The Impact of a Great Manager

It’s amazing how the right manager can change your perspective on things.

I was fortunate enough to connect with such a manager. When I first joined my team at my current company, there were a number of things that needed to be improved, morale was low, and no one wanted to take ownership of fixing the issues. The two managers that previously attempted to take on this herculean task of improving the team either transitioned to another team or flat out quit! As a newcomer I quickly recognized the issues that plagued the team and wanted to do something about it, but it seemed that everyone was content to leave things as they were. Some cited that the issues were too challenging, while others felt that improving things too much would actually threaten their job security (as explained in this post)!

So when my manager came in talking about fixing things and in his words, “having fun”, he was met with raised eyebrows and eye rolls. I mean, we all heard it before, and things were still the same. However, through determination, a plan, and the empowerment of his employees, he was able to make his mark on the team and the organization.

What I took most from his management style was that I don’t have to accept things as they are. Even though I was still relatively fresh, I realized I was starting to adopt that same mentality of defeat. The problem was too widespread, so why even try? Let me just collect my paycheck and go home. However, by making even a small impact and with the right group of people, positive things will happen.

Now, I’m applying this same approach to my music ministry. The horn section has seen the same problems as my work team (inefficiency, low morale, and lack of clear direction) which is causing our instrumentalists to scale their participation back or leave altogether. In an effort to make the music ministry more enjoyable and achieve a level of excellence, I’m refusing to ignore these issues any longer. So far I’ve taken the following steps:

1. Held a meeting with the music minister alerting him of my intent to improve the music ministry

2. Asked the horn section to write down all of our concerns and issues about the music ministry and compiled our collective thoughts into a single document

3. Met together and discussed how we can alleviate our concerns as well as how to get our leadership involved

Sometimes, you need to be proactive in order to see positive change in your life. It’s challenging, but the things that are worth it in life always are. I know that these steps will make our ministry better and if you apply the same steps, you’ll see similar success as well.