In a previous post, I wrote the reasons to micromanage. (Yes…there are times…Read that post HERE) Most of the time micromanaging is not a positive characteristic of leadership. Here are some reasons leaders resort to micromanaging:

Fear – When the leader feels that another person may receive credit or recognition greater than the leader; he or she is more likely to try to navigate every outcome.

Insecurity – When the leader is afraid he or she doesn’t have what it takes to lead the team or organization, in order to protect his or her back, the leader begins to control the actions of those on the team.

Wrong team members – When the leader doesn’t feel he or she can trust the team members, he or she is likely to lead activities normally delegated.

Bad vision – The problem may not be the people…or even the leader…but the leader is pushing people to accomplish something that no one buys into or won’t work. Sometimes it’s time to move forward, but the leaders hanging onto a sinking ship.

Control Freak – Some leaders relish in the idea of holding power and so, to keep that sense of control, they use their position’s authority to retain control rather than delegating.

Leaders, are you guilty of micromanaging? Do any of these reasons apply to you?

(If you need help, read my post on 4 easy steps to delegation HERE.)  The important thing for a leader to do, if he or she wants to see the organization flourish, is learn to let go of control and let others lead.  (Read more about that concept HERE.)  If the problem is the organization or people, then work to fix it so you don’t have to micromanage.  If the problem is the leader…well…start developing yourself.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What experiences do have with a micromanaging leader?

Winners are announced at the bottom of this post!

Catalyst ONE DAY is a one day Christian leadership event with Andy Stanley & Craig Groeschel. The topic is Momentum: what is it? how do you get it? how do you keep it? (Watch the video below for more inspiration.)

Andy & Craig will be sharing practical strategies and personal examples that have helped them gain momentum in their churches. Also, there will be several sessions of Q&A. This is a great opportunity for you and your team to gain some practical insight on creating and sustaining momentum in your organization, especially in light of the current economic crisis.

I will be there and I hope to meet some of my online friends.

My buddies at Catalyst are putting on this event. They gave me two extra tickets to giveaway to you guys, so here we go:

HERE’S HOW TO WIN:

1. TWEET THIS: “Giving away 2 tickets to Catalyst ONE DAY Chicago. Comment & RT to enter http://bit.ly/buI6HG
2. COMMENT BELOW: with your twitter name (so I can verify you did step 1) and your favorite movie of 2009 (just for fun)
3. At 4PM CST TODAY: I’ll randomly choose two entrants below to win 1 ticket each!

Catalyst One Day from Catalyst on Vimeo.

The winners chosen randomly by comment number at Random.org are:

@dkdigital

and

@natewesterfield

Congratulations! I am sending your Twitter ID’s to Catalyst and they will be in contact. Thanks so much for playing along and look me up at Catalyst One Day. If you didn’t win, I still recommend you invest in this conference. All our churches and organizations can use a momentum refresher!

I have written about leader Scott Hodge previously. (Read that post HERE.) Scott is pastor of The Orchard Community Church. He and his father are part of an amazing story of transformation in a church. I will say again, he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Scott is a creative, inspiring leader. He is highly connected and was recently seen as host of Ben Arment’s Story Conference. You can follow Scott on Twitter too.

Here are 10 Questions with leader Scott Hodge:

When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?

Interestingly enough, yes. I was raised in a pastor’s home and have been around church/ ministry my entire life. I felt “called” to ministry at a very young age. Of course, the way it’s played out looks pretty different than anything I would have ever imagined. But I think it’s safe to say that I’ve felt a drawing towards ministry and have seen myself being in some sort of full time ministry role pretty much since I can remember.

The thing I really appreciate is that neither of my parents overly encouraged me or tried influencing me towards ministry. They did a great job of letting God do the calling and gave me plenty of space to respond to that call. I’m really grateful for that.

What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?

My sophomore year in college I had a job managing a telemarketing company. Looking back, I think that job actually gave me some pretty good experience in areas like hiring/firing, promoting events, creating processes, “reading” people, and helping draw the best out of the team.

Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?

I’d say that would be my father. Not only was he my “dad”, but he was a my friend, my leader, and my mentor. He was a great voice of empowerment in my life. He encouraged me, he constantly pushed me outside of my comfort zones, he taught me how to lead and love people, but probably the greatest thing he taught me was the importance of hearing God’s voice in my life. I’d probably say that the majority of that mentorship came through me simply watching and learning from his life.

Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?

Just one!? Wow, this is a tough one… I’d probably have to say J. Oswald Sander’s, Spiritual Leadership is definitely one of the top books that have influenced me the most – especially when I was a young leader just starting out.

What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?

1) Attention 2) Deficit 3) Disorder.

That’s three words, right?
I’d say:
Hands off, Creative, Unpredictable

What is your greatest strength in leadership?

