Yesterday I shared three lessons we've learned when we've had to navigate tough times at Community: 1) Stay Focused on the Mission,  2) Resolve Conflict Quickly, and 3) Be Present.  Here are the next three lessons.

4) Stay Healthy - When we've gone through difficult seasons at Community, we tend to work harder, longer, and later than ever.  And often that is necessary to get to the other side of the current challenge.  However, I have found that I need to be keenly aware of my physical well-being during these times so that my eating, sleeping, and exