5 Things I Never Want to Say to My Leader

I’m so grateful for the leadership God has given me. I love my pastors, Brian and Shari. They are fantastic leaders and I am very confident in their ability to lead our church forward.

They’ve invested in me. They are tremendous examples to Stacey and I; I am blessed to be under their leadership.

No matter how you feel about those in authority over you, it’s important you realize that God has put them there. How you respond and interact with those in authority over you reveals your character.

Here are a few things I never want to say to my leaders:

 1.     “I’m just really tired.”

Welcome to real life. You’re not always going to be feeling fantastic when you’re asked to do something by your leader. This statement also creates questions / doubt in your leader’s mind. Why are they tired? Have I given them too much? Is this person going to give up on me?

You may be tired, but your leader needs your best effort today. You can rest later. Besides, wouldn’t you rather be busy as opposed to being bored.

 2.     “Where is everybody?”

I can remember youth events we’ve done where we simply missed it. The students didn’t show in the numbers we had hoped or something like that. Inevitably a volunteer would approach and state the obvious, “Hey, where is everyone?”

I don’t want to be the person that constantly feels the need to state the obvious to my leader. Your leader already knows the situation. What your leader really needs is a solution to the problem not a summation of it.

 3.     “I could do it, but…”

But talk is lame.

I’d like to but…

It’s possible but…

I hear what you’re saying but…

No more but talk. If my leader asks something of me I’ll do it. Simple.

Even the things I haven’t thought that I could do, if they say so I’ll do my absolute best to make it happen.

 4.     “Sorry I was late.”

Something my dad said constantly while I was growing up in regards to coaches, teachers and those in authority over me was, “Don’t waste their time.”

When it comes to your leaders, you must value their time more than your own. If they ask you to be somewhere, be there five minutes early minimum. No matter how many kids you have to get ready in the morning (writing to myself).

 5.     …nothing

There are times when your leader is really looking for input. This is completely the wrong time to get quiet.

If your leader sends you an email, respond.

If they send a text, send one back. Even a, “K” is acceptable.

For you old fashioned types… If they leave you a voicemail, call them back.

When things aren’t going right in your department, the wrong thing to do is say nothing…

What about you? Have a few of your own? I’d love to read them. Leave me a comment below.

2 thoughts on “5 Things I Never Want to Say to My Leader

  1. “No/nah/maybe later/some other time” (anything but a “yes”)

    I’ve made the decision to say “yes” to whatever my leaders asks of me.

    Whether it’s staying late & getting things done or an invitation to a movie, the answer is “yes.”

    Consistently saying “yes” & following through on that yes shows integrity & dependability, letting my leaders know they can trust & rely on me.

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