EC-12 Leadership Podcast
128 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingFive to ten minute reflections and explorations of leadership topics most relevant to leaders of Lutheran educational ministries. The concepts and insights covered in these brief episodes will highlight new thoughts for your professional development, while reinforcing and reminding you of truisms you never want to lose touch with, to be the leader you've been created to be! Brought to you as a service and support from the EC-12 Education Services Department of the Northwest District - LCMS.
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Episodes
Episode 21: Managing Staff Politics
June 21, 2024 00:00 - 6 minutes - 9.07 MBThe people we work with are far from perfect, just as we each have our flaws. Today we focus on steps a leader should take to keep the team focused in positive directions rather than descending towards more self-serving and sinful directions. Which WILL happen, even at a Christian school! Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others y...
Episode 20: Who Do You Turn To?
April 16, 2024 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBI can't pretend otherwise, sometimes being the leader isn't much fun. When that happens to you, it's important you don't isolate or silo. You need to talk to the right people. Let's talk about preparing for such a need. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podc...
Episode 19: Perspective Matters
December 21, 2023 00:00 - 7 minutes - 9.99 MBYou will never be able to please everyone when you are making decisions. However, there is wisdom in anticipating what problems might result from your choices. Let's consider this, particularly with the help of a true story. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast e...
Episode 18: Courage for All Conditions
December 11, 2023 00:00 - 4 minutes - 6.86 MBNo one goes into leadership because it's the simpler, easier path. Leadership is hard, and sometimes downright scary. Today we talk about the way courage is truly needed from a leader to help their school ministries move through challenging times so that they may thrive. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! H...
Episode 17: Not So Great to be TOO Needed
September 12, 2023 00:00 - 5 minutes - 7.2 MBWe all enjoy feeling needed. However, as a leader, there is definitely such a thing as being TOO needed. Let's talk about the traps leaders should avoid, and what to do to empower those we lead. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email id...
Episode 16: Your Leadership: Renewable Resource, or Fossil Fuel?
August 21, 2023 00:00 - 9 minutes - 12.7 MBLeaders often undervalue their own importance. I know, I know - we are warned more often about being overconfident or slipping towards arrogance, the the push against that swings easily the other direction. We take servant leadership to an extreme, and do far more than we should, easily using up our reserves and burning out. That's criminal, as leaders are too rare to waste. Here's some thoughts regarding sustainability for leadership, changes you may want to consider. Help me spr...
Episode 15: Sometimes It's Them, Not You
August 04, 2023 00:00 - 7 minutes - 11.1 MBDoesn't matter how skillfully you lead, communicate, and interact with others, sometimes things don't work out. It takes TWO for relationships to be successful. This episode reminds leaders to recognize that you should always do what you can, but not beat yourself up when things fail. Sometimes, it's truly NOT your fault. Be sure to honestly evaluate circumstances, so that you recognize when you need to change vs. when it's just how it's going be because of the other person. Help m...
Episode 14: Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind
July 10, 2023 00:00 - 6 minutes - 9.58 MBYes, leaders need to be confident in their decisions, and giving off an air of indecisiveness can damage people's opinion of your leadership. But so will bad decisions, and a stubbornness about shifting your direction when new data comes to light. Let's give this some consideration in this episode. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others ...
Episode 13: Never Ignore the Danger Signs, Pt. 2
June 19, 2023 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBThere are risks you take, and risks you shouldn't. As a leader, you need to pay attention to the changing landscape around you, to best determine when to move forward, and when to stop and adjust. Here's another example of such consideration. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Le...
Episode 12: Never Ignore the Danger Signs, Pt. 1
June 06, 2023 00:00 - 6 minutes - 9.03 MBLeaders help keep the team on mission, and watch for pitfalls that could derail them. At least, that how it's supposed to work, but leaders are human too, and can fall prey to "ostrich disease." Let's talk about this. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes...
Episode 11: Character vs. Reputation
March 06, 2023 00:00 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MBTwo different terms, somewhat related but not quite the same. In this episode I discuss their relation, and how each impacts your leadership effectiveness, as well as what you should be sensitive to in this regard. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? L...
