Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 8, 2022

Good leaders know who they are and, perhaps equally important, who they are not. Here’s a little known fact about me: People who know me well might say I am quick-witted and can even be funny. Yet, most people seldom see that side of me. My family knows this about me. Occasionally the people I work with get to see who I really am. Except for occasional bursts of randomness, however, the rest of the world thinks I’m always serious and always thinking about something strategic or purpo

Influence 70

Influence Edmondson Long-term Energy 70

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Some pastors do well in church revitalization. Others simply don’t. I’ve worked with dozens of pastors in church revitalization and church planting. Along the way, I’ve tried to learn things and pass them along here. Now, praise God, I get to help pastors everyday in my ministry. I’ve learned there are some commonalities among pastors who can successfully revitalize an established church.

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Bottom-up Edmondson Follow-up Goal 72

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

How does a team become idle? . Team idleness is a term I use to describe a team failing to move forward towards its desired goals and objectives. The term simply means things have stalled. Therefore, team idleness means for a span of time there is no – or very little – forward progress for the team. It could be a month or several months.

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Team Long-term Brainstorming Objective 53

Ron Edmondson

JULY 12, 2022

What is one leadership principle every leader must know? I once received an email: Ron, a question for you. If you had to pass one and only one leadership principle to others leaders, what would that one principle be and why that one? That’s a hard question, because I can think of so many principles of what leadership is – maybe even seven or ten of them.

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Leadership Edmondson Planning 73

Ron Edmondson

APRIL 6, 2022

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy discuss some common tensions of new leaders. New leaders, regardless of the organizational context, face some common tensions. If you understand these, you can better prepare to address them. In this episode, we discuss common tensions of new leaders: We continually hear from many leaders who enjoy these podcasts.

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Edmondson Review Leadership Positioning 57

Ron Edmondson

FEBRUARY 1, 2022

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy talk about ways you can kill momentum. Of course, no one would ever intentionally kill momentum, yet we do it all the time. The problem is we don’t always know how we are doing it. That’s the subject of this episode. In this episode, we talk about how to kill momentum.

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Edmondson How To Course Review 58

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

In an organizational setting, the person I probably drive the craziest in leadership is: Someone who is highly structured and detail-oriented. You see, I’m not. Not at all. I am very big picture, love change, hate rules and run from boxes. People who love structure – the ones who like to know and follow the rules and prefer details clearly defined can get frustrated with me when I am not always great at providing them.

Leadership 64

Leadership Edmondson Learning-by-Doing Team 64

Ron Edmondson

AUGUST 11, 2021

As a leader, there are many times I feel like the mediator between opposing viewpoints. I’m steering our team towards a common, shared vision, but there are a myriad of opinions in how we accomplish the vision. This sometimes causes conflict. Managing conflict as a leader is a critical part of creating healthy cultures. . Conflict is many times seen as a sign of unhealthiness on the team.

Management 75

Management Edmondson Team Learning-by-Doing 75

Ron Edmondson

JULY 22, 2021

In my book “ The Mythical Leader ”, I have a whole chapter on introversion – mostly because every time I post about introversion I hear from pastors and church members who talk about how introversion negatively impacts their ministry. I have heard from well-meaning (hopefully well-meaning) people who don’t believe an introverted person can serve effectively as a pastor.

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Edmondson Cooper Planning Class 79

Ron Edmondson

JULY 14, 2021

In this episode of The Ron Edmondson Leadership Podcast Ron and Chandler Vannoy talk about Harsh Realities Leading Change. Leading change is a part of leadership. You can’t lead without change, but it can be hard. Along the way of leading change – or attempting to – I’ve discovered some harsh realities. If you are amid some “heavy-lifting” change leadership, see if some of these apply to you.

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Edmondson Review Leadership Positioning 80

Ron Edmondson

MAY 18, 2021

There is something no one is going to tell you about leadership. You will have to learn this one on your own. It is not that they do not want you to know. No one is trying to keep this from you. It isn’t a secret. But it simply comes to you by experience as a leader. Here’s a nugget of wisdom you may need: If you’re a leader, you’ll never get to a point of really being satisfied.

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Leadership Edmondson Content Learning-by-Doing 58

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 31, 2021

I have some suggestions for pastors (or leaders) when they lose a good team member. This post came to me the hard way. It came after hanging out with one of my favorite people I had ever worked with. I hated when we parted ways professionally. Let’s be honest, pastors. When you have great staff people, the team is set and everything is going well, it’s hard when someone leaves.

