Dysfunction at AIM and What I learned
I have made mistakes over the years. I would do things differently if I could! Especially if people have been hurt – those are the worst. If you’re one, please let me know – I would rather apologize and learn than bury an issue.
I’ve reconciled myself to the fact that mistakes are inevitable. It’s how we learn. As parents, we laugh and smile at our babies as they progress from crawling to toddling, repeatedly falling down. It’s normal.
So, I’m more interested in people learning from my mistakes than I am in protecting my ego. I’ve found that if you can try to be authentic, people will give you more grace.
Over the years, I’ve written a lot of blogs where I’m trying to process in public what God has for me to learn. Here’s me at my vulnerable best.
And here’s me processing about the World Race. I’ve been at this for 34 years, so in 2022, I thought it was time for me to hand the reins to someone else. When my succession plan didn’t work, dysfunction crept in. Trust was eroded. Seeing we needed help, the board said, “please come back.”
Let’s talk about the mistakes.
1. A number of years ago as the World Race was growing, I knew I needed help and went outside the organization to get it. Good hiring should involve the due diligence of in-depth interviews. But I was impatient. I hired some people who didn’t fit our culture. The effects of that continued to ripple out for years.
2. In 2013, we began to see that our applicants were struggling. Years later, this forensic analysis ties it to social media.
3. About 6 years ago, the World Race began to decline. Why the decline? The World Race was made for millennials – they loved adventure and telling stories. But Gen Z was different. Raised in the Great Recession – caught behind masks and in lockdowns, anxiety and trust issues skyrocketed.
As a consequence, we had to shrink staff from a high of 150 in our home office. This was hard. Though most of it was through natural attrition, it hurt our culture.
4. Our reliance on custom software propelled us to rapid growth. But we had a hard time transitioning to a new platform that cost less.
To regroup, we empowered our leaders to make quick changes. We cut overhead and reorganized. We changed the way we recruited people. We tripled the number of our leaders on the Gap Year program. Our quality scores shot up and with it, word-of-mouth and sign-ups improved. We improved our overseas bases and our finances stabilized.
So, what did we learn? I had grown complacent in my leadership and that had trickled down to others. When I said “yes” to the board and recommitted to directing AIM, I did so with a renewed commitment to eliminate dysfunction and to innovate. It’s a new day.
Comments (14)
Leave a Reply
I would agree with much of the article. You did grow to fast, and in doing so had inexperienced leaders running mission trips. That did not fully understand the values and purpose of your mission statement. They did understand about completing tasks.
Your work in Florida was a very well run mission. With the inclusion of the local families and churches.
I have learned much from the book
“ Toxic Charity “
A great read. For all.
Thanks, Daniel.
I missed some things with not having a lot of social media currently, but I can say that all I have seen from you is exhibiting humility and humbleness over any mistakes. What I truly appreciate about you honestly.
From what I have seen a lot of people have been walking around with deep hurts and pain as they have been unable or unwilling to do the work to heal. I’ve been one of them to be sure at times. Also some will take on their own pain and hurt and project it onto others to make themselves feel better or because they think by doing so they can take out that person or thing that is reminding them of their shortcomings and own failures.
All of that to say stand tall sir! You’ve walked with Jesus all these years and a lot of times that is offensive to people, even those who say they love Him and follow Him.
Much love!
AJ
AJ, I like that phrase, “do the work to heal.” Insofar as we are all in process and needing grace, we all have work to do. Thanks for your encouragement over the years!
You’re more than welcome!
You’re welcome.
Thanks Seth. Even amidst dysfunction and mistakes God worked so powerfully through Adventures In Missions in my life. He brought my wife and I together and we now 3 beautiful children and one more on the way. He showed me truly what it means love and serve others. He established life long relationships with fellow believers that still have a weekly discipleship impact on my life. I could go on and on. Thank you for stepping out in faith, thank you for leading, and thank you for failing and showing back up to try again. I’m thankful for you Seth may God continue to lead you and work through you in all that is ahead.
Pat – Yes, thanks for the perspective and encouragement. And on a personal note, it was great to get your update the other day. You are living a great life.
raising a glass to you seth for being vulnerable and being a life long learner. both significant things that are powerful leadership examples.
Thanks Tony. Merry Christmas to you!
Seth, we have known each other in direct and “life intimate ways” since 1983. You’ve always impressed my heart with your willingness to put on a Biblical HazMat suit and jump into sh*t rivers for the sake of the Gospel. I’d bungee jump with you and Karen….anywhere!
Butch
Ha! Yes, it has felt like I needed a hazmat suit sometimes. Yes – let’s keep leaning into the assignments God has got for us by learning from those we’ve already understaken.
This post is extremely vulnerable, helpful and instructive. Thank you for modeling needed leadership character even as you discuss your shortcomings/mistakes..
It’s a privilege, Melinda. We need to give this gift of vulnerability and learning to our kids and their peers so that they don’t have to repeat the mistakes and go through the pain that was ours to bear and learn from. You do well at this. I’m always taking notes on you!