Principle #8- Who gets to choose? This entry concludes the Being in Conflict series. At least for now. While there is much for a Christian leader to learn when in conflict — if you choose to apply it — today’s principle will keep you from falling into conflict, a great deal of the time. So, […]
Leadership Skills Series- Being in Conflict Read More »
Principle #7- What’s it really about?? Scenario A: Think about a time when you were in an argument with someone … and you thought you knew what you two were arguing about. At least you know what you were arguing about. As the two of you launched salvo after salvo, gradually it dawned on you
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
Principal #6- Consider Contribution My mentor and hero, Dr. J. Robert Clinton notes that one of the five practices that distinguishes those who finish well is a commitment to life-long learning. If learning is central to life, it is critical in times of turbulence. Trouble is, the way most of us behave in conflict closes
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
Principal #5- Who, before What and How Thus far the focus of this Leadership Skills Series has been to resource you, as a Christian leader, when you’re in conflict. The first four distinctions, plus those remaining, will support you becoming skillful when you’re in “deep weeds”, as my pal and mentor Gary Mayes often says. You, like
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
Principle #4b- contender, know thyself! Last time I introduced the idea that you’re enormous advantaged, as a leader, when you’re honestly aware of your vulnerabilities. Ignorant of them, you undermine your own effectiveness. These blindspots lead directly to conflict. Sometimes you’re aware of the row they produce. If you’re like most pastors I know, you hate
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
Principle #4a- contender, know thyself! It’s been playoff time in the NFL. The Saints, my Saints, with Purdue Quarterback Drew Brees just tonight won their first Super Bowl. Ever wonder how teams prepare for these one-and-done contests? Obviously, they study their opponent’s moves and strategies, personnel, and predispositions under various game conditions. The best teams
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
Principle #3- Get to neutral Ever met a powerfully influential person who was great in conflict? They are a rare breed, and have intentionally developed the disciplines and rigor to effectively govern themselves when they’d rather just react, explode, shut down, counter-attack, or evaporate. Yet, they don’t, more often than not. The Christian leader, at
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
Principle #2- Go for altitude There may be no more essential skill than successfully handling yourself in conflict. Many a career has been ruined when executives mishandled themselves when mired in an important disagreement. Mike Leach, the very successful head coach of the Texas Tech football program, is but one contemporary example. As I write
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
Principle #1- Focus on you There may be no more important life skill than successfully handling conflict. For a leader, it’s essential that you govern yourself well in conflict. More than anything else, this can affect how you’ll be keeping good, healthy people on your team. And, every leader knows that the best determinant of
Leadership Skills Series: Being in Conflict Read More »
You don’t think your thoughts. Neither do I. Most of the time, our paradigms think for us. In Acts 10, Peter’s worldview was under siege. His experience illustrates the four stages of a paradigm shift. Stage one is to close ranks on what you already “know”. Entering stage two, you allow yourself to wonder. Peter’s
Keys to Ministry Coaching: The Anatomy of a Paradigm Shift (part 3 of 3) Read More »