Leaders Listen Well

Church Leaders,

When your team approaches you with an idea, do you listen and listen closely?

When your staff asks to meet with you, are you available?

Sadly, I've heard far too many staff pastors call me and say "Jordan, what do I do with this situation... My boss (lead pastor) never has time for me. He's always too busy. I haven't talked with them one on one in months ..."

Pastor, I know you're busy. The funeral is Saturday. Your sermon is only half way written. The board meeting is coming. You still have to circle back You have find out why that machine broke and get someone to fix it ... There's a lot. There’s a pastors group you’re committed to next week. But your team must be NUMBER 1. In my opinon, your team takes first precedent when it comes to having your undivided attention. Consider it a domino. Push that domino down and many other needed dominos will also fall down. (in a good way =)

Here are 4 ways to ensure your team knows they have your ear:

- Insist on your alloted weekly or bi-monthly time with them

That alloted time where they know they have your attention sends them a message "My Pastor cares about me and prioritizes me and my role. My part here matters!"

In that time with them ...

- Ask open ended questions such as "What can I do to make your job more efficient or enjoyable this month?" This gives them an open door to clearly communicate a pain point they have that they otherwise would have felt pretentious about sharing w/you.

- Care just as much about them as a PERSON than as an employee. Ask about their family. And truly want to know! This sounds so obvious but I've heard it's kinda rare.

- Repeat back to them in short form what you've heard, especially if they shared... A) A pain point they need solved by YOU (budgeting need, etc)

B) A pain point they are working to solve with their team

C) A dream they have for their ministry/dept future - a vision - an idea

Do this by verbally repeating it back and even better if you send them an email summarizing what they shared, who owns the task and what the objective/action steps are.

Those you lead want to know that you're listening and that you truly care. What's true in a family dynamic is also true in a staff dynamic: People who are heard feel loved. Let's love our teams well!