Ron Edmondson

AUGUST 14, 2023

Being a leader isn’t easy. With every decision a leader makes someone is happy – and someone is not. One often misunderstood reason leadership is challenging is the tensions in leading people. Every leader experiences some of these tensions – every single day. In fact, learning to balance the tensions of leadership may determine the level of success a leader can sustain.

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Learning-by-Doing Edmondson Conference Mentor 62

Ron Edmondson

JULY 25, 2023

I’ve learned by experience there is often one sign I am doing something good as a leader. It’s not fool proof. Thankfully it doesn’t happen every time because even though it may be a sign of good work it can be equally exhausting. In my experience, however, when this is present you could be on to something important. Good work, some of the best work, somehow seems to attract this signal.

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Ron Edmondson

JUNE 21, 2023

I speak with churches often who want to grow and they contact me wanting for suggestions. In my experience, there are often paradigms needed for church growth. I’ve learned it’s seldom a vision problem. The church actually has the clearest and best defined vision of anyone. We are to “Go and make disciples” Sometimes we fail to do those things which accomplish the vision.

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Energy Resistance Learning-by-Doing Creativity 60

Ron Edmondson

MAY 11, 2023

This is a tribute to the moms without children – of their own. I’ve posted this thought a number of times through the years, because I’m always sensitive to the “mothers” without children. You know the ones. For whatever reason, they never had children. Some never tried. Others never could. Some lost their child and maybe some gave them up for adoption.

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Edmondson Examples Leadership 78

Ron Edmondson

MAY 11, 2023

There are common things people do which make for a hard time fitting on a team. It’s a bad thing to be “odd person out ” by no choice of your own, but some people actually place themselves in the position by decisions they make and how they respond to others on the team. If unaddressed it can be dangerous for organizational health.

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Team Consensus Cooper Edmondson 63

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 28, 2023

What are some good prayers for a Christian leader? For the Christian leader, prayer should be critical to how we lead. I’m 59 and I’ve not mastered this yet – even though I know how powerful prayer is for the believer. Our leader, Jesus was always walking in prayer with the Father. Jesus said He did nothing except what the Father told Him to do.

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Edmondson Reputation Follow-up Planning 64

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 12, 2022

I’ve watched people in organizations – in government, business, nonprofits, and, sadly, far too often in the church — some leaders (people) simply stay too long. Leader, leave before you have to leave. . Does that sound cruel for me to say? I certainly don’t mean it to. Yet, some leaders simply stay beyond their welcome. Beyond their usefulness.

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Loyalty Edmondson Reputation Advice 57

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 15, 2022

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy share 10 realities every leader needs to know. This is geared for younger leaders, but it really applies to all leaders. You only know what you know and you need to know these ten realities. In this episode, realities every leader needs to know. Show notes: We love hearing from leaders who enjoy these podcasts.

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Edmondson Consultative Review Leadership 59

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Want a guaranteed better Thanksgiving? Perhaps even the best Thanksgiving ever? I actually believe Thanksgiving may be one of the most “Christian” holidays we can celebrate. As followers of Christ, we are to give thanks always – and in every situation. We have reason to be thankful continually. This world, as it is today, is not our permanent home.

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How To Learning-by-Doing Edmondson Follow-up 86

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 26, 2022

I talk to pastors and leaders my age and older who want to see a new generation of leaders on their team. They claim to love investing in younger leaders. They recognize the huge need in churches and organizations. Our future depends upon doing so. But to do so we must attract and retain younger leaders. People claim they don’t know how or can’t seem to find them.

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Learning-by-Doing Learning Curve Construction Sharpe 57

Ron Edmondson

AUGUST 31, 2022

A healthy organization has good systems and structures. . That statement will surprise some of the people who have worked with me in the past. I can be known as someone who runs from rules at times. I always say a stop sign in a parking lot is a suggestion. “Wet paint” signs to me actually read “Test me” . But an organization is only as healthy as the systems and structures put into place.

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System Goal Bureaucracy Edmondson 55

Ron Edmondson

AUGUST 8, 2022

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy discuss why an introvert on your team may not be participating in team meetings. Some of the most creative minds are often hidden among the introverts on your team. But why don’t they speak up? Why isn’t the introvert on your team participating in the discussions like everyone else?

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Participative Team Edmondson Consultative 59

Ron Edmondson

JUNE 23, 2022

A leader plays the key role in setting the culture of the organization. If as a leader you want your team to flourish, there are certain things you must “gift” to them. People on any team will often wait until they feel they have permission from leadership before they move forward. Here are 10 things every leader should gift their team: The right to dream – Leaders give the team permission to dream the seemingly impossible.

