Try This, Not That: Dealing with Difficult Leaders

People. Can\’t live with them. Can\’t run a ministry without them!

So, what’s a person to do when you have someone on your team that just doesn\’t gel well with you or maybe with others? What if it turns out you’re the problem?  Some things are out of your control, but there may be some things that you can do to help or maybe even prevent the situation.

 

Try This:

Find out what a person’s true gifts are and place him in a position where he\’ll feel comfortable and his talents will be used best.

Not That:

Knowing how hard it is to find teachers, just put him in any spot with a vacancy and be glad to have him! Deal with the problems later.

Try This:

Ask for advice from your team. Show them that you respect their experience and knowledge.

Not That:

Act like you know it all, even when you don\’t.  It’s important that you show everybody that you’re the expert. Deal with the problems later.

Try  This:

Speak one-on-one with the person that you’re having the problem with.  Maybe it’s just a lack of communication.

Not That:

Talk about it with other teachers on the team. Get everyone to take your side. Deal with the problems later.

Try This:

As the leader, know that the buck stops with you. When there’s a problem, take the responsibility – even when it might not have been your fault.  Always back up your team – then they\’ll always have your back!

Not That:

When a parent or someone else complains, be sure to point out that it was not your fault – you\’ve been trying to tell those teachers not to do that for months! Deal with the problems later.

Try This:

Jump in and help whenever necessary!

Not That:

Act like you don\’t hear all those babies crying or that you don\’t know that toilet is overflowing.  After all, you’re busy!  Let someone else deal with those problems!

Many times, it’s up to us to take the initiative in making a bad situation better. Always take the time to pray over your team – those you get along with and those who it’s a little harder to love.  Do all you can and leave the outcome up to God.

Blessings my friends!