From one leader to another, I ask you to honestly, and objectively contemplate today’s Intentional Leadership topic. Grasping and implementing this focus will dramatically increase your effectiveness.

Ask yourself if either of the following scenarios are common to your leadership style.

First, with your numerous responsibilities, you may often find yourself making decisions for your ministry based upon your own thoughts or those you have received from an admired author or speaker. It may appear more time-expedient for you to make decisions and go for it, than to sit down and talk it through face-to-face with your staff.

Or, in the second scenario, does the majority of your input come from wise people but not the people laboring with you in your ministry? The input you have received from someone outside of your situation may be valid. However, it should never replace the input you can receive from those who are laboring and living within the situation together with you.

Consider this: When you present your plans to someone who is outside the situation, what are they hearing? They only know the facts as you interpret them. Though you may feel you have a good grasp on the situation, it is still possible to miss the mark if you rely solely on your own perceptions. Here is how you can prevent making ineffective decisions — regularly spend some face-to-face time with your team!

We as leaders all need regular, face-to-face communication with our staff. Yes, this counsel is basic, yet so many leaders fail in this essential area. Due to technology, more than ever before, it is easier for you to communicate with your team via email, text, or even Facebook. Relying solely upon these modern ways of communication will remove indispensable and powerful aspects to propel your team forward which can only come from face-to-face team communication.

Here are a few last thoughts to ponder. Are you open to input? Do you respect your team and the insights God has given to them? I have personally seen leaders decrease the amount of dialogue with their team because it was not what they truly wanted to hear. Never allow yourself to be caught in the trap of cutting off communication with your God-given team. Do not allow yourself to reason away their input with thoughts such as: “They do not fully understand the situation” or “They do not carry the calling as I do for this situation” or even just that you do not have the time. They are a part of your team for a reason. Listen to and reflect upon their input. Doing so will enable you to better lead your team to achieve new, dynamically effective levels with the tasks at hand. You need the input of the team God has given you. If you are not getting it, then take steps to ‘Turn Up The Volume’ to hear what they have to say.

Gary R. Linn