As leaders, we live with the constant tension of holy frustration. We have a desire for continued improvement that is seldom satisfied. We always expect things to get better. This is not a bad thing but must always be kept in check.
If you are a cup half-empty leader then all you see is the negative. This leaves you paralyzed and unable to truly improve your ministry or organization. You can easily identify the problems but are left paralyzed by where to begin.
If you are a cup half-full leader then you see the negatives but immediately move into problem-solving mode. This would seem to be the better way to go. The problem is the tension of holy frustration. For example: If you are not satisfied with how your church empowers leaders, you might make some intentional changes to improve this issue. Over the course of several months, you are able to improve things. But you are so focused on improving this one area….you miss something else that needs your attention right now! This tunnel vision can cripple the leaders influence and he or she may not even know its happening.
So what is a leader to do? Get a new perspective from those within your ministry and from an outside coach or consultant. At SpringWell, we just completed our first NCD (Natural Church Development) Survey. When we received the results, my eyes were open to an area that needs attention now. I was aware but not paying attention. I could have stayed so focus on one area that I would have missed the area we need to address.
The starting point was allowing our leaders to help us identify our needs through the survey. This gives us a fresh perspective. If you don't invite input from within you are left to guess work as a staff.
I will always face the tension of holy frustrations. But with a fresh perspective from others, I can put this tension in the most appropriate places.
How about you? What areas are you so focused on improving? When was the last time you received an outside perspective?
Legacy Coaching would love to help. Email me bill@legacycoach.info.
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