Leading by Managing the Work of Others

Leading by Managing the Work of Others

National Staff Conference

Lunch & Learn, November 13, 2015

Facilitators: Tom Horn & Tom Yeakley

Introduction

Lead - One of the components of the Lead function ismanaging the work of others.

Manage= supervise—ensure that the work of others is completed well

Share with a neighbor a memory when you were supervised well:What happened that helped to make this a positive memory?

Outcomes:

1. Grow in motivation to manage the work of others (why).

2. Understand the important components of managing the work of others (what).

3. Enhance skills for better supervision (how).

1. Why must we manage the work of others and supervise well?

Our Calling requires it.
To advance the Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers living and discipling among the lost.

False dichotomy: Leader vs Manager

The Bible teaches it.

Mark 6:6-13,30-31 -

People deserve it.

Proverbs 27:23 -

2. What responsibilities should be included in managing other’s work well?

How you manage/supervise is a reflection of personality and personal history (how you have been managed). One’s skill level is not as important as one’s commitment to empower others to succeed, and one’s learning posture.

Accomplishing a Task:P.O.L.E.

1) Plan development of aims and objectives; listing of activities to meet the objectives; placing the activities into a schedule or timetable

Nehemiah 2:1-9

2) Organize development of an organizational structure; putting people in your plans; delegating and coordinating; defining expectations; resourcing

Nehemiah 3

3) Lead decision making; communicating; motivating; developing others for responsibility; overcoming obstacles

Nehemiah 2:17-18; 4:6,10-14; 6:1-4

4) Evaluate reflecting; correcting; analyzing performance standards based upon the original objectives; learning lessons; celebrating victories

Nehemiah 6:15; 7:1-3

3. How can a manager empower a person being led?

Through delegation without enabling (frustration)
Through coercion or shame (disengagement)
Through micro-management(resentment)
Through empowerment (blessing)

4. Practical ideas for managing the work of others

Become proactive, not reactive,in your supervision!
Think ahead / scenario planning / What will we do if...?
Hope for the best and plan for the worst!

Be both macro- and micro-focused
Attend to the big picture, systems and systemic thinking, but also being attentive to an appropriate level of detail
Bring clarity when needed regarding purpose, process, or outcomes

Provide oversight of the person and the task
Pay attention to your “leadership wake” of people and task
Thriving people and mission accomplished!

Ensure the executionand completion of a task
When we intend to dig 10ft holes, we don’t stop until completed—no 3ft holes!
Establishappropriate outcomes, urgency, timelines, deadlines, and consequences
Bring accountability for completion of a task

Give feedback (correction, improvement/affirmation) related to responsibilities and desired outcomes
Giving helpful feedback is an art and a science

Alignment of people, resources, and task (doing the right things) to our mission
Align up, down,and sideways within the organization
Help create collaboration with other people/functions in the organization
Bridge the field ministry and HQ support ministry gap

Empower people to accomplish their responsibilities and make their contribution
Give authority and providethe needed resources for the work
The “golden question”—What will this look like if done well?
No micro-managing or meddling or doing someone’s job for them
Remove obstacles that your team is not able to remove themselves

Provide excellent stewardship of God’s resources
Optimize process, budgeting, positioning people to succeed, time management

Create healthy team dynamics
Ensure that team members are working well together as a team
Create synergies and collaboration within the team
Position people to contribute in their strengths
Protect each other in our weaknesses and vulnerabilities