Originally posted April 20, 2010. Reposted May 23, 2011.
I’ve written an eBook, developed a spectrum and an assessment called Triple-Threat Leadership because, as a consultant, I often get two kinds of calls:
- Sr. or Executive Pastor – looking for a new small group pastor. Their last one didn’t measure up to their leadership expectations so he/she was let go. They want help finding a much improved replacement.
- Small Group Pastor – fearing for his/her job and hoping to get help and find the magic bullet that will rescue them from the unemployment line.
I’ve come to the conclusion that the problem lies in the typical person’s inability to provide leadership in three critical areas:
- the ability to cast Vision
- the ability to execute Strategy
- the ability to foster Relationships
The image to the right is a leadership spectrum. Everyone in a leadership position has a point in that spectrum from where they operate by default. I’ve never met anyone who automatically operated from the center of the spectrum naturally balancing all three critical leadership skills. My own default operating place is somewhere between Vision and Relationships so I must work especially hard and pulling off effective strategies.
Now it’s your turn. Mentally put an X on the spectrum where you tend to function as a leader.
Most of the Senior Pastors I get these calls from are squarely between Vision and Strategy. They are dynamic leaders with the ability to mobilize people around a battle plan. Most Executive Pastors I get these calls from live in the Strategy corner. Instinctively these Senior and Executive Pastors know they need some relational leadership ability on their team so they hire a Small Group Pastor who operates from the Relationship corner of the spectrum. This seems like a great plan at first but it usually doesn’t work out.
Why? Because no one can be expected to hone all three of the critical skills mentioned above until they know they lack the skills. The new Small Group Pastor is praised for being a relational leader in month 1 and then criticized for it in month 18. From the Small Group Pastor’s perspective (and rightly so) this isn’t fair.
Sr. and Executive Pastors, PLEASE don’t fire your team members until you educate them about these three areas and try to develop all three skills in them. If it’s too late, PLEASE don’t go out and hire another super-relational person. Hire someone who is more balanced in their leadership approach.
All pastors, PLEASE evaluate yourself. Where are you on the spectrum. Wherever you are on the spectrum, your ministry problems reside in the part(s) of that spectrum that you neglect. Educate and discipline yourself so you can learn to provide Vision, Strategy, and Relationship. If you don’t do this, you’ll most likely be calling me in the coming year hoping I’ve got a magic trick that will bail you out.
Tomorrow I’ll begin talking about becoming a Triple-Threat Leader by explaining why Vision, Strategy and Relationships are all required and how they are mutually supportive of one another.
Alan, this is a great post. You’re dead on in your assessment. I’ve discovered that some people are Creators (the idea people…and often the vision casters), some are Developers (the people great at executing ideas…developing the strategy to make ideas happen), and some are Managers (people who are great at managing people and the process and sustaining health). As you suggest, it’s essential for leaders to understand where they’re at in the spectrum, shore up their weaknesses, and I would suggest staff their weaknesses if at all possible. Good post.
Alan…Fantastic post today! As you do, I fall in between relational and vision. It took me a while to realize where I lacked effectiveness. I could have really benefitted from a senior leader who intentionally came alongside of me to help me mobilize from the strategic standpoint and help me grow in that area.
Thanks Jason. I wish that all Sr Leaders would take this concept seriously.
I like those three words: Creators, Developers, and Managers. Good stuff Stephen!
Great words Alan. Thanks for fighting the root issues of staff challenges in grouplife. And for all of the magic bullets to date!!!
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