Working In Your Strengths

Leading in Ministry is Hard – 6 Ways to Lead with Confidence

Do you realize that you are not good at most things, and good at just a few? Do you lately found yourself working outside of your natural abilities, without resources to address the challenges you are facing? For you to effectively lead in tech and ministry, it’s important to learn and understand your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and plan to improve for the sake of your team. 

First, you should acknowledge that the challenges that you are facing as a leader are valid and can be addressed. Whatever the reason you are in the situation you find yourself in, regardless of your background or training, you are responsible for yourself. Take ownership, and stack on that curiosity about what is possible if you commit to iteratively expand your leadership capabilities. Your team is counting on you!

Next, think positive! Focus on what you were brought onto the team to accomplish and what you excel at. Remind yourself why you are being counted on and why you are trusted to deliver results. 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Here are 6 ways that can help you refocus on your strengths and build resilience as a team leader:

1.    Name Your Strengths
It is your responsibility to have self-awareness and know yourself! Seek input from a trusted friend or mentor to help you identify and affirm your strengths. Embrace these God-given strengths and seek to understand them. 

2.    Stop Self-Sabotage
Don’t work against yourself! When you feel overwhelmed or lost, capture what is happening and reflect on what exactly is taking you out of operating in your strengths. Work to grow in areas of glaring weakness, but also look for opportunities to delegate or eliminate work that drains and distracts you. 

3.    Keep a Calendar
Build a master calendar and keep it where you can see it every day! Clearly outline your months, quarters, and year. Writing them down helps in managing and scheduling them effectively, ensuring they get done consistently. Consider taking a day or two at the turn of the year and dedicate it to master planning. If you can turn this into a vision retreat, all the better!

4.    Get Organized with Task Management
Stop losing that thought, missing that follow-up, or having to apologize because you lost that sticky note. Implementing a task management system that syncs between your devices will help streamline tasks and reduce mental clutter. There are many great options available. If you aren’t already do this, try a few different ones and commit to one for the next year. By organizing both personal, professional and departmental work within this framework, you will increase capacity as well the trust of your team, while lowering your stress level.

5.    Take Time to Disconnect
Your work is never done, no matter how long you stay in the office. The world will go on without you! Take a day, use up all of your vacation time every year, and build a reliable system of daily disconnect when it’s time to go home. These are healthy habits, and you are fooling yourself if you believe that it is noble to sacrifice self-care and quality time with loved ones. 

6.    Pray Small for Big Things
Have you heard of a breath prayer? On the breath in, you can say the name of God, and on the breath back in, speak your request or need. Chances are that you overthink prayer, and unintentionally leave God out of your daily goings-on. It’s time to start small. Try this today. Pray small throughout your day, and see how God is faithful to equip you and guide you in all your ways. 

Stay strong, build character and resilience, and change your corner of the world for the better!