Hey friends, several years ago Velvet Ashes launched Connection Groups, online small groups for women on the field to connect on a weekly basis. We could only have as many Connection Groups (CGs) as we had facilitators and wanted to find a way to support them as the “leader” of their group, so every Wednesday I posted something related to leadership in the facilitator’s Facebook group. 

The response from the facilitators was surprising.

They loved it. I knew they would like it because who doesn’t appreciate being noticed, encouraged, and equipped a bit more. But love? That surprised me and became the kernel for these Skill Building Thursdays.

As Christians where an aspect of “faith” is our “job,” over time we can drift into a transactional relationship with God—reading the Bible in preparation for a talk, or study, or a lesson. That’s why on Tuesdays we intentionally talk about and practice our own soul care. But the women’s response to aspects of leadership, be it lessons I’ve learned, tips, or a place to ask questions highlighted our need to be learning and practicing skills as well. 

One year I used The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni as the foundation of the “Leading Wednesdays” material. I am drawn to the book (and return to it again and again) because I love the subtitle: why organizational health trumps everything else in business—or Connection Groups or your ministry or team or family.

Isn’t that encouraging? It’s not how many years you have been on the field, what degree you have, or a personality type. Instead, the advantage is health . . . and my souls sighs a satisfied “yes!”

Of course, an organization needs to have people filling roles that they are competent in, but the advantage is not to fill positions with experts. 

If you had to choose between experts who are not great team players or are unkind OR someone who is competent and healthy, go with competent every time.

Part of health is “minimal confusion.” When Velvet Ashes has a new session of CGs in the fall or spring, for many of the participants, it is the first group they have joined and they want to be sure they “did it right”—that they actually signed up and are in a group. So, we told the facilitators that a short welcoming email will suffice to minimize confusion and shared a few sample emails in the comments.  

Nothing can create more frustration than wasted time and energy, that results in confusion that was avoidable.

As you look at your life on the field, what is one area you could help have minimal confusion this week?

—With your kids?

—With a team meeting?

—With your supporters? (Do they know what you want them to do at the end of a newsletter? Do you want them to pray for a need? Financially support?)

—With a teammate?

As you read that list, I trust the Holy Spirit nudged you. 

Reflecting on the last week, is there a situation or conversation that you were confused? 

As an exercise of looking below the surface, what do you think was the root of the confusion? How could confusion have been reduced?

Where in your life might you be causing confusion? What could you do today to become a slightly healthier spouse, parent, teammate, coworker, or friend by minimizing confusion?

P.S. This is the first in a series on ways to practically grow in health.

Photo by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash