Striking a balance between getting things done and investing in the people you lead is always a challenge. It’s always both/and, not either/or. If you’re a people-person, you also need to get things done. If you’re are a get-things-done person you need to pay attention to the people you are charged with leading. Both are essential. Eric Geiger addresses this issue today.
Guest Post by Eric Geiger
David Packard, one of the founders of Hewlett-Packard, is credited with coining the acronym MBWA and the accompanying phrase “management by walking around.” It’s a phrase I have read in multiple leadership books to encourage leaders to be present among their teams to build relationships, continually share direction and vision, and increase accountability through visibility—all great things.
But…
Ministry leaders, you have heard it said that “management by walking around” is a good rhythm and practice, but I say to you, “‘ministry by walking around” is a much better one.
A few thoughts:
You have to walk around.
I get the desire to rest in the office or another room between services or before you preach, teach, or lead a large gathering—as one untimely conversation can shake your focus. But the time with people on the patio or in the foyer is so important. In those moments you can pray for, encourage, and relationally connect with the people you are shepherding. Shepherds smell like sheep, so get out of the green rooms, back rooms, and offices.
The goal is the people.
The rhythm is the same—the walking around. But the goal is different—ministry to people over management of tasks. “Management by walking around” can drift into looking for a problem to solve; “ministry by walking around” becomes looking for a person to shepherd.
Ministry over management, but don’t neglect the former.
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders in His day for focusing on details of the law, such as tithing their spices, and forgetting the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. But He did say, “You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matthew 23:23) Jesus was speaking about the heart of God’s law, a much weightier and more important discussion than the management or ministry by walking around. The principle to focus on the most important, without forgetting the less important (but albeit still important) can be applied.
There is still a time to focus on managing and stewarding resources and opportunities. The details surrounding how a room is set up to be hospitable, parking flow, order of a worship service, background checks for volunteers, follow-up processes, and a host of other examples are still important. It is unfaithful stewardship to say, “I just focus on people” and then neglect systems designed for the people. Management of processes, facilities, and details can be, and should be, for the people too. So, while “management by walking around” must be less important than “ministry by walking around,” don’t neglect the former. In reality, ministry by walking around helps you better connect the strategic nuts and bolts to the shepherding.
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