Comments on: Administrative Leaders

By: Jared B

Jared B — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:11:23 +0000

Thank the Lord you wrote this! I just realized I’ve been people pleasing and people-fearing by not setting clear guidelines…i’ve just feared pushing them away. But oh that’s a problem. I’m soo glad i’ve been shown that!

By: Jenn Cady

Jenn Cady — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:37:08 +0000

This is so not me in so many ways but I do want to be better in this area

By: Joel Bundick

Joel Bundick — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:35:52 +0000

I work for the described leader above. Your observations are right on. I actually like working along side this style of leader because my leadership is just the opposite. I am the relational leader. I see the big picture, but end up missing or not even noticing some of the details because I am busy taking care of the needs of the people and bringing them along in the vision.

So, I must say that it is not a bad thing at all having different styles of leadership on your team. Although at times my inattention to detail can drive him crazy, my attention to relationships makes up for his drive. The opposite is just as true.

By: will

will — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:28:10 +0000

I am so encouraged and challenged by the humility of so many posters - willing to admit faults and see ministry life from other perspectives.

we each have our “filter” that we screw onto our “lense” about life and ministry, and it effects the way we see every person, process, principle and priority. we have to choose if we will be critical of others with different filters or if we will invite them to come alongside us, inspect our perspective and provide a broader array of understanding to our leadership.

for instance, as primarily a relational visionary, I can either criticize those with “administrative” filters as being too task-oriented and not caring about people or I can invite them to help me carry out the details of the vision God has given us with attention to details and a pursuit of excellence.

Craig’s first two sets of 10 questions from early September provide a great framework to put on a particular filter. the “general” questions provide a “visionary filter” and the “staff” questions help you put on a “relational filter”

craig - that makes me wonder if you could come up with two more sets of 10 questions - one that helps us take an “administrative” look at things and the other for an “innovative” perspective. maybe your readers could help you develop the lists (I wouldn’t want to be guilty of giving you work to do!)

By: Heady

Heady — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:34:41 +0000

Thanks Nyxll for the feedback.

By: Kendra

Kendra — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:24:47 +0000

Shoot Nyxll, I think you’re my twin separated at birth (only I’m older). I’d like to hear more about your situation.

By: Nyxll

Nyxll — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:07:16 +0000

Heady, while theoretically you are right about the sky being the limit with a combination of visionary and administrative, very often that combination will lead to a huge wake of devastation. Usually 2,3 leaders will be most effective when they reach 50-60 because of the temperance, consistency, and wisdom they gain. (usually at the cost of those around them previously and unintentionally.) I am a 30 year old that fits the 2,3 mould. I often have people that are so excited to have me in get involved with their ministry but then get frustrated that I want to push the envelope. I have learned that this is my problem not theirs, and realize that in the end of it all, this is all about the glory of God, and that He really doesn’t need me, but it’s for my benefit that He does.

By: princessjes

princessjes — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:46:26 +0000

Sometimes I wish I were more of an administrative leader, I guess I need to find one to work with me!

By: Heady

Heady — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:21:48 +0000

Three things that I believe to be so key to overall success of an organization are captured here: selecting the right people, a good system, and covering the details. With a combination of this and that of a visionary leader, the sky is the limit. However, I’m not disregarding the other types (all have the ability for greatness). Craig, what is a good leadership book that captures the skills of an administrative leader? Thanks for your time.

By: janowen

janowen — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:23:20 +0000

well now, what does it mean that i am def a relational leader but I have the positive tendencies of an admin leader? I guess I am maybe more balanced because of my relational bent. That’s a weird mix. I am officially odd.

By: jim

jim — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:37:55 +0000

Do the areas that you have covered in this section on leadership this week cross pollinate? That is to say is someone definitely one thing or another or do we have variants of each area? Just wonder thoughts because I see pieces of myself in a couple of these areas.