I’d say casting a compelling vision/dream.

What is your greatest weakness in leadership?

Managing people.

What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?

Tell the truth.

What is one misconception about your position you think people in your church may have?

Hmmm…. There may be some (perhaps who are new) who think that I’ve got it all figured out and don’t struggle like everyone else. I try really hard to be intentional about leading with a posture of authenticity and openness in regards to my own struggles and brokenness, so hopefully not too many people think this way about me.

I’ll add an addendum to this… Just asked that same question to three of my support staff and they all said the same thing: “There are a LOT of people who have the perception that you are available to talk or meet with them at the drop of a hat and about anything. Or who think they need to talk with you, when in reality there are others who are more informed about certain things, that would actually be more of a help to them anyway.”

I hate to admit this, but I had no idea that this was as big of an issue as they insist it is. So KUDOS to them for apparently doing a great job of keeping the pressure of that expectation off my shoulders!

If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?

The most important thing you can do for yourself and especially for those you’re leading is to position yourself to hear God’s voice every day of your life. Start TODAY.

Thanks Scott! Hope to hang with you again soon.

Are you enjoying these interviews? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 
I consider Jenni Catron a friend and ministry partner. Jenni serves as the Executive Director at Crosspoint Church in Nashville.  The church’s proximity to our church helps me learn from their success.  Jenni is a hard-working, genuine leader.  I love the transparency she shares through her blog and the intentionality she brings to her ministry.  I am fully convinced that much of the success of Crosspoint is due to Jenni’s leadership.  You can follow Jenni on Twitter also.

Here are 10 questions with leader Jenni Catron:

When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally?  If not, what did you want to do?

I grew up attending very small rural churches so the idea of a role like the one I serve in now never even occurred to me.  I thought people who worked in church were either pastors or secretaries.  While I was very involved as a volunteer doing everything from leading worship to running the children’s ministry to speaking at youth group, it didn’t occur to me to pursue ministry vocationally.

I actually had my sights set on the music business.  I think somewhere around middle school I learned about the Christian music business and I started pursuing a career in that industry.

What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?

When I was 15 I applied for my very first job at our local ice cream shop.  The owner of the store really took me under her wing and gave me huge opportunities and responsibilities.  By 16 I was named manager of the store and directly managed 3 other employees.  Little did I know the leadership and management lessons I was learning with that opportunity.  I’m incredibly grateful to Bonnie who invested in me in a huge way!

Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?

I’ve been privileged to work with some amazing leaders both in the music business and in my role at Cross Point, but one of the greatest leadership influences for me has been my friend Kat.  Kat and I were in our early twenties working together at ForeFront Records.  Both of us recognized our need to develop as leaders and so we started meeting every Friday for lunch to read and discuss various leadership books.  Those lunches were instrumental in helping me process my leadership strengths and weaknesses.

Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?

The first book that Kat and I discussed together was John C. Maxwell’s book “The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day”.  This book is still one of my favorite leadership books.

What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?

Driven/Focused/Responsible

What is your greatest strength in leadership?

Oh man, this is a tough one.  I think my strength in leadership is in my ability to “put feet to vision”.  I’m a second chair leader.  I think I’m at my best when I’m working alongside a visionary leader and helping that person put structure and plan around the vision.

What is your greatest weakness in leadership?

My greatest weakness is my impatience.  My driven/focused nature causes me to move fast – oftentimes so fast that I forget to engage the people around me.  I can easily put task before people and I have to constantly evaluate how I’m doing in this area.

What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?

The hardest thing I have to do in leadership is self-management.  There is always another email to respond to, another task on the to do list, another conversation to have, another blog post to write, another event to plan, etc.  Giving myself permission to disconnect and rejuvenate is very difficult for me.

What is one misconception about your position you think people in your church may have?

That’s a great question.  I think sometimes people assume I only care about numbers, systems, details – the business of the church.  I love ministry.  I love seeing life change.  I love knowing that by helping us steward our resources, people, facilities, etc I’m helping to create environments that allow ministry and life change to happen.

If you could give one piece of advise to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?

I would encourage young leaders to seize the moment, whatever situation you are in.  If you don’t feel like you have the leadership responsibilities that you would like, take the time to evaluate, study and learn from the leaders around you.  Take notes on every leadership situation you observe.  Someday you’ll be in the same situation.  Leadership is a journey.  Make it a point to learn every step of the way!

Thanks Jenni for your work and ministry and for sharing from your experience.

Who else should I attempt to interview?

Yesterday I posted about the principle that letting go of responsibilities, even for the control freak leader like me, actually improves the organization.  You can read that post HERE.

Obviously, when you address the principle of letting go, which could also be called delegation, it opens a huge question for those wired as completers.  The question is: HOW? How do you let go of responsibility when you are wired so heavily towards not doing so?

