Don’t Keep Your Staff Guessing
- Posted on April 05, 2005
- Viewed 490 times
- (30) comments
This week, we started two new employees at Seneca Creek—and one of the pieces of paper they get is entitled, "Bruce's Idiosyncrasies". So, from day one, they know all of my little pet peeves as well as my big "rock" items. The big "rock" issues are easy for most of us to identify, like "I care passionately about us getting our work done, on time, with excellence." But, it's often the little things that really get under our skin that hinder our relationships with staff that we don't communicate.
For example, "I really dislike it when people leave a conference room with the chairs all over the room (i.e. not pushed in to the table neatly arranged)" I know this is obsessive compulsive, but it is me (and, in our case, I am the boss). Keeping an office environment clean matters to me. It's one of those excellence things (and, in our case, core value number three). When someone leaves a conference room a mess (or a production room), it communicates, "I don't care" or "Someone else needs to clean up my mess" or "I'm too important to clean up my
stuff" or "Excellence doesn't matter to me." In other words, it doesn't communicate anything positive. And frequently, I end up going in and straightening the chairs and cleaning up someone else's mess. As you can tell, this bugs me. But, if I never communicate this, and someone doesn't clean up, and I keep this frustration buried inside me, chances are, it'll poison our relationship.
So, what are your idiosyncrasies? What are the big "rock" issues and the little "issues" that get under your skin? In my case, it's a list of a little over twenty things that new employees know from day one. They don't need to play the guessing game or wait six months until the hammer comes down. No, from day one, they know what will make me happy and what will tick me off—which, as an employee, is a good thing to know!”
(You can read all of Bruce’s writings and comments here at his blog…)
FOR DISCUSSION: Have you ever had a ‘church boss’ that wasn’t clear on expectations? What eventually happened? If you are a ‘church boss’, how to you effectively communicate your expectations and idiosyncrasies? Let’s talk about this here today!
Pastor Bruce Johnson, pastor of Seneca Creek Community Church has written a short piece that on staff communication that I think is important for us all to consider this morning… Bruce writes, Have you ever started a job and wondered, “What does my boss care about?" We all know that every boss has certain expectations and idiosyncrasies, but most of us spend months (and sometimes years) trying to figure out what they are. None of us like that, so why don’t we turn that around?
Comments
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bernie dehler on Wed, April 06, 2005
Bruce, putting chairs back in place is not a “little” thing. You have a compulsive disorder, and you should deal with it, rather than expect your team to have to deal with it simply because you refuse to… because “you are the boss.” If you refuse to seek help, I don’t expect any more explanations or blog writing can help you…
There’s a big difference between being at meetings on time, and tucking chairs under a table. One affects productivity, the other is a compulsive disorder.
Someone has to tell you that you have a disorder… I’m sure your workers won’t, because it would “upset the boss” and his rules.
...Bernie
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/247
Lara York on Wed, April 06, 2005
I think that giving people an informed start is a wonderful idea. I think it would also be wonderful to allow them to share things that might be bothersome to them. All could grow and respect each other.
It might be a bit small minded to get upset over the fact that he says “because I’m the boss”. It’s true, he is. There is nothing wrong with this mindset, if indeed it is said in a way of just simply truth but not being lorded over. After all, if he’s paying the bills or his name is on the line or he’s been put in that position and has the final responsibility for all that is done, he does have the final say, even in the small things. He is the head God placed there. If people have a problem with that then maybe there is a problem they have with authority.
A lack of respect and submission is what has people church hopping and never getting planted to do something great for God and His kingdom.
I’ve had challenges with leaders that if they were clear in the beginning would have never happened. This lack caused hurt between us, which we did work through and all is good. But I loved and greatly admired this individual and there would have never been a place for this hurtful work of the enemy if there had been clearer communication.
It’s sad that some Christians are unable to truly and whole-heartedly submit to authority. Blessings come from submission. Humility is the first step to God being able to lift you up to your place in Him. Sure those in authority are never perfect. But that is where it comes to trusting God and not trying to make it all work by being in control.
