I’ve been asking myself, “From a leadership standpoint, why did it go so well?” “What were some key ingredients in the mix that made it all come together?” Here are some of my answers. I’ve tried to order them so that the ones I consider most important are near the top.
- It was a request that we accepted together. I asked several key leaders if they thought it was a good idea before we said we would accept the challenge. So key leaders were on board from the start.
- It was a big enough challenge to stretch us. Everyone knew when I told them the level of people that were coming and the number coming that it would tax our facility and that it was not something that a couple people could get ready for.
- We started planning many weeks ahead. We appointed key leaders in charge of various areas so that preparations were not up to me. One would be in charge of facility repairs; another in charge of the kitchen; another in charge of the worship music; another sound; etc. I was left simply to keep my mind on the big picture, check up on progress, and to watch for additional details not already attended to.
- I am more of a big picture, people person, and a directional leader. Many of the people I appointed to lead right under me in this project were detail people. This provides a great balance for me.
- I was willing to use this occasion to challenge the congregation to prepare on a level that we sometimes do not prepare for ourselves—especially as regards facility maintenance updates. I treated it like we might treat it at our homes when important family company is coming. We clean house; we finish some minor repairs we’ve been putting off, and we might even upgrade a couple things. This created a culture of rising to the occasion.
- I persevered in keeping the congregation on task by keeping the focus on the event that was coming, by gently reminding leaders when necessary, and by doing some personal recruiting to handle leftover details.
- I was able to realize when I was being overwhelmed with some small details and ask for more help in that area. For example, my office needed reorganization and cleaning. I was too busy. My wife stepped in and helped.
On even cursory reflection, it will quickly become obvious that these all are general guidelines that will be relevant and helpful in handling almost any organizational project.