In our current political debates, a number of candidates are pressing the need for “experience” before unpacking your suitcases at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Frankly, I doubt if anyone is totally ready to handle the unique leadership challenges awaiting the most geopolitically powerful person in the world. But that’s a whole other topic…

Dr. Whitesel stresses that there’s a less painful approach to church leadership than “learning on the job”. He encourages pastors and leaders to take advantage of coaches: people who have studied and researched healthy churches as well as practitioners who have “been there, done it, and have the t-shirt.” Repeating leadership and management mistakes may be the result of simply not being aware of alternative ideas, strategies or potential potholes. Take the time to find someone outside of the organization who has experience with the very roadblocks you’re struggling with.

Beyond consulting…

The old maxim, “Experience is the best teacher, but the tuition is high,” doesn’t always have to be the case. Some difficulties can definitely be avoided by simply having a trusted guide.