Guess faith is what would be a good thing in this situation.
And as for using these natural things for direction, we should all be led by our spirit being directed by the Holy Spirit and then these things will not hinder us from being in God’s perfect place.
Come on, it’s already been blown way out of proportion. What Pastor Bruce is doing is a kind and simple step to keep a peaceful environment.
Jade on Wed, April 06, 2005
Sorry I a know I have commented a lot on this issue, but I need to coment on Lara’s statement. Ok one last thing. Actually it is wrong in my opinion to say that the Pastor is the boss. Hopefully the Pastor is not paying the bills and hopefully the Pastor does not have final say in all matters. The Senior Pastor does not right my checks nor signs them.
Can the Pastor tell me what to do, indeed He can. I disagreed with Pastors from time to time, and they allow me to do it. Infact they talk it out with me. A boss orders people to do things, a leader influences people to do things. Have any of you read John Maxwell’s stuff? This is where I am coming from.
Lara I am not single minded, just passionate. I hope you aren’t misunderstanding me. I am not putting Bruce down just a little of the philosphy here.
Should expectations be laid out on the table, but how silly to include little things like pushing in the chairs under the table. Ok I am done.
Sorry if I got us off topic
Sue Gillespie on Wed, April 06, 2005
At the risk of repeating myself, I really DO think that a list of TWENTY things is a red flag. If you’ve got a problem with chairs, well, I guess I could humor you on that one. But are there 19 more? And does that mean there are another 20 that you’ve decided not to put on the list because you ARE trying to get along with people?
Perhaps Bernie is being a bit harsh, but I think he’s on to something. Whenever you bring people on to your team, everyone will have to adjust. Presumably, if you’ve hired me, you think I’m bringing something valuable to the mission. I’d like to think you’d want to get to know me first before presenting me with a list of ways I have to accommodate you.
Todd Rhoades on Thu, April 07, 2005
Todd, the moderator here… http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
OK… time to step in here…
Bruce has given a response to his original writing here and has responded to some of the comments made at this (and other) blogs:
http://bruced.typepad.com/brucedjohnsoncom/2005/04/assume_the_best.html
I must say that the judgemental statements and attitudes need to stop in this forum…
Now, don’t go off on me for only wanting nice posts, or for editing comments, or for not wanting any comments but my own. I always allow for disagreement, but not for personal attack or public humiliation.
Remember, folks, actual people write these posts; and they are here to help you and others… This is not the first time that a writer of a post has had to come on this blog to personally defend him/herself from the personal attacks of our respondants. This should not be. Come on folks.
It is one thing to say something like, “I disagree with the author’s approach” or to say, “Bruce, I respectfully disagree”. It’s another thing to say, “Bruce, putting chairs back in place is not a “little” thing. You have a compulsive disorder, and you should deal with it…Someone has to tell you that you have a disorder… I’m sure your workers won’t, because it would “upset the boss” and his rules.” This to me is clearly over the line.
Most of our mother’s used to say, “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” I think that would be a good thing here when it comes to personal attacks.
It amazes me how something that was meant for good can turn so ugly so fast; especially among a group of pastors. Why is this so? Can someone help me out here?
Todd
bernie dehler on Thu, April 07, 2005
Todd says:
“I must say that the judgemental statements and attitudes need to stop in this forum…”
I don’t think it’s judgemental; it’s just opinion. Bruce is a big boy. He can take it. He expects feedback on a blog. So do I, on mine. Bloggers aren’t sensitive babies… esp. if they are espousing leadership principles, they should be open to critique…
...Bernie
http://freegoodnews.blogspot.com
David on Thu, April 07, 2005
Todd, I agree that things had spiraled downward in this blog. I had another comment that I was going to write yesterday, but before posting it, I realized it was feeding that fire, so I did not post it.
