It’s been a tough week.We’ve had a series of changes at the office and this past week’s changes were hard – real hard.
I didn’t sleep much and found myself waking up in the middle of the night, making coffee, praying and thinking. My journal got a workout.
Many of our staff probably wonder what I’m thinking and what’s been going on. While I’ve been talking to a few, on Monday morning I’ll address them as a group and be as honest as I know how. They’ve given up a lot to be at Adventures In Missions and they deserve leaders who try to be authentic.
I’m most comfortable talking about vision and future-oriented stuff, but probably a lot of our staff are asking questions that pertain to the changes going on around them.
- Why?
- Why now?
- What do you stand for?
- Where are you taking us?
- How are we going to get there?
Maybe the biggest unspoken question is “Why should I trust you when I may not agree with these changes?”
The alternative to leading is following. Good leaders do both, serving their subordinates in their area of authority. But they have to have clarity about those five questions.
And while it helps to regularly address them when things are normal, a good leader will especially speak to them during times of change.
I’ll have my opportunity tomorrow and then every day thereafter. If you’re a leader, when did you last address these questions in a way that built trust in those following you?
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So true Seth…changing a culture is never easy. Not only will it test your people but it will test your conviction as a leader. Are you willing to stay the course and are you willing to lose your followers while you rebuild things a new way? Many leaders fold under that pressure. Peace.
No insights, but know that I’m praying peace over you through all the transition.
Blessings
Seth, change can be driven from the past or your future. The past serves only that, past, gone but not forgotten. The future serves God and we need to follow him. Being Christ like is our model. My family and I will be praying for you and your direction. Peace <><
Praying right now.
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.
— Theodore M. Hesburgh
It’s been an adventure these last 10 years since I was introduced to AIM. I’ve had the privileged to know the organization, you, your family and the heart of the people who work tirelessly for the Kingdom. I trust you Seth! Praying much!
I’ll be praying for you Seth. I don’t really have a clue what you are talking about, but that doesn’t really matter. What I do know is that you have pushed through many challanges in the past, and I’m sure you will do the same in this one. I also know that even if you don’t get it perfect at every step, you will not give up until you have peace that you are where God wants you to be.
Right behind every challange is a breakthrough. I can’t wait to see what’s on the other end of this one.
Blessings for the journey.
We trust you Seth. And while we do have questions, that trust is allowing us a lot of peace during this turnover. You’re an amazing leader. I know that because of our friendships with your children and our experience with you while in Nicaragua and after we arrived back in Alabama. I’m learning to be a follower as I become a leader. Thank you for the way you pour yourself out to us by being accessible, showing us grace, and allowing freedom.
To those of you who’ve been praying for us – thank you. We had a good meeting. God gave us grace and a I think a lot of people gave grace as well.
I sure appreciate the encouragement and prayers.
Seth, your courage will take things to new levels of multiplication. And people’s respect for you will grow, but the fame of His Name in this generation will be the ultimate winner.
Praying for you this morning, friend…
Praying hard for you guys! I may not be on staff, but I’m on your prayer team. Got you covered there. You guys helped us get to Mexico and I can never repay you for that, but I can repray you. Peace to you hermano and much grace in the days ahead.