Influence grows when people trust both your character and your competence. Character may open the door, but results, wisdom, initiative, and leadership skill determine how much influence you can carry.

In this episode, Tim Stevens talks again with David Whiting (GenerosityOS SVP and LeadingSmart Senior Consultant) about the competency side of growing influence on a church staff team. Building on part one, they unpack why some leaders continue gaining influence while others hit a lid, even when they are faithful, dependable, and well-liked.

They also discuss why influence is connected to results, volunteer leadership, internal drive, strategic thinking, and the ability to represent the church well. This is part two of a two-part conversation on influence, focusing on the competencies that help leaders bring value, build trust, and contribute more meaningfully to the mission of the church.

Additional topics include:

church leadership
staff culture
leadership influence
ministry teams
character and competency
staff development
volunteer leadership
strategic thinking
church staff trust
team alignment
decision-making
leadership development
ministry excellence
organizational health
leading with wisdom

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome back to part two with David Whiting
04:00 The difference between character issues and competency issues
06:00 Why leaders need to understand their competency limits
07:30 Win at your assignment and build trust through results
10:00 What happens when someone is in the wrong seat
11:30 Make it better without weaponizing excellence
14:00 Why volunteers are one of the church’s greatest resources
17:00 Add value in the room with ideas, solutions, clarity, and wisdom
20:00 Why bringing problems without solutions limits influence
22:00 Think ahead and learn to see around corners
25:00 The difference between managing what is assigned and leading what is next
27:00 Succeed with volunteers in a volunteer-driven organization
30:00 Why “I can’t get people to serve” is often a leadership issue
33:00 Bring internal drive, ownership, and initiative
36:00 Represent the church, mission, and leadership with wisdom
40:00 How to speak well for decisions you may not fully agree with
43:00 Using these conversations to help your staff grow in influence
45:00 LeadingSmart Gatherings and final thoughts
48:00 Focus on your character, grow in your competencies, and increase your influence

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