Episode 10: The Need for Documentation
February 21, 2023 00:00 - 6 minutes - 8.79 MBDocumentation has a negative connotation, but honestly, that's simply because most leaders are using it wrongly. I'll give you a fresh perspective and a suggestion to add to your leadership practices here in this episode. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast epis...
Episode 9: Standing Your Ground on the Wrong Ground
February 07, 2023 00:00 - 4 minutes - 6.76 MBLeaders need to be confident, ready to defend their positions. But what about when your position is wrong? Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email ideas to [email protected].
Episode 8: The Power of the Door
January 09, 2023 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MBHaving an "open door policy" is important, right? Oh, the trouble that phrase has caused. Let's explore this a bit today. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email ideas to [email protected].
Episode 7: The Need for Professional Development
December 12, 2022 00:00 - 8 minutes - 12.4 MBIt's been a busy couple of months, including time filled by running and then attending professional development - so that's the topic I'm turning to here. Professional development is critical! Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email idea...
Episode 6: Upgrading Your Bus Passengers, Part 2
October 03, 2022 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBContinuing with the analogy and theme of our previous episode, this time we explore how to help people gracefully "exit the bus" when it turns out that, despite your efforts, they aren't proving to be a good fit for the team and the needs of your school ministry. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have sugg...
Episode 5: Upgrading Your Bus Passengers Pt. 1
September 20, 2022 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBIn his book Good to Great, Jim Collins introduced me to the the concept of viewing your professional team as the people riding your bus. To be effective in proceeding in the direction you're headed, you need the right people on the bus. That's not always what you have when you move into a leadership position. Here, we start talking about ways leaders can work through this sort of circumstance to arrive at a better arrangement. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on...
Episode 4: Giving Feedback That Works
September 06, 2022 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MBProviding effective feedback is a critical aspect of leadership. Providing feedback is a leadership aspect about which many leaders lack ease, some because they've truly botched it in the past. Let's explore how to be effective with feedback in this episode. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestio...
Episode 3: Stop Working So Hard
August 22, 2022 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBLeadership is hard work. That's a given. Yet some leaders regularly make decisions that make the job even more difficult and time consuming, and at the same time less effective. In this episode, we'll discuss pitfalls to avoid, and behaviors you should stop if you truly want to thrive long-term as a leader. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with...
Episode 2: Avoiding Drain
August 08, 2022 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MBWorking with people can be complex. Adults can have just as much difficulty playing nice together as preschoolers. It's a leader's responsibility to remain sensitive to the climate, and to step in and help when things turn towards the toxic. Let's discuss. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions...
Episode 1: The Best Leaders Utilize the Help of Others
July 26, 2022 00:00 - 5 minutes - 8.04 MBSure, you are a capable, effective individual. That's part of how you ended up in leadership. But producing as an island, needing no one else, is NOT what leadership is about. Let's explore. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email ideas ...
Episode 40: Connecting Your Cart to the Right Horse
July 11, 2022 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBWhat is driving you? What do people see in our leadership? Is it helping convey what you'd hope? Perhaps you need to hitch your leadership wagon to something new. Let's explore.
Episode 39: The Intentional Extrovert
June 27, 2022 00:00 - 6 minutes - 8.83 MBExtroverted. Introverted. Which are you? How does it impact your leadership? Let's dig into these concepts just a bit today. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email ideas to [email protected].
Episode 38: The Gift of Encouragement
June 06, 2022 00:00 - 6 minutes - 8.56 MBHow often do you intentionally encourage those around you? You have a real opportunity to make a difference with some well placed words. Let's talk about some ways to encourage the different people in your circle of influence. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast...
Episode 37: Someone Has to Do It
April 04, 2022 00:00 - 5 minutes - 7.63 MBThe person driving the bus gets to make the decisions. Are you ready for that? Are you willing? Let's talk about this! Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email ideas to [email protected].
Episode 36: Giving Trust Wisely
December 21, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 9.27 MBHow do you trust, as a leader? Are you too trusting? Too hesitant to trust? Is trust even needed? Let's explore! Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email ideas to [email protected].
Episode 35: Reining in the Ego
November 19, 2021 00:00 - 6 minutes - 8.73 MBLeaders need to be confident, to believe in themselves. Can you be too confident? How can you tell? What can you do? This is our conversation. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know. Email ideas to [email protected].