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Team Edmondson Planning Quality 73

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 10, 2021

As a leader, I’d almost always rather say “No” than “I don’t know” Don’t misunderstand. I love when a leader admits they don’t know something. I believe every leader has something to learn and one of the best places to learn is from the people we lead. So, say “ I don’t know” when you want your team to share insights and ideas.

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Edmondson Reference Follow-up Team 51

Ron Edmondson

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

There is a huge leadership lid leaders can never avoid. I have witnessed firsthand. In fact, it’s one that has crippled my leadership in years past. At some point, most leaders will face this one. It’s not insurmountable, but until you overcome it you will stall as a leader. Every time. Here’s the leadership lid leaders can never avoid: Your ability to respond counterintuitively.

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Leadership Consultative Edmondson Travel 75

Ron Edmondson

JANUARY 28, 2021

Sometimes, as the leader, you must address the elephant in the room. If you don’t, you’ll have a hard time leading well moving forward. . The elephant is the issue/person/thing that is obvious to everyone, but no one has done anything about it yet. . Everyone is thinking it, but no one is talking about it – at least out loud. . Years ago, I was serving on a team where there was a consistent idea killer.

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Edmondson Brainstorming Team Leadership 61

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

One thing which has always come naturally to me and I love doing is connecting people with similar interests. This skill has served me well as a pastor. I believe one of the best ways within the Body of Christ for “iron to sharpen iron” is to help find common connectors for people. From a strategic, discipleship standpoint, I know people are more likely to be connected to the church if they are connected to other people at deeper levels than simply attending the same church.

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Bond Learning-by-Doing Course Edmondson 62

Ron Edmondson

AUGUST 17, 2020

Good leaders are appreciative of the people they lead. I must admit, I’m not naturally wired for this. Truth is, I can be guilty of expecting too much from people. I don’t always feel the need to acknowledge “normal” work people do – especially when they are being paid to do it. All of us enjoy hearing we did a good job. Some people are even fueled by it.

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Tips Team Edmondson Long-term 50

Ron Edmondson

JUNE 17, 2020

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God…” Deuteronomy 29:29. Make your plans. Work your plans. That’s good leadership. I’m an advocate of strategic leadership. I don’t believe the church should run from leadership. We need it, just as does any other organization of people. God uses men and women to lead His people.

Leadership 47

Leadership Edmondson Planning Cost 47

Ron Edmondson

MAY 28, 2020

Some of the most vocal opponents to changes we made in church revitalization were simply rule-followers. That’s huge insight. Don’t miss this. These people liked to know we were obeying the written and approved structure of the church. When we didn’t follow them exactly they objected. Sometimes loudly. Often in ALL CAPS. Let me give you one example.

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Committee Objective Follow-up Policies 49

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 31, 2020

I think there are some positives for the church that will come through this Coronavirus crisis. Yes, there are tremendous negatives. The costs are mounting. Almost everything we currently count, other than online engagement, will likely be a loss for weeks and perhaps months to come. Budgets, attendance, and even volunteer hours will likely all be somewhat lower, simply because our routines have been disrupted.

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Crisis Positioning Participative Metrics 79

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 11, 2019

As a pastor, I often told our staff that “Christmas is the new Easter”. It wasn’t something I could say as easily on Sunday morning without receiving the ALL CAP Monday morning emails. This requires a bit of an explanation. Easter will always be the most important holiday for believers. Christianity is just a religion without the resurrection of Jesus.

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Follow-up Long-term Edmondson Retail 49

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 4, 2019

Vision casting can be dangerous for the health of a team. Sometimes vision-casting can destroy an otherwise healthy team. I know that goes against what all the great leadership books and experts say, but it’s true. I have been guilty of this one – many times. The most prolific vision-casters can ruin a good team. Let me explain. Casting a vision is one part of success in an organization.

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Edmondson Team Planning Motivation 32

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 4, 2019

When you allow someone to help you. When you are in pain. When you are in the midst of a trial. When you are overwhelmed with more to do than you know how to do. When you suffer loss. When others offer to help you, let them help. And don’t be afraid to ask for another person’s help. Because there is a key life principle about helping others.

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Edmondson Resistance Examples How To 33

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

I once asked a leader in a company whether we could use a room in their building for a meeting. He wasn’t the senior leader, but was in the chain of management. It seemed to be a very small request, especially since our organization was a huge client of this company. I had been in their building dozens of times and really never saw this room used at all.

