There are a ton of studies out there that help us to understand more about ourselves. There is DISC, Myers-Briggs, Strengthfinders, a multitude of personality assessments, EQ assessments, and more. I am a sucker for these assessments as I am curious as to how I will test. Likewise, I love the idea of finding something out about myself that I could not previously articulate. These tests have helped to identify where I am strong as well as areas that need improvement. They communicate how I work under pressure and how I am viewed by others when under stress. These assessments are great when done with a team or family as they can show the greatest potential in working together.
Early on I always thought of myself as being people oriented rather than task oriented. I thought of myself as someone who cares about people, looks for opportunities to connect, and has their best interest in mind. Besides, shouldn't a pastor be people focused? However, I have come to accept the fact that I have a natural tendency to be more task oriented as I have taken these assessments, made general observations, and evaluated myself. I love hanging out, helping, and connecting people to what God is doing in our communities and around the world. However, I can get drained when I do not balance my "people" time with "alone" time. I receive my energy when I am locked away in my office with a white board to process, plan, and organize my tasks and responsibilities. I am re-energized when I am driving in my car by myself or going for a run. I need that time and space to reflect, process, and think through various issues.
Since I have a natural bent towards tasks consequently a natural byproduct can be alienating those working with me. I will average 5-7 meetings during the course of a week. These meetings are with individuals and ministry teams who I am working with or meeting for the first time. I don't necessarily like to have this many meetings each week, but it is important that I am meeting with people, updating my teams, and receiving input on projects. I have a natural tendency to move forward on projects without talking through with a team or not informing them of what we are doing. I also tend to take on tasks rather than delegate or share the responsibility and the project will take much longer to complete. Ultimately, the worse thing that can happen is that people's feelings can become hurt. Hurt feeling can happen on many different levels and can manifest in a variety of ways.
People do not forget when their feelings have been hurt. They may forgive, but not forget. They may decide to work with you again, but they will leave their guard up and not feel free to fully give themselves to the project or share their opinions and ideas. Regardless, if you are naturally bent towards task or people, don't forget its the people who drive the tasks and complete the projects. I encourage you to identify which side of the line you are on and understand the positives and negatives.
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