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If you are reading this article, you are probably a leader. We all know that a job title does not make a leader.
Leaders motivate and inspire others to action and work toward a common goal.
For a church, leadership is about demonstrating behaviors that result in cohesive teams that do the work of the ministry.
I am always looking for inspiring podcasts, and one that I subscribe to is Andy Stanley’s leadership podcast.
The topics they discuss are always relevant, enlightening, and practical.
In a recent podcast episode, Andy challenges leaders to ask one question:
If you were me, what would you do differently?
The premise of the challenge is to invite feedback from employees and encourage them to share their perspectives.
Asking a question like this can be scary because it can expose many vulnerabilities.
However, the answer to this question can make leaders more aware of blind spots or areas of weaknesses that may be obvious to others – but not necessarily to the leader.
4 Reasons to Ask This Question
1. Opens Lines of Communication
We all come to the workplace with our own set of insecurities.
The problem is that we think that no one is aware of the weaknesses that we hold near and dear to our hearts.
However, when we invite others to share their thoughts, opinions, and perspectives, we open the door to learning things that can not only help us as individuals but can also help to improve the organization as a whole.
For example, if you are responsible for leading large planning meetings and take the time to ask the team how to improve the meeting process, others can share thoughts and ideas that could influence how you lead meetings.
Without asking this question, it would be difficult to gain that kind of insight from others.
2. Establishes Credibility
Andy says, “Many people mistake being right with being credible”.
Credibility is established through trust, and trust is earned through consistently demonstrating leadership behaviors that conquer fear and suspicion in the workplace.
When a leader is open to hearing what others think, they demonstrate humility and a willingness to consider other viewpoints.
Simply asking the question helps to establish credibility.
For example, if you are a decision-maker and have a decision to make about changing vendors, hearing the perspective of those who work with the vendor would allow for feedback from those people who that decision would impact.
“A mature, secure person walking in humility should be able to ask anyone, anything”.
3. Personal Development
Our professional lives are a journey, and continuous personal development should be a goal for all of us.
When we allow others to share their perspectives, we can identify areas to work on and improve.
For example, if we ask for feedback after a training session we taught, we may learn about new tools or techniques that we were not aware of that could improve the training for future participants.
4. Continuous Improvement
It is easy to get stuck in a rut, and constantly looking for ways to do things better is how organizations avoid the pitfall of stagnation.
Asking the question allows for insights into doing things better, often more efficiently – which can translate into dollars saved or perhaps an improved customer experience.
For example, if you lead a big event at your church, asking for feedback from other employees or volunteers can shed light on things that could be tweaked to save money or improve the event.
Most of us hesitate to ask for feedback, and while feedback is sometimes difficult to hear, it helps us learn about ourselves, which can ultimately help us be better at what we do.
The mere step of inviting feedback demonstrates leadership, and when we initiate the process, it makes it easier for others to give us feedback.
The reality is that everyone has an opinion and evaluates what we do and how we do it.
Taking the time to solicit feedback allows one to hear others’ perspectives and learn how to do things better.
Asking this question may shed light on changes that could potentially take your organization to the next level.
Consequently, to not ask this question could be a big mistake.
We don’t do ourselves any favors by not asking the question. So take a risk and go ask the question – “if you were me, what would you do differently?”
Earn A Certificate In Church Administration
Let’s be honest. No one goes into ministry because they have a passion for business! People go into ministry because they love God and want to share that love with others.
There are many great schools that teach Biblical principles, theology, and divinity – but don’t necessarily prepare students for church administration!
This certificate will demonstrate your expertise in the management of people, time, and money.
