The majority of my ministry years have included developing church staff as spiritual leaders. It has been and continues to be one of my greatest joys.
We all hire the best and brightest person possible. No one intentionally picks someone who lacks competence or selects a non-contributor with a poor attitude. But it doesn’t always work like we hoped and dreamed.
So what happens? What changes?
There is a long list of possibilities for a good hire to go sideways. Here are a few examples:
- There was no leadership development or coaching for the staff person.
- The chemistry and culture was not a fit.
- The staff member did not connect with or embrace the vision.
- The staff member was struggling with unknown personal issues.
- Communication from the leaders was unclear.
- The staff member did not have the necessary competence or capacity.
- Expectations were not made clear.
- The staff member’s attitude went sour.
So what can we do about this?
How can we get out in front and recognize the early warning signs of a good staff member starting to head in the wrong direction?
First, embrace the big picture.
Assume the best of each person. Always give the benefit of the doubt and assume the best when it comes to a staff member who is struggling.
Own what we as the leaders did or didn’t do. Leaders are typically on the go and moving quickly from one thing to the next. After a hire, pressure goes down and we move on to solve the next problem or lean into a new opportunity. Perhaps we didn’t give the staff member all they needed. We need to slow down enough to know and own our part in the situation.
Go all in with an investment toward helping the staff member turn around.
Its never helpful to abandon a staff member, especially one that who is struggling. Believe in them, coach them, and invest in their turnaround.
Our responsibility is to provide all the help, training, clarity, and encouragement possible all within a healthy culture. With that, the staff person’s responsibility is to continue growing, fulfill their responsibilities and make an overall positive contribution to the team.
With That in Mind, Here Are 5 Early Warning Signs:
1. They Find Problems Faster Than They Find Solutions.
Good leaders solve problems. It’s core to what we do. We make progress, solve problems and help people.