Episode 34: Fixing Proactively
November 13, 2021 00:00 - 5 minutes - 8.01 MBStuff happens. And when it does, it's got to be addressed. You can't just let problems sit there, ignored - they can grow and grow, even bring your ministry down! But HOW you address them makes a world of difference, to avoid letting such urgent issues become all-consuming. Let's explore... Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think...
Episode 33: I Just Can't Take It Anymore
October 04, 2021 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MBWhat does it mean when the stress feels too great, when you think you may not be able to continue? It can happen to any leader. Let's talk about what this can mean, and what you can do to move through this while remaining a successful leader. Help me spread the word of this Podcast by rating it on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcast content. Consider writing a review. And feel free to share this with others you think might benefit! Have suggestions for future Le...
Episode 32: What Can I Learn From You?
September 20, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 9.93 MBThe best leaders are the ones who recognize there is always more to know, more to learn, and seem constantly on the search for new opportunities to gain knowledge. This is particularly true in watching for what others around them can teach them. Let's explore this! Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leaders ...
Episode 31: Meaningful Leadership
September 07, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MBLeaders have quite a bit of autonomy, able to choose where to direct their efforts to lead well. In this episode we'll reflect on how to choose wisely, avoiding actions that are a waste of your leadership time and energy. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leaders about the podcast! Have any suggestions ...
Episode 30: Empower Without Faking It
August 23, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBLetting the members of your team innovate and use their own judgement sounds great, but many leaders struggle with the nuance of this. They want to empower others, but they find they can't let go, for what seems like powerfully relevant reasons. We explore the struggle in this episode, as well as reasons to do better. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of hel...
Episode 29: Navigating the Chaos of the Uncontrollable
August 13, 2021 00:00 - 59 minutes - 10.5 MBThis should come as no surprise. You are not in control. But still, you're the one everyone looks to to take care of things! How do you manage this well? How do you meet expectations, and keep things positive, when there are challenges around every corner and no way to satisfy everyone (sometimes it feels like anyone). Let's consider, shall we? Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcas...
Episode 28: The Ups and Downs of Procrastination
July 26, 2021 00:00 - 6 minutes - 9.1 MBBelieve it or not, there is a time when procrastinating may be a useful thing. Not often, mind you, but it has its place. This concept gets explored in this episode. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leaders about the podcast! Have any suggestions for future Leadership Podcast episodes? Let me know! Ema...
Episode 27: Bad Need Not Be THAT Bad
June 28, 2021 22:13 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBChallenging times are coming. Every leader and organization deals with such times. Are you going to help your team take things on the best way possible, or are you going to made the problems feel even heavier? Let explore this. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leaders about the podcast! Have any sugg...
Episode 47: Bad Need Not Be THAT Bad
June 28, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBChallenging times are coming. Every leader and organization deals with such times. Are you going to help your team take things on the best way possible, or are you going to made the problems feel even heavier? Let explore this. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leaders about the podcast! Have any suggestions ...
Episode 26: Accreditation - Why Bother?
June 11, 2021 22:04 - 6 minutes - 9.65 MBWe're going to get a little more nitty-gritty today, talking about school accreditation. Why is it important? Should the leader be advocating for this for the school, whether for the first time or for maintaining it? How can a leader use accreditation most powerfully to benefit the school ministry? I've got a couple of things to share! Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And i...
Episode 46: Accreditation - Why Bother?
June 11, 2021 00:00 - 6 minutes - 9.65 MBWe're going to get a little more nitty-gritty today, talking about school accreditation. Why is it important? Should the leader be advocating for this for the school, whether for the first time or for maintaining it? How can a leader use accreditation most powerfully to benefit the school ministry? I've got a couple of things to share! Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I'v...
Episode 25: Achieving and Succeeding are Not the Same
June 01, 2021 16:11 - 6 minutes - 9.24 MBAchieving and succeeding. Those words seem fairly synonymous to many people, but to be effective in leadership, you need to know the difference. Let's spend some time in this episode exploring the application of these concepts, to add value to how you lead your team. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leade...