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Team Edmondson Leadership Organization 69

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 16, 2022

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy discuss one huge staffing tip. Staffing issues are often the biggest challenges a leader has to face. So, any insight to make it easier – or better – should be welcome. In this episode, we discuss one huge staffing tip. We continually hear from many leaders who enjoy these podcasts.

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Tips Edmondson Review Leadership 54

Ron Edmondson

JANUARY 11, 2022

I have learned there is usually one key element found in a successful church revitalization. A sense of desperation. I’m not saying it can’t be done without this. But there needs to be some level of understanding that this needs to improve and we can’t keep doing the same things. Until you get to that point people will be resistant to the change that needs to happen.

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Succession Edmondson Resistance Learning-by-Doing 57

Ron Edmondson

JANUARY 5, 2022

I’ve got a strong word for some of my pastor friends. I might be late to saying this and would love not to have to be someone to say it. Yet, I feel I must to be faithful to my blog audience. They aren’t coming back. Some of the people you keep hoping you will see back on Sunday mornings simply aren’t going to return. At least for now.

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Audience Edmondson Morale Reference 86

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Want a guaranteed better Thanksgiving? Perhaps even the best Thanksgiving ever? I actually believe Thanksgiving may be one of the most “Christian” holidays we can celebrate. As followers of Christ, we are to give thanks always – and in every situation. We have reason to be thankful continually. This world, as it is today, is not our permanent home.

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Learning-by-Doing Edmondson Follow-up Content 45

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 13, 2021

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy talk about how to be a community-minded pastor. I’m convinced that in order to follow Jesus’ command to build His church that pastors today have to be community-minded. I think one reason we have found success in church planting and church revitalization is that we have taken this seriously and invested in our community.

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Edmondson How To Review Industry 64

Ron Edmondson

JUNE 30, 2021

Every leader attempts to limit risk as much as possible when making decisions. We don’t want to jeopardize the organization – ultimately the people – we are trying to lead, so we attempt to have good systems and procedures, boundaries in place, adequate resources, and even contingency or emergency plans. But there are some high costs when we attempt to eliminate all organizational risk.

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Cost Edmondson Resources Definition 77

Ron Edmondson

JUNE 29, 2021

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy talk about A Major Communication Barrier found on Every Team. I have experienced this one so many times. Not understanding this basic communication barrier can cause major frustration and decrease inefficiency on the team. Understanding it can help create unity and organizational health.

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Team Edmondson Review Leadership 58

Ron Edmondson

APRIL 13, 2021

A few years ago, I developed some questions to consider before I post on social media. While I don’t ask them every time I post, (probably should) my hope is that with this paradigm in my mind it will keep me from regretting as many posts later. It seemed strange the first time I heard a news story refer to a Twitter feed as a “source” of information.

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Media Maturity Edmondson Reputation 70

Ron Edmondson

FEBRUARY 1, 2021

In organizational leadership, I have learned the hard way. It is easy to try to be some other organization we admire or that appears to be successful. So, we attempt to copy what they did in our organization. Wrong. It seldom works. Therefore, I have learned that if you feel the need to copy anything, copy principles not practices. . Having a systematic planning process, which keeps the organization moving forward – Copy that.

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Leadership Edmondson Short-term Morale 73

Ron Edmondson

JANUARY 12, 2021

I’ve seen a lot of conflict in my life. From parents and couples in my office for counseling to employment situations where two people can’t get along. I’ve even seen a fight in the grocery store because someone thought someone else cut line. And I’ve been to more than one church business meeting gone bad. Along the way, I’ve often thought there must be better ways to approach conflict. .

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Edmondson Open-book Planning Media 57

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 2, 2020

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen leaders make is forgetting everyone doesn’t think like the leader. To lead well, I need to hear from different people. . I have personally made the mistake of assuming what we are thinking is what everyone else is thinking. Time has proven this to be wrong repeatedly. The fact is people are different.

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Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

I have a simple leadership principle. Don’t address HOW you are going to do something until you decide WHAT you are going to do. Or if you’re even going to do it. I’ve seen it many times. You have an idea – it’s not a bad idea – it may even be a great idea. You just don’t know yet. As soon as you present the idea the team instantly starts to ask tons of question, begin implementing the plan, and gets bogged down in details.