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Organization Leadership Development Power Company 35

Ron Edmondson

AUGUST 1, 2019

Be aware of the elasticity of your heart. I’ve learned through hard lessons that a stretched heart never returns exactly the same. The Bible says, “ Above all else, guard your heart.” I think part of the reason is that once the heart stretches, it’s changed. Forever. Let’s say you had a dream. You pursued it with passion.

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Advice Process Planning 41

Ron Edmondson

JUNE 25, 2019

I think we waste a lot of time in change management that we really don’t have to waste. Here’s a time saving tip when you are considering a change. I’m guessing, but I believe this could cut your decision-making in half. How to save time in change management: First decide if you’re going to make the change. Before you spend any time deciding how you will implement the change, decide if it is a change you are going to make.

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Brainstorming Energy Learning-by-Doing Tips 43

Ron Edmondson

MAY 20, 2019

Over 25 years ago, I took a month to read through the book of Jeremiah. Two verses stood out to me then that have continued to produce spiritual growth in my life. The two verses are: Jeremiah 24:7. I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

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Books 41

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 13, 2019

Have you ever made a bad decision in leadership? Of course, we all have. It is actually part of the way we grow as leaders. I’ve made many bad decisions in my leadership. Thankfully, the longer I lead, the more I have developed some warning signs I’m about to make another. There are certain clues which help me pinpoint a potential bad move – even before I pull the trigger of decision.

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Leadership Consensus Self-aware Course 39

Ron Edmondson

FEBRUARY 5, 2019

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26). I have a history with birds! Years ago, when God called me into full-time vocational ministry, we literally started over financially. I had to rely on the support of others the first few years and I’ve never been good at asking people for money.

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Power 47

Ron Edmondson

JANUARY 15, 2019

I’ve often wished I could say something to every leader. Some things I’ve learned the hard way. I often share things leadership should do, but today I thought I’d share some things not to do. Some things to quit. Here are 7 things every leader needs to quit: Measuring success compared to another’s success. Your leadership will not be like someone else’s leadership.

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Resistance Learning-by-Doing Stress Influence 70

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

When our youngest son was in college I realized he wasn’t reading all the emails he should have been reading. A few times we almost missed paying some fees he had due for college, which could have made him miss some deadlines for school. You see, Nate’s a busy college student. He’s consumed with school work, church activities, and a host of social activities.

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Learning-by-Doing Letter Information Open-book 32

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Everyone loves a happy ending. If you follow this blog, you know I’m in a season of transition again. When I got to my previous church someone on the search team asked me to reflect on how best to finish well. I didn’t know if I was the right one to do it, but I have had some experience ending. I’m not sure how well I’ve always done, but I have been intentional.

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Exit Strategy Cooper Delegation Long-term 36

Ron Edmondson

JULY 12, 2018

What fosters team spirit? What makes a healthy team? All of us want to serve on healthy teams. Every good leader I know would want to lead a healthy team. Most of us understand progress towards a vision is more possible if a healthy team is working together. Also, all of us want to go home at night feeling we’ve done our best, we are appreciated for our efforts, and are ready to go at it again tomorrow.

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Team Objective Construction Goal 36

Ron Edmondson

JUNE 18, 2018

I heard of a very well known band who demanded Skittles and M&M’s in their dressing room prior to the show, but there was always one color, which had to be removed. The color consistently changed. If the band showed up and the requirement wasn’t fulfilled exactly as requested they would pitch a fit. It may sound extreme, and I was also told they did it to test how willing the hosting group was to pay attention to details, but it’s still a little quirky, in my opinion.

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Creativity Project Team Examples 36

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 28, 2018

The best book from which to find leadership principles is the Bible. I love, for example, learning from leaders like Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Jacob, Nehemiah — and I could keep going. Of course, the greatest leader of the Bible — and life — is Jesus. And, I love reading about King David. From his time in the wilderness and serving as king, good and bad, we learn a great deal about leadership and what is required to successfully lead by observing David.

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Leadership Learning-by-Doing Course Examples 31

Ron Edmondson

MARCH 27, 2018

I was interviewed a few years ago for a leadership podcast. One of the questions took me by surprise. I have been interviewed for podcasts many times, so answers usually come fairly easily. They didn’t this time. At least to this question. The question: What has been your greatest success in life and what did you learn from it? Greatest success?

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Succession Bottom-up Learning-by-Doing Commitment 35

Ron Edmondson

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

I’ve been an introvert all of my life. I was born that way – or at least I’ve been this way as far as my memory carries me. As a child, I remember at social gatherings people asking me if there was something wrong with me. Because to some people it’s “wrong” to not be talkative. I had to force myself to engage others all through high school.

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Definition Project Process Company 52