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
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
In a company, business, or church, the chain of command refers to levels of authority from the top position, such as CEO, owner, or pastor down to upper and mid-level supervisors and then to front line workers. Hierarchal organizations institute a chain of command structure to improve communication, supervision, problem solving, efficiency and effectiveness at all levels. In fact, rank... Continue Reading
In last week’s post, Where Are You On The Leader Engagement Continuum?, we looked at the symptoms of too much, too little, too early, and too late leader engagement with subordinates. This week we examine the causes of ineffective leader engagement and the behaviors that lead to appropriate and timely leader engagement with those they supervise and lead. Causes of... Continue Reading
One of a church leader’s continual challenges is knowing when and how much to engage with their employees, volunteers, or teams. Leader engagement is the face to face or transmitted interactions and involvement with those they lead, and falls on a continuum from low to high, and from too early to too late. Much like the concept of situational leadership,... Continue Reading
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of effective employee engagement is receiving meaningful feedback. In my experience, the best way to successfully do so is through simply asking questions. Asking questions, either individually or in a group setting, communicates to the employee that their opinion matters and that those in leadership genuinely respect and care about what they have... Continue Reading
The leader of the past was a person who told, the leader of the future will be a person who asks—Peter Drucker In Mentor-Coaching in a Supervisory Relationship we saw that coaching is where the expertise lies within the person being coached, and the role of the coach is to help the coachee, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, discover... Continue Reading
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” – Henry Ford “I am not what I think I am; and I am not what you think I am; but I am what I think you think I am.” – Unknown “If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as... Continue Reading
Many skills and attributes are required to become an effective supervisor, but one rises above all others and can be the “deal killer” to effective supervision. The single most critical factor in church staff supervision is the perception of the direct report that their supervisor has the competency and commitment to help them achieve their personal goals and objectives. In... 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