The Right Task vs. The Right People

This morning, on his blog, Tony Morgan discussed the difference between two types of leaders:

This post stands out out to me because I have had the privilege of learning from and working for both types of leaders. And I have grown from working for both types of leaders.

Working for a “Right Task” leader I grew: · Insecure: I knew if I did not measure up – my job [and therefore my self-image] was at risk · Afraid of Failure · Overwhelmed: The harder I worked, the more capacity I appeared to have – and the more work I was expected to accomplish · Dependent: I stopped thinking for myself. Once while working for a right – task leader, I came back from lunch to be met with a lecture informing me that I had put my paper clips in the wrong spot and that I was not to move them around again b/c if I did, this person would not be able to find them. I was expected to make sure every detail of my work life was a mirror image of this leader. · Boring: I stopped problem solving. I resorted to the method I was allowed to use, and stopped trying to think outside the box. And unfortunately so did everyone else who worked for this leader. This led to poor health, low morale, insecurity and frustration for everyone. · Exhausted: No matter how hard I worked – it simply wasn’t enough.

Working for a “Right People” leader I grew: · In knowledge: I was excited and willing to learn new things · In creativity: I learned to think outside the box, to view “problems” from different angles & enjoyed looking for solutions. · In faith: As I learned new things and tried attacking issues from new angles – I learned to rely on God more, for ideas, creativity and follow-through. · In confidence: I began to see my strengths, my gifts, and my talents at work the way God intended them to be – and was able to grow confident in what He created me to do. · As a team member: I could see my role on the team – that I was valued – that I was a part of the team – but that I was not the entire team by myself. · In satisfaction: I loved my job. That satisfaction by-far outweighed any financial compensation and drove me to work harder and smarter. · Energized: Being valued, and having a chance to use my gifts and talents gave me energy and drive. I was excited to do my work, and to do it well.

I am very privileged to work for nothing but "Right People" leaders now. Whether it's my direct supervisor, or a pastor - my "chain of command" at LifePoint Church is completely comprised of "Right People" leaders who take the time to examine God's gifting in each person - and encourage and love team members as they grow into God's potential for them. And that is just one of the many reasons I absolutely love my job!