Tag: leadership

This is How I Work

Kathie Phillips 2 Comments

Late last year, my friend Trevor Lee and I spoke about me being included in his “How I Work” blog series, which is dedicated to sharing the tools, technology, wisdom and resources ministry leaders use to lead.  Something about this was intriguing but I was very apprehensive.  So apprehensive that I told Trevor – and this is an exact quote – “If you need an average, run-of-the-mill kidmin leader, let me know.”  His response – “Average…LOL!  Seriously, is there such a thing as an ‘average’ kidmin?”  

So, I decided to do it.  Trevor and I have connected on social media but it wasn’t until last week that we made a face-to-face connection (virtually – gotta love technology!)  I even had a chance to meet his lovely wife.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to get a peek into the life of an average kidmin leader, today’s your lucky day.  You can learn more about how I work by jumping over to Trevor’s blog and reading all about it.

Thanks, Trevor, for a great conversation and for nudging me out of my comfort zone!

 

Own Your Mistakes

Kathie Phillips 1 Comment

Last week, I received an email from Target’s CEO regarding the store’s recent data breach. The email contained an apology for the incident and steps the company was taking to be proactive in remedying the situation.

No one in a leadership position is perfect.  We all make mistakes.  The real test comes when things go wrong.  Will you own the mistake and take steps to correcting the situation or will you sweep it under the rug, pretending that nothing happened or – gasp – passing the blame onto someone else?

In my opinion, smart leaders:

  • listen intently before speaking
  • take ownership for any wrongdoing
  • ask for forgiveness
  • work to find a solution to make things right
  • listen some more

Doing these things will not only make you a stronger leader but you will gain and keep the trust of those you lead.

What would you add to the list? What else can leaders do to remedy situations gone wrong?

Monday Rewind: My Favorite Online Reads (Week of July 29, 2013)

Kathie Phillips

Last Week’s Favorite Online Reads

Here’s a sampling of some of the online reads I enjoyed the week of July 29th:

{PARENTING}

Grace or Truth – Which Parent Are You? by Carey Nieuwhof

{SOUL CARE}

Liking Myself – Mind, Body, and Soul by Carla Foote

{MINISTRY/LEADERSHIP}

16 Ways to Lose the Trust of Your Volunteers (And How to Avoid it) by Dale Hudson

5 Ways to Lead Leaders by Greg Baird

3 Practices to Beat Busy-ness by Greg Baird

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I hope you enjoy reading these articles as much as I did.

Did you read something this week that inspired or encouraged you? Share it with me so I might check it out, too!

Summer Lovin’: 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Fall

Kathie Phillips

The following post is part of a series of summer-related posts.  

Today, we’ll look at gearing up for fall.

Fall is right around the corner and we have to be ready!  Prepare now by keeping the following tips in mind:

1. Pray for wisdom and God’s direction as you gear up for the new ministry year.

2. Assemble a Leadership Team to do ministry with.  Look for people who are invested in Children’s Ministry and share your passion for reaching the next generation and their families.

3. Evaluate your curriculum.  Does it align with your core values?  Is it easy for volunteers to use?  Is there a parent component that is effective in bridging home and church?  Are you seeing desired results?

4. Recruit and train volunteers.  Plan exciting ways to draw people into your ministry and get them prepared to serve.

5. Plan your year as much as you can in advance by plugging events and programming dates onto your church calendar.  Of course, dates may change but having a yearly outlook will prove to be very helpful.

6. Declutter and reorganize supply closets, classroom cabinets, storage areas, files and work spaces.  Also, look around to see if areas might need a fresh coat of paint, new rugs, signage or window treatments.

7. Re-stock supplies.  During the summer when back-to-school sales get underway, supplies such as paper, pencils, scissors, crayons, and glue are very affordable.

8. Order new curriculum and distribute to teachers.

9. If you haven’t done so already, consider joining a network of kidmin leaders in your area or starting one of your own if none exists.  Having a support system with like-minded folks is essential.

10. Take advantage of ways to continue educating yourself.  Attend conferences or workshop to keep your finger on the pulse of the kidmin world.  Subscribe to blogs, e-newsletters, and magazines.  (I highly recommend Children’s Ministry Magazine and K! Magazine.)  Peruse kidmin networks and discussion forums (I highly recommend CM Connect and Kidology.)

How are you preparing for fall?  Do you have a tip to share?  Share in the space below.