Unit 11: Typical Problems Leaders Face

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Part of being an effective leader is knowing where your own personal boundaries are – not only in your skill sets but in the amount of time and energy you can commit to your position. Today’s teenager arrives at school earlier, stays later, studies harder and participates in more activities than teens in past years. In addition, many of you have commitments outside of schools such as jobs, youth groups, and community service organizations. Couple this with our never-ending, 24/7, always connected and interactive lifestyle and what you have is one tired teenager.

With so many people in your group counting on you, it is important that you take an honest look at yourself and be realistic about what you can and cannot take on. There’s no shame in not being able to commit to an extra project or duty, just shame in saying you will, and then not following through. There is an old saying in the business world that applies to leadership: always under-promise and over-deliver. This means that it is better to take on less and do it really well than to take on more and do it with less quality.

The following questions are designed to get you to contemplate the coming year and make an honest and realistic assessment of what you can commit to doing. Remember – this is not a time for you to show your optimism, this is a time to be very realistic.

As a leader, do you tend to take on more than you can handle?

In the past, have you committed to things in this group that you did not finish?

LEADERSHIP TIP: In order to survive a long trip, it is wise to assume that it will take twice as long and be twice as hard as you might originally think.

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Email Scott directly at scott@scottlang.net.

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