Barnabas File

What does it mean to be a leader of leaders?   There is no lack of books about leading those who are responsible to you due to your designated position in the church or organization.   A leadership subject that is not often addressed is how to be a leader among those who are your peers.   I was recently introduced to the term “lateral leadership” to describe this competency.   We may know how to work with our supervisors or how to supervise others, but how do we work with others who are at the same level as we are?  Here are some things to consider in exercising lateral leadership. 1.  Be a person of integrity.  Of course, this should be true of any leader, but when you work with your peers, trust and respect are essential.  Peers must know that you will follow through on your commitments and share not only responsibilities but recognition as well.  Competency in your work is important, but consistency in word and ...

Since William Strauss and Neil Howe started writing about generational cohorts in the 1990s, we have been fascinated by the game of naming and identifying each new generation. We are now addressing Generation Z or Gen Z.  They may eventually have another designation based on the characteristics they exhibit as they enter adulthood, but this is the most common term used now. Gen Z members were born between 1999 and 2015.  Most are in their teen or childhood years.  I have four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in this cohort, so I observe them first hand on a regular basis. One thing we know for sure is that they have grown up with technology at their fingertips--smartphones, iPads, tablets, computers--anything with a screen.  For this reason, some are already calling them the iGeneration.  They are digital natives who have grown up with technology.  For them it is a common and necessary part of their lives. They are the second lar...

With permission, I share the experience of a pastor friend who was recently involved in the removal of the executive director of a 501(c)3 housed in his congregation.   The person involved was charismatic, charming, and could tell a good story; however, she did not know how to lead the ministry.    As my friend recounts the situation, in previous leadership roles this person had always found someone who could prop her up.  These people were enablers who did her work for her, so she never had to step up and take responsibility.  He says, “ If you enable incompetency, consider how you are handicapping a person for life and creating unnecessary challenges for future supervisors.” This happens in not-for-profits, churches, and other organizations.  Why do we do this?  Why do we become enablers who encourage dysfunctional behavior?  There are several reasons. First of all, we think we are helping the person.  We con...

Benjamin Franklin said this about mentoring: “There are two ways to acquire wisdom; you can either buy it or borrow it.  By buying it, you pay full price in terms of time and cost to learn the lessons you need to learn.  By borrowing it, you go to those men and women who have already paid the price to learn the lessons and get their wisdom from them.” Mentors are important in our personal and professional development.  They not only share their experiences with us, but they open doors by introducing us to people in our field and sponsoring us to be involved in special projects or events. Is it possible that one can outgrow her or his mentor?  This is not only a possibility but very likely. In the Book of Acts, we read the story of a mentor-protégé relationship that prospered for a period but ended with some discord.  We sometimes forget that Barnabas was a mentor for Saul, the persecutor of the Way who would become its most arti...