With that question in mind, here are 4 “Easy” Steps to Delegation:

Identify – Find something that would be better delegated, either because you aren’t as skilled as others, don’t have adequate time to commit to it, or have lost interest.

Match – Find the right person/s for the responsibility based on passion, experience, and follow through capabilities.  This can be volunteer or paid, but pick people that will do what they say they will do and that you trust, otherwise you will constantly be looking over their shoulder. (Please don’t say there is no one to trust in your organization. If that’s the case, you either need to change organizations or change the leader…just saying.)

Release – This is the “letting go” part. Few leaders really do this well.  Knowing this is the difficult part, you should read THIS POST and THIS POST and THIS POST for more on this process.  You must give up your right to control.

Follow Up – If you are the overall leader, even when you delegate you have some responsibility.  Set a reminder on your calendar to periodically follow up with the person, but stay out of their way as they complete the assignment.

I realize it’s not easy for some to let go of (delegate) responsibility.  It comes with discipline and practice.   One way to improve at this is to consider the overall purposes and goals of the organization, recognizing that they can better be attained through delegation, and allow accomplishing them to be the leader’s principal responsibility.  When the drive towards completing is aimed towards a bigger vision goal that includes delegating, letting go to achieve greater success receives more motivation.

How are you at delegating?  What tips do you have to be better at letting others take over some of your responsibility?

 
Letting go of responsibility is not something that comes natural for me.

I score high on Command in the StrengthsFinders assessment.

I have to discipline myself to let go…

And still…if no progress is taking place…I will make something happen…I promise.

The problem is that when I take over and refuse to let others in the organization lead…even at the risk that they will not complete it on my time schedule or the way I might have done it:

• I keep myself from doing other things
• I fail to provide growth opportunities for others.
• I limit the organization from reaching it’s full potential

Leaders, if you believe in the concept of teamwork…sometimes you have to let go and let others take the lead.

What do you need to let go of and quit trying to control?

I know…I know…it’s hard to do. Leave me a comment…It will help hold you accountable.

(To read my StrengthsFinder, click HERE.  For more on the subject of delegation, click HERE AND HERE.)

Scott Williams is a great leader I have learned to admire online. I haven’t met him personally, but social media has allowed me to connect with him to the point I feel I can call him friend. Some day we will actually meet. In the meantime, I love learning from Scott at his amazingly popular blog Big Is The New Small.

Scott has learned the value of connecting online. Scott is the Campus Pastor for the Northwest Oklahoma City Campus of LifeChurch.tv. Scott has an interesting background in leadership, after spending 13 years in the prison system prior to ministry. As much as anyone, one would have to say Scott is somewhat of a Twitter expert. You can follow him HERE.

Here are 10 questions with leader Scott Williams:

When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?

Ministry is absolutely not what I thought that I would be doing. I changed my mind quite a bit while growing up, everything from being an Attorney, the President to a Rocket Scientist. This statement always intrigued me, “It’s not rocket science!”

What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?

I was a Prison Warden… I was actually one of the youngest Wardens in the country, meaning I didn’t have a clue when I started. I learned the importance of genuine care and concern for people. The method, in which you lead people, can cause them to become a great asset or pain in the asset (many times the inmates were my greatest asset as a leader, the same philosophy applies to church members). Ultimately a Warden and a Pastor lead a venue where people can be confronted, held accountable, developed, challenged…. and leave personal chaos behind, in order for their lives to be truly CHANGED!

Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?

My mother who always believed in me and thought I could do things at a much higher level than I would ever imagine. She taught me to dream BIG and think BIGGER. My mom always reminded me that, “You can’t control what others think, only what you do!” To this day she will always believe in me and say, “Absolutely, you can do that!” I believe in those that I lead at a level hat no one else will… we succeed together! One other person is Marvin Wiebener who was my boss in Corrections and took a risk on me as a 25-year-old kid to be a Warden. Because of his leadership, I will generally take risks on younger hires with the right potential.

Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?

This answer could go on and on like the Energizer Bunny… I’ll give you two:
*Good To Great- (Jim Collins) First Leadership book that I read once I went into full-time ministry and it’s a LifeChurch.tv Leadership Staple.
* The War Of Art- (Steven Pressfield) This is a somewhat obscure and interestingly written book that masters how to break through resistance and get things done.

What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?

Empowering, Developer & Risk Taker

What is your greatest strength in leadership?

Visionary, Discernment, Thinker, Ideas… The ability to think a few steps ahead.

What is your greatest weakness in leadership?

Sometimes I will have too many ideas workin’. Perception vs. Reality in the areas of Confidence vs. Cockiness.

What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?

I don’t know that there is just one thing. I personally believe that different seasons and different teams bring about different challenges.

What is one misconception about your position you think people in your church may have?

