Shut Up and Lead

We’ve got a very strong leadership team at The Salvation Army Johnsonville and I know they’re happy to speak their mind.  This is exactly as it should be.  One of the most important things in a team is passionate debate about issues.

But my lovely wife, Raewyn, has let me know in no uncertain terms that I’m a very strong leader by nature and that because of the position I hold as the Corps Officer (or Senior Pastor) if I give my view first, people tend not to argue add their thoughts as willingly.

Solution

Over the last few meetings this is what I’ve done to try and alleviate the situation.  I’ve taken my laptop in, and using MindManager I’ve kept very basic minutes as the discussion happens.

This has forced me to listen first.  It certainly hasn’t stopped me adding my thoughts later happily!

Do You Have A Different Solution?

Speak up and let me know if there’s a better way to handle this. Or is it not something you’ve even thought about before? Do you need your own “Raewyn” to hold you accountable?

Picture courtesy of s2art