Leadership Becomes Her: Simple, Strategic Solutions for Christian Women Who Lead

Hey, Friend!

There are some days when I think I am a pretty good listener. Other days, I am highly distracted and all of my listening skills go out the window. Does that sound like you?

Let’s commit together to becoming better listeners. It will enhance our relationships, build trust in our leadership, and minimize frustration when we walk away from conversations barely remembering what was said.

So, I have compiled 10 tips for becoming a better listener. I am committed to putting them into practice. How about you?

I pray this blesses you,

Becky

Hey, Friend!

Everyone starts a new job wanted to make a good impression. You want those who hired you to know that they made a good hire. So you listen to those eager to tell you all of the things you should change right away.

But don’t be fooled. Although there may be some things that need immediate attention, such as immediately putting child safety measures in place, or filling a spot in a classroom, most change needs to wait until you have laid the foundation.

I am suggesting three priorities you need to have in your first year of ministry, before you begin making changes.

Establish Credibility

Lead with Curiosity

Build Relationships

Each one of these is more relational than task oriented, but will help tremendously as you get others on board with any change that needs to be made.

I pray this blesses you!

Becky

Hey, friend!

Think about those times you have interacted with someone who is passive-aggressive, or who has a hidden agenda. Someone who says one thing but means another. It is unsettling, disorienting, and just plain exhausting.

In contrast, it is SO refreshing it is to interact with someone who is ernest. Someone who is sincere, genuine, and straightforward. Someone who is honest, authentic, and transparent not only in their communication, but in their actions.

In today’s episode, I share 8 benefits of being ernest, why it is good to be ernest, and how it benefits your leadership, and your relationships.

I pray this blesses you!

Becky

Hey, Friend!

If you want to grow and develop in the workplace, you have to be coachable, meaning that you must be able to welcome feedback and act on what you are learning about yourself.

In today’s episode, I compare the qualities of someone who is coachable with someone who is not. As a leader who is responsible for developing those under her leadership, you will want to begin with those employees or volunteers who demonstrate coachability, if you want to see optimum growth and development.

And while you are at it, make sure that you are demonstrating coachability yourself!

I pray this blesses you,

Becky

Hey, Friend!

I am a huge fan of Brene' Brown’s work. In her book, Dare to Lead she introduces the idea of the Rumble, a conversation where the participants agree to enter with an open mind and a soft heart. In today’s episode, I share what I have learned about the Rumble.

It is a learning exercise whereby you seek to understand more than you seek to be understood. It requires curiosity, humility and a commitment to the health of your relationship, or repairing it if need be.

It absolutely works.

I pray this blesses you,

Becky

Hey, Friend!

Every organization, even every church has a culture and a climate. The culture is what matters to us, how we do things here. The climate is the essence - what it feels like to work here and to be here.

In today’s episode, I share how you can use finesse to protect and enrich the climate of your organization. It involves three options:

Preventative Measures (building trust)

Maintenance Measures (addressing conflict)

Repair Measures (honest, non-threatening conversations)

I pray this blesses you,

Becky

Hey, Friend!

Whether you are in your first ministry role right out of college, or you have entered ministry as a second career, there are at least 6 things you need to consider that will be beneficial to you as you learn the world of ministry, which is like nothing else.

Manage your expectations

Leverage your experience/expertise

Be curious

Ask for what you need

Seek relationships/support

Embrace your role as a new minister on your way to becoming a Specialist, or as a seasoned professional who has entered ministry as a Generalist

I pray this blesses you!

Becky

Hey, Friend,

Did you know that the majority of ministers (55%) in the United States came to ministry as a second career?

They are known as Generalists, having degrees, expertise and experience in another discipline before transitioning to ministry. They bring a broad range of knowledge across multiple disciplines that make them valuable assets to a ministry staff.

Ministers with education, expertise and experience in ministry are known as Specialists and their deep knowledge is also extremely valuable to a ministry staff.

Both are needed on the team. Check out today’s episode.

I pray this blesses you,

Becky

Hey, Friend!

As you work to repair and restore your credibility by giving these five suggestions a try, you will find that others will be more patient with you, more understanding and forgiving. Following these five suggestions will make you more relatable too, as others will see your effort and realize that you are committed to continuous improvement.

I pray this blesses you,

Becky

Hey, Friend,

In spite of whatever credibility you have earned in some areas, you may develop habits that will kill your credibility in others.

Remember, your value system is reflected in your habits. People don’t know you by what you claim to value. They know you by your habits. So if your habits are not in alignment with what you value, it will affect your credibility.

But there is good news. In next week’s episode, I take a deep dive into repairing and restoring your credibility, and it is totally in line with Jesus' teachings.

I pray this blesses you,

Becky