Performance Previews

I just finished a full day of annual leadership reviews.  This year I'm using a format that finally feels like it fits.

When I first began a formal evaluation process, I experimented with some traditional models that some other pastors gave me.  But to me the evaluations felt too general and stiff.  We looked back and critiqued strengths and weaknesses, but the process lacked vision. 

Now I design our evaluations to be more developmental than historical.  They're more of a preview than a review.  I'm trying to use them to forecast future performance rather than just critique past performance.

We do reference the past to gain perspective, but we don't stay there.  Instead, our leaders complete a process of self-evaluation, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and trends from the previous 12 months of ministry.  Then we clarify specific goals that will inspire strategic growth.  Finally, we develop an action plan for each goal.  We'll continue to review the action plan throughout 2008, making mid-course adjustments as needed, and then the goals themselves become the basis for evaluation next year.  To me it feels like a more concrete process that's going somewhere.

I've heard it said that the best indicator of future performance is past performance.  But aren't you glad that the power of the Holy Spirit gives us the potential to do something tomorrow that we've never done before?  People grow.  Leaders develop.  And there are few things more motivating to me than facilitating that process.

Comments

[Chilly...]

I'd like to see what you do... feel like sharing? Ha! Thanks bro.

[Josh Karrer]

I'd like to see this as well. Thanks Brad.

[Shaun Williamson]

Ha Brad,

Congratulations on the engagement, I wish the best for you. Hope all is well @ Church of the King. Shelly and I are
still in Illinois doing youth ministry and loving it. God is
doing some really great things.

Was reading your blog “Performance Previews”.
Was wondering if possible, can I get the basics of what that leadership evaluation looks like for you and your Team.

I like to do what ever I can as a Leader and with the team that God has blessed us with to improve. Interested in what that looks like for your team.

Thanks for all your help

I am good for Phone call or
e-mail. What ever works best for you?

Cell: 618-780-0563
Work: 618-498-9597
e-mail: [email protected]

[Brad]

Hey guys!

I'm not sure how to reproduce the main content of the documents on the blog, but I'll email them to you.

Sharing time's a happy time:)