Leadership Looks A Little Different These DaysSample

Day 2: Stay Connected

You can’t change what you don’t really understand.

Leaders who navigate change well are always in touch with what is happening on the ground. They stay connected with people on the front line of their organization, prioritizing one-on-ones and skip-level meetings with team members across all levels and functions in the organization. 

Effective leaders don’t only understand how to lead the organization from the top, they also understand what it takes to actually do the day-to-day work. This doesn't mean that they step in and control or try to take away the day-to-day work from others (which would be a form of micro-management). Instead, they develop the knowledge needed for what it takes to get the job done, and can then rise up to a strategic level to determine how to optimize processes and secure critical resources for others. They have the wisdom and ability to be adaptable, knowing how to "dive deep" to be co-laborers and then "rise up” to consider the big picture.

Paul was a powerful example of this type of leadership. He was first a church planter and co-laborer, yet also delegated his authority, and was deeply invested in the advancement of these fledgling churches across the Mediterranean. His letters of communication that make up a significant part of the New Testament demonstrate his intimate knowledge of the issues and challenges that faced each location. Some of his instructions cut very deeply and called out painful details that were critical for that location to address. Yet he also knew how to rise up and remind the early church of why their efforts mattered, why people mattered, and why the love of God was worth dealing with the details.

God, I understand that leading through times of change requires me to adapt my perspective at times. Help me to develop a heart of ownership for the processes that I am called to lead and change. Help me develop the ability to “dive deep” to be a co-laborer and “rise up” to understand all the connections needed to evaluate the big picture. Provide wise voices in my life that can challenge my perspective when needed, and let me be sensitive to following Your voice and direction in pivotal moments.