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Energy Edmondson Objective Team 56

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

I’ve sent a few teasers out via social media, but I can officially say I’m launching a podcast. I couldn’t come up with a creative name, so it’s officially The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast. Catchy, huh? I’ll be posting new episodes on this blog and I am also excited to be a part of the Lifeway Leadership Podcast Network. So, you’ll see some publicity about it there also.

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Leadership Edmondson Blog Content 49

Ron Edmondson

JULY 29, 2020

Have you ever heard the phrase “odd person out”? I’ve been odd man out numerous times. Some people assume because I’m a pastor I can’t also be fun. So, there are many social events I don’t get invited to attend. We’ve all been excluded at some point in life for some reason. . It’s a bad thing to be “odd person out ” by no choice of your own, but some people actually place themselves in the position by decisions they make and how they re

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Team Consensus Cooper Edmondson 48

Ron Edmondson

JULY 8, 2020

Numerous times throughout my more than 35 years leadership career I’ve been the new guy. Navigating those early days in a new leadership role is critically important. Much of our future success as leaders is determined by how well we start. It is more difficult to regain momentum for our leadership if it is lost or never begins early. (Part of my consulting practice is helping new leaders launch well.

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Edmondson Learning-by-Doing Power Consultative 47

Ron Edmondson

MAY 10, 2020

This is a tribute to the moms who have no children – of their own. I’ve posted this thought a number of times, because I’m always sensitive to the “mothers” without children. You know the ones. For whatever reason, they never had children. Some never tried. Others never could. Some lost their child and maybe some gave them up for adoption.

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Edmondson Examples 72

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 18, 2020

Worry is like a plague to our body. It attacks our mind, then our heart, and over time, it can consume our overall health. Continuous worry leads to a state of anxiety, where you rarely have periods of the day when you aren’t worried. Wouldn’t it be great to never worry again? I’m not sure this is humanly possible – although Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life.

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Maturity Edmondson Media Learning-by-Doing 82

Ron Edmondson

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

The way you begin a leadership position often determines the success you will have in it. . That’s such a strong, but important word for new leaders to understand. Having begun new leadership positions many times in my career, I have learned the opening days always impact the effectiveness I have had as a leader. And, to top it off, there are things that will naturally happen in the first year of a new position.

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Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 14, 2019

Maybe you’ve thought about Christmas for your wife, but you still have no clue what to get her. It’s the same problem every year. Gift card may be what you’re thinking. Cash perhaps. Let your daughter pick something up if she’s old enough. No sweat. I understand. I’m here to help this year. 7 gift ideas for your wife this Christmas: Make a coupon book.

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Budgeting Bottom-up Hotels Edmondson 59

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 23, 2019

Every organization has a life cycle. In fact, over time an organization will likely be many separate cycles. I have written about organizational life cycles before. But I have observed another dynamic within these life cycles. In each life cycle the most successful organizations I have been a part of had a team skilled at three separate functions. The three functions are: Starters.

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Organization Team Edmondson Follow-up 32

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 21, 2019

I’ve seen it so many times. Most likely you have also. It is tragic. A leader can be doing everything else right and yet one flawed mindset overshadows and jeopardizes all the good leadership principles he or she knows. One constantly repeated action. One trait. One habit. One mindset. Sadly, many times it’s not even that the person isn’t a good leader – it’s the one mindset that gets them off track.

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Long-term Absenteeism Maturity Delegation 35

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 7, 2019

The title is a little misleading. The only way I know of to avoid criticism as a leader – Is to not be a leader. Many in leadership positions default to what I call “The Safe Zone” to attempt avoiding criticism. (But it’s not really that safe.). Here are 7 ways they attempt to avoid criticism: Make excuses for their shortcomings. Dodge bullets by hiding behind others.

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Edmondson Information Positioning Leadership 38

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 9, 2019

Over the years of writing this blog, the more I have written about leadership and tied it to the church the more critics would email to say I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t tie leadership and the church together so closely. People have said I focus too much on leadership and not enough on Jesus. (They likely never heard me preach. I mention Him a lot.

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Leadership Servant Leader Discount Delegation 36

Ron Edmondson

AUGUST 21, 2019

I have frequently been asked how to engage introverts on a team in meetings. I guess because I am an introvert, and have written extensively about the subject, people assume I know how. I try to remind them other people are different from me – even other introverts. Although it is a common perception that all introverts are reserved, constantly quiet, and unsocial, introverts are a diverse group, with varying degrees of introversion.

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