I think people believe that I hang out with Craig Groeschel all the time. Although we do talk and get together periodically, people believe that we are BFF’s. That’s not a bad thing, just a misconception. Did I just say BFF? LOL

If you could give one piece of advise to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?

If you truly care about the growth and development of the person more than the product they produce, you will get a better product. ”Leadership development is rooted in personal development & organizational transformation is rooted in individual transformation.”

Many leaders live for years in a state of cluelessness about the real health of the organization they lead, perhaps for all their leadership career. They refuse to solicit feedback, they won’t challenge the status quo, and they believe they are on the top of their leadership game.

The best leaders, however, avoid what I call the leadership vacuum. I have heard the term leadership vacuum used to describe the need for more leaders, but I believe the biggest void may be within existing leaders today. The leadership vacuum is where the leader believes:

• Everyone on the team understands me…
• Everyone on the team thinks like I think…
• Everyone on the team likes me…
• My team is healthy…
• I’m healthy/self-sufficient/fully capable on my own…
• The organization is headed in the right direction…
• We don’t need to make changes…

When the leader is clueless to the real problems and needs in the organization, he or she is living in the leadership vacuum. The best leaders are aware of the vacuum trap and guard against it in their leadership.

Leaders, have you ever lived in the leadership vacuum? Are you there now?

Have you followed a leader in the vacuum?

(I realize I am not immune to the leadership vacuum. Tomorrow I will share some thoughts on how I attempt to avoid this in my leadership.)

Geoff Surratt is part of the church famous Surratt brothers of Seacoast Church. I have had to the privilege of meeting several of them and I am always impressed with their passion for ministry. I sat in a breakout at a conference where Geoff spoke last year. He’s funny, witty, and smart. His latest book, Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches from Growing, is a frank and honest book that identifies the most common mistakes pastors make. You can follow Geoff on Twitter also.

Here are 10 questions with leader Geoff Surratt:

When you were growing up, is this what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?

I wanted to be a lawyer. They drove big cars, wore expensive suits and were paid to argue with people. It seemed like a great way to make a living. Now I drive an old car, wear old clothes and pray for people. Almost the same.

What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?

In college I worked in the toy/lawn and garden/bathroom fixture department at Montgomery Wards. (The fact they Montgomery Wards thought those three departments went together might help explain why they went out of business) My job was to put together swing sets, barbeque grills and gas fireplaces while running the cash register. That job has helped me appreciate how difficult it can be to find meaning in your day to day work.

Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?

I’d love to say St Augustine, Ghandi and Spurgeon; but the biggest influence on my leadership has been John Maxwell. His book Developing the Leader Within opened my eyes for the first time to intentional leadership development.

Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?

It’s tough to narrow it down to one book because it is a continual process. How about if I give three? Honest to God by Bill Hybels, The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg and The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard.

What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?

Spectacular, breath-taking, humble

What is your greatest strength in leadership?

I love to peek around the corner and figure out what is next

What is your greatest weakness in leadership?

I find my greatest weakness is caring too much (ala Michael Scott). Actually I am not great at one-on-one mentoring. I have always adhered to the sink or swim philosophy which seems to be going out of vogue.

What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?

Bringing correction. I want everyone to like me and for all of us to just get along, but course correction is probably the second most important task I have as a leader. (Buying Starbucks for my team is obviously the most important task. That and encouragement. Maybe they are the same thing. Hmmm. What was the question again?)

What is one misconception about your position you think people in your church may have?

Some very misguided think that I am older than our senior pastor, my brother Greg Surratt. I am much younger. (And better looking)

If you could give one piece of advise to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?

Find as many wise mentors in your life as possible. Some mentors you may never meet, but they can mentor from afar. I have mentors in leadership, spiritual growth, business, family life, personal growth. Surround yourself with wise council and you will find the right path.

Thanks Geoff for the look into your leadership life.

Are you enjoying these interviews? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

This is Josh and his son Luke. Josh and his wife Shana are in our community group. I love these pictures. (Pay special attention to the one of Luke…he’s busy!) Cheryl at first said I couldn’t post it on the Internet, but I couldn’t resist breaking a rule. I think the two pictures are hilarious. Like father like son…

I love investing in young fathers…

Our community group is full of great ones…

Recently Josh had a career decision to make. He wanted to wrestle through it with me. He actually took my advice. He honored me greatly, not by taking my advice, but with a text he sent me later, which said, “You are my new mentor!” He probably was joking, but he doesn’t know how much that comment resonates with me.

Years ago I solicited a mentor. He agreed to mentor me on one condition; that I would in turn mentor others. I’ve been attempting to obey that commitment I made to my mentor ever since. I cannot tell you how those times have blessed my life!

Do you have a mentor?

Who are you investing in? Who is investing in you?

What have you learned from the process of mentoring?