Episode 45: Achieving and Succeeding are Not the Same
June 01, 2021 00:00 - 6 minutes - 9.24 MBAchieving and succeeding. Those words seem fairly synonymous to many people, but to be effective in leadership, you need to know the difference. Let's spend some time in this episode exploring the application of these concepts, to add value to how you lead your team. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leaders ab...
Episode 24: Taking Care of Your Teachers
May 17, 2021 17:57 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBAs a Christian school, our greatest ministry asset is our abundant and providential God. Second to Him, I'd put teachers at the next level of importance. Great teachers are a gift from God to the impact of our school ministries, and when you have the right teachers, they need to be cared for and supported in ways that sustains their service. Join guest Mike Schiemann and me as we discuss practical points for caring for the teachers God has entrusted to you as a school ministry leade...
Episode 44: Taking Care of Your Teachers
May 17, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBAs a Christian school, our greatest ministry asset is our abundant and providential God. Second to Him, I'd put teachers at the next level of importance. Great teachers are a gift from God to the impact of our school ministries, and when you have the right teachers, they need to be cared for and supported in ways that sustains their service. Join guest Mike Schiemann and me as we discuss practical points for caring for the teachers God has entrusted to you as a school ministry leader. Tha...
Episode 23: Shifting to New Patterns
April 30, 2021 16:26 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBThere are many different leadership styles you may use in guiding your school ministry. The best leaders are careful not to get stuck in a rut. There will be times that how you've been successfully leading will no longer fit the circumstance. Great leaders learn to shift to the situation, at least to some degree. We'll explore this concept in our episode. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple...
Episode 43: Shifting to New Patterns
April 30, 2021 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBThere are many different leadership styles you may use in guiding your school ministry. The best leaders are careful not to get stuck in a rut. There will be times that how you've been successfully leading will no longer fit the circumstance. Great leaders learn to shift to the situation, at least to some degree. We'll explore this concept in our episode. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts...
Episode 22: It Just Takes Time
April 19, 2021 16:44 - 10 minutes - 14 MBNew leaders are eager and energetic to make an impact and bring change for the better. But rushing in to do so can be a recipe for disaster. People will only follow you so far on faith; you have necessary steps to take give people a reason to stay with you. We explore this here. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling othe...
Episode 42: It Just Takes Time
April 19, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 14 MBNew leaders are eager and energetic to make an impact and bring change for the better. But rushing in to do so can be a recipe for disaster. People will only follow you so far on faith; you have necessary steps to take give people a reason to stay with you. We explore this here. Thanks for listening! I hope you'll Subscribe! You can also help tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. And if I've been of help to you, share the goodness by telling other leaders...
Episode 21: Budgeting: Forecasting without a Crystal Ball
April 05, 2021 15:52 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MBSchool ministry leaders have a huge responsibility for the financial success and stability of their school. And that starts with the budget. But how can you create a great budget with so many unknown factors for the year ahead? Jim is joined by guest Mike Schiemann again to talk about this significant aspect of leadership in educational ministry. Have any thoughts on this episode? Or suggestions for future content? Email Jim at [email protected].
Episode 41: Budgeting- Forecasting without a Crystal Ball
April 05, 2021 00:00 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MBSchool ministry leaders have a huge responsibility for the financial success and stability of their school. And that starts with the budget. But how can you create a great budget with so many unknown factors for the year ahead? Jim is joined by guest Mike Schiemann again to talk about this significant aspect of leadership in educational ministry.
Episode 20: Self-Destructive Behaviors
March 22, 2021 16:15 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBWe spend a lot of time talking about what to do in order to be an effective leader. Today's let's spend some time paying attention to what we need to avoid, certain behaviors that will interfere with what you hope to achieve, things that will diminish your sustainability as a leader. Thanks for listening! If you haven't yet done so, I invite you to Subscribe! You can also help me out tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. If I've been of help to y...
Episode 40: Self-Destructive Behaviors
March 22, 2021 00:00 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBWe spend a lot of time talking about what to do in order to be an effective leader. Today's let's spend some time paying attention to what we need to avoid, certain behaviors that will interfere with what you hope to achieve, things that will diminish your sustainability as a leader. Thanks for listening! If you haven't yet done so, I invite you to Subscribe! You can also help me out tremendously by Rating and even Reviewing this podcast on Apple Podcasts. If I've been of help to you, that'...