I think what’s driving this frenzy is that Bruce approached this whole issue as a BOSS/EMPLOYEE relationship. While I understand his view, I, and it seems many others cannot swallow it. We are all *servants* of Christ - yes, someone has to be the head servant in individual churches, but the word “boss” puts a negative connotation to it. The church is becoming sooooo secular oriented in scope, management and practice that it seems that we now treat church as “work” rather than ministry. Calling the senior pastor the “boss” just makes it all that more secular in many minds (or at least in mine). I think that’s what’s causing the rub here - the perceived view of the boss/employee relationship v/s the fellow-workers in Christ (Ro 16:3) view.
Larry on Thu, April 07, 2005
Todd,
Maybe I can help. I was taught in counseling that when someone responds overly emotionally to an issue that something else is going on inside the person. In other words, there is another issue from the past that causes us to view life, experiences, and words of others from a slanted perspective. Past experiences dictate our emotional responses today. They color our thinking. We hide it in terms of “the Bible says”, or some other way that makes it seem Christ-like. But when it comes down to it, its just me responding out of the depths of my past hurts and experiences and trying to protect myself from being hurt again. I try and view my responses to my staff and my church to understand why I respond and say the things I do.
By the way, Todd, thanks for the articles. I enjoy them and often share them with my staff for us to discuss at our staff meetings.
Larry
Todd Rhoades on Thu, April 07, 2005
Bernie,
When you say things like “You have a compulsive disorder” and “Someone has to tell you that you have a disorder” those are personal attacks and judgemental. There is a fine line between ‘opinion’ and ‘personal attack’ and I think you crossed the line.
I’m sure Bruce is a big boy, but he doesn’t deserve to have his character assasined here. We’ve never met him, never served with him, and above all, don’t know his heart.
Again, critique and opinion are one thing… and in my opinion you crossed the line, Bernie… unfortunately, I’m the BOSS of this blog (he said smiling) and I’m the one who creates the line. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
Thanks to everyone for your discussion… let’s just keep it on principles and away from personalities and personal attack.
Todd
Daniel Zepeda on Thu, April 07, 2005
David in his last post in my opinion really sums it up. Good job David.
The problem with any article is that it is interpreted by individual readers who may or may not understand the intent of the article especially when improper terminology or bad choice of words are used that can be interpreted outside the intent of the article’s purpose. Although true that we never met the writer, one can discern from the words that are written that the author may have a compulsive disorder in describing his pet peeves. This condition may or may not be true but only perceived by the reader and perception to the general reader is truth. When in reality the only thing that the author wanted to do was express that it is a good thing to communicate openly and define boundaries to fellow laborers in the Lord to ensure their prosperity.
Todd Rhoades on Thu, April 07, 2005
Thanks, David, Larry and Daniel… I understand how this works, and it does make sense. It’s just interesting to me to read the comments of pastors who are so quick to criticize and attack other pastors who they feel are criticizing and attacking others. It’s like a giant lovefest. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
And we spread a lot of love around here at the MMI blog at times. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif
Todd
Jade on Thu, April 07, 2005
Todd and Bruce,
In no way did I mean to personally attack anyone. If I did that in anyway I truly am sorry. Although I disagree with the language of this I believe in the heart of what you are doing. Bruce I am sure God is using you to do great things for His Kingdom and I believe you probably are a great Shepherd.
Todd sorry if I added to the frustration, however I enjoyed the process of talking this out with you all.
I really do enjoy this blog. Thanks for putting up with me.
With all respect
bernie on Sat, April 09, 2005
Todd,
My background is that I’m taking some seminary classes, and these are relevant issues. I’ve had a class in “Leadership,” and currently finishing one up in “Church Ministry and Management.” In class, there are lots of discussions on this topic. I’ve also worked in the computer engineering industry for 21 years.
One of the learning points is that Jesus is our role-model; leadership is opposite for the church than it is for the world. The world loves to “Lord it over others.” Jesus said the opposite: the greatest is the servant of all. The idea is of Senior Pastor being a nurturer, not a Lord. (See Mark 10:42-43)
It bothers me that someone is writing about leadership principles, but is advancing faulty teaching.
