I was coaching a pastor trying to help a church grow again. The previous pastor left town after a series of bad decisions – some decisions the church is still finding out about each new day.
I was happy to help the new pastor, but I also had concern was for the pastor who flamed out too early. He didn’t finish well, left the church in a state of disarray, and is now struggling to recover.
Sadly, I see it all the time. From the stories I heard, I suspect this former pastor suffered from the same temptation any pastor faces. His number one problem, in my opinion, wasn’t a lack of leadership ability. He was leading in isolation.
He had no one on the inside of his life who knew him well enough to know when something was wrong and could confront him when necessary.
There are so many clear dangers in leading in isolation.
7 dangers of leading in isolation:
Moral failure
Without accountability in place, many of us will make bad decisions, because no one appears to be looking. We are more susceptible to temptation when we are alone.
Burnout
We are made for community. There is an energy we gain from sharing life with other people. When the leader feels he or she is alone the likelihood of burning out, emotional stress and even depression increases. (If this is you, read THIS POST.)
Leadership Vacuum
The leader is clueless to the real problems in the organization and is fooled into believing everything (including the leader) is wonderful.
Control Freak
The leader panics when others question him or her. He or she tries to control every decision. They don’t want to be found out for not knowing all the answers.
Limits other people
The leader in isolation fails to communicate, invest, and release, which keeps other leaders from developing on the team. And, therefore, the organization isn’t prepared when the leader does exit.
Limits leader
The isolated leader never reaches his or her full potential as a leader, because they shut out influences, which would actually help them grow.
Limits the organization
In the end, the leader who leads in isolation keeps the organization from being all it can be. The leader sets the bar of how far an organization can go. If the leader is in isolation the organization will stifle.
Leader, are you living in isolation? Be honest.
Do you need to get out of the protective shell you’ve made for yourself?
The health and future success of your organization depends on it.
(I realize many pastors of smaller or rural churches feel they have no option, but to lead in isolation. But as hard as it may seem, and as great as the risk may appear, you must find a few people to share your struggles. I also have a reasonably-priced coaching offer. Let me know if you want more details.)
