In today’s episode John and Jim welcome Craig Owens to the mic. Craig is a pastor, a consultant, and author of the book, Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics that really matter. Pod 153 explores how our strengths can become our kryptonite if we’re not careful.

Here are the show notes:

1. Craig, you’ve written a book entitled Shepherd Leadership: The Metrics That Really Matter. What led you to write the book?
   • Some pastors when they resign their church end up resigning their credential too. And I wanted to know . . . why?
   • I like the idea of a shepherd leader – one who creates the environment where sheep can reproduce other sheep.
   • When churches focus on health—they increase the probability of reaching their full potential as an organization.
   • It’s harder to measure qualitative growth than quantitative growth. That’s why some leader’s default to quantitative measures.
   • Lag metrics vs. lead metrics.
2. In Chapter 4 of Craig’s book, he introduces the idea of a balancing act for leaders – specifically around the adjustments confident leaders need to make
   • How can our areas of strength unwittingly become areas of self-imposed weakness?
     • We operate in our areas of strength often without being consciously aware of it. The danger is I can go to that strength without asking God if we should “go there.” Without relying on Him.
   • What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping confident leaders develop humility?
     • Psalm 139 – The Holy Spirit searches us, especially our internal life
     • God knows the strengths and weaknesses I have. Submitting our strengths to Him and being open to God’s perspective helps confident leaders develop humility.
   • What role does self-awareness play?
     • Growth here is critical to the development of humility.
     • Self-awareness is an ongoing, lifelong journey.
     • Pay attention to repeated messages.
     • Ensure assessments you take become windows of insight rather than labels. Or excuses for immaturity.

Link to Craig’s book