Fault 1: Identifying straightening chairs as a “excellence” issue, when it’s not (simply a pet peeve, at best).
Fault 2: Forcing it because “He’s the boss.”
Who will tell him that it’s simply a pet peeve, at best, or a obsessive-compulsive disorder, at worst? (See this for the disorder: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive ). His employees can’t; they’d get fired for insubordination. He’s made it clear this is a non-negotiable rule for business.
Outsiders (from his organization) are the only ones who can tell him. He’s writing a public blog, so he should expect public responses. Does he want only positive responses (same with you?)? That’s up to you, as the blog owner. Most blog owners have rules, and delete or ban those posters they don’t appreciate. Most are conservative (no bad posting) but some are totally open—it’s up to the blog owner.
I’m sorry that I hurt Bruce’s feelings. When a Dr. tells a patient that they have cancer, it also hurts… but then the patient has a chance to do something about it. I believe Bruce needs to fix his broken (sick) leadership ideas about straight chairs and apparent use of “authority” to enforce things.
I may be wrong, but it’s my opinion that he has a disorder that he needs to deal with… just my opinion. If that makes me “judgmental,” does it also make others “judgmental” who disagree with me?
I think it’s important to say something when one see an error, being put forth as a good principle. Otherwise, we would be doing a disservice by propagating bad teaching.
...Bernie
http://www.FreeGoodNews.com
Former Secretary on Mon, April 11, 2005
Language and lists aside, there is much more to this subject than what we call one another and what we want.
Simply put, everyone is under some type of authority good or bad. Hopefully those that want to follow Christ’s example will lead fitting to the pattern He modeled for us.
I understand that communication is an essential part of every relationship and am not discounting its importantance. I feel there are additional means that those in authority can use to effectively communicate to those they are responsible to oversee.
INSPIRE them to follow your example - lead by example. If they are “plugged in” they will take notice and follow suit. Make sure eveyone sees you doing the things you’d like them to do.
If it fails, CHALLENGE them to take a step up and encourage them in the process as you are doing it together. They need to see why it is important and why it makes a difference. Good leaders always bring out the best in the people they rub up against daily.
Yes, there will still be times when someone misses the boat . . . that’s when we bring out the best tool - LOVE. Scripture tells us that love covers a multitude of sins. Though different preferences and work styles are not sins, they sure can make life miserable for one another. If we can cover one anothers sins, we can surely ask God for grace to cover one another’s annoying behaviors for a bit more before letting things “get under our skin”. “Prefer one another” would be the word of the day. Just look at all the annoying things Jesus put up with when traveling around with his disciples.
Finally, yes, there may come a time to deal directly with behaviors that continue to be a reoccuring problem. Change is a necessary part of growth and sometimes it isn’t always pleasant but ultimately it is for our good. No one said it would ever be easy.
Leading and being lead are heart issues. Those that must give an account for how they handle others know how important it is that they “love and grow” people from glory to glory daily into the image of Christ. Yes, we might have a list of preferences but in the end we must live out our faith by “preferring.”
Thanks for the subject posts. They keep us all “sharpened” in the Kingdom of God.
ADB on Tue, October 07, 2008
Bernie,
Taking care of a church building and keeping things organized from day to day requires the people who use the rooms to practice the art of straightening chairs. We have so many groups using our small church building that it is indeed an excellence issue. Bernie, I am the pastor, I am the one whom the congregation hold accountable if things are a mess here. So I also have a personal “disorder” that I too require rooms to be cleaned and straightened when people are done using them. I even and more anal…. I have pictures posted above the light switch that shows what order the room is to be set back up in.
Church buildings full of clutter and disorganized are visual turn offs to first time visitors.
So straightening chairs is a matter of excellence and in fact straightening chairs is a biblical issue! its called good stewardship of what God has entrusted to your care.
Sorry if that offends… but to be effective in ministry and work for Jesus with excellence the chairs must be straightened! Its a non negotiable.
ADB
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