CNLP 629 | Tod Bolsinger On Canoeing the Mountains, Disappointing People At a Rate They Can Absorb, and How to Handle Sabotage and the Anxiety of Leadership
Feb 6, 2024
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Tod Bolsinger discusses leadership as canoeing the mountains, disappointing people at a rate they can absorb, handling sabotage and anxiety leading a church. Adapting to new challenges, importance of trust in leadership, redefining leadership in the church, teaching and training leaders, hobbies and distraction for clear thinking, leadership in uncertain times, and wrapping up with sponsors and resources.
Leadership is about disappointing people at a manageable rate during times of change and transformation.
Sabotage in leadership is a normal manifestation of anxiety and fear of the unknown, and leaders should expect and navigate it.
Developing resilience as a leader and finding moments of rest through support systems and joyful activities are essential for effective leadership.
Deep dives
The Importance of Disappointing Your Own People
One of the key insights from the podcast is the definition of leadership by Marty Glinsky, which states that leadership is disappointing your own people at a rate they can absorb. The speaker emphasizes that leaders never intend to disappoint people, but when leading change or transformation, it is inevitable and necessary. Building a church that people will love means making changes that may disappoint those who are attached to the old ways. This concept of disappointing people at a manageable rate is crucial for leaders to navigate the challenges of change successfully.
Understanding Sabotage and Anxiety in Leadership
The podcast discusses the phenomenon of sabotage in leadership, explaining that sabotage occurs when people resist the transformation or change that they initially desired. It is not a result of evil intent, but rather a manifestation of anxiety and fear of the unknown. Anxious individuals tend to prefer the familiar and resist any change that disrupts their comfort zone. Leaders are advised to expect sabotage and be prepared to face it. They need to develop resilience and understand that sabotage is a normal part of the leadership journey. By acknowledging and navigating sabotage, leaders can effectively lead their communities through the necessary transformations.
Developing Resilience and Finding Moments of Rest
The podcast highlights the importance of developing resilience as a leader and finding moments of rest amidst the challenges. Resilience is fostered by building a support system that includes partners who are as committed to the mission as the leader, friends who offer emotional support, and mentors who provide guidance and help navigate the transformation process. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the value of engaging in activities that provide a sense of joy, competency, and fulfillment. These activities can serve as a source of rejuvenation and help leaders find moments of respite from the demands of leadership.
The Need for Leaders in the Church
Leaders in the church are essential for guiding and supporting the community through change. Pastors and chaplains often have different profiles, with pastors focusing on teaching and chaplains on soul care. However, as the church landscape evolves, pastoral leadership must also encompass leading a community through transformation. Seminary programs are increasingly recognizing the importance of developing leaders who can navigate change and demonstrate effective leadership.
Leadership Skills for Thriving in the Future
To thrive in the future, leaders in the church need certain skills and qualities. These include clarity of mission, understanding the purpose and transformation needed in the community. They also need to be able to guide people through loss and change, leveraging emotional intelligence and empathy. Resilience is crucial for facing resistance and maintaining core purpose and values in the face of challenging circumstances. Curiosity is another important trait, as it encourages leaders to ask questions, explore, and learn as they go. Collaboration and openness to different possibilities are also key characteristics for leaders adapting to the evolving church landscape.
Tod Bolsinger discusses why leadership is like canoeing the mountains these days, how to disappoint people at a rate they can absorb, and how to handle the sabotage and anxiety that come from leading a church.
Every single month in The Art of Leadership Academy, I host a Live Coaching Call, where we tackle the most pressing topics in ministry.
This month, Jeff Henderson is joining me to share actionable steps you can use in your church and to answer your questions.
If you want in on this month's Live Coaching Call, be sure to join BEFORE February 13th at TheArtOfLeadershipAcademy.com
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