ineffective supervisor. In this article we take a look at some steps you can take if you do discover that you are a bad boss. 6 Ways To Improve Your Supervisory Skills Inexperience causes many new or young bosses... Continue Reading
Nobody wants to believe that they are the problem. That’s why it is so difficult for bad bosses to admit that they really are a bad boss. It is though, a common problem, and that’s bad for businesses, for organizations, and yes, for churches. That’s why, if you supervise or are responsible for people, a little introspection now and then... Continue Reading
In our last article, “What Is The Peter Principle?” we looked at the definition, causes and examples of The Peter Principle. Luckily, there are ways to prevent employees from falling into the Peter Principle trap. In this article we will look at steps an organization can take to minimize the likelihood of the Peter Principle occurring. But first, let’s make... Continue Reading
The term “Peter Principle” was coined by Dr. Lawrence Peter, in the book by the same title. The idea of the Peter Principle is that in any hierarchal organization, with various levels of authority and responsibility, people tend to get promoted until they reach a position which they cannot perform successfully. If an individual works for an organization with top-down... Continue Reading
One of the most impactful decisions a church will make is determining who sits at the staff leadership table. In broad terms, church staff are either specialists or generalists. Specialist’s job descriptions call for them to focus on a single area of ministry. Specialist examples include age group ministries such as preschool, children and students. Generalists, on the other hand,... Continue Reading
I have observed that lots of leaders in today’s organizations are “controllers.” They believe they know what is best and so impose an agenda on people and expect compliance. And nowhere is this more prevalent than in church leadership. All of the reasons for this behavior we listed in our last post, What Makes A Control Freak Boss, can be... Continue Reading
Most of us at one time or another have encountered a control freak. You are especially unlucky if they happen to be your boss. You know the type. You can’t set up a meeting or send out an email without checking with them first. Every presentation has to meet with their approval. There are constant requests for check-in and updates.... Continue Reading
Is office work dead? There is no doubt that the COVID pandemic has accelerated the move to working remotely. But I fear what this is doing long term, especially to those young people right out of college and seminary who may never experience a work environment. Some of my very best work experiences were in college and seminary working as... Continue Reading
Often our best leadership lessons come from bad leaders rather than good leaders. Such is the case with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Recent news reports have speculated that he has surrounded himself with yes men and thus is not receiving accurate information on the war in Ukraine, its impact on the Russian people, and the worldwide reaction. What are yes... Continue Reading
Hurt people, hurt people, and pastors and ministers are getting hurt in record numbers. Increasingly church leaders are confronted with unhealthy and even toxic people within their flock. Further, church leaders live with constant stress and are often running on empty. At times we need reminding that taking care of ourselves is not selfish, but prudent. Parker Palmer wisely observed,... Continue Reading
Jim is a Church Organizational Leadership and Management Coach, Consultant and Trainer. Throughout his career Jim has demonstrated a passion for showing Pastors and Ministers how to use organizational tools for church and personal growth and health.
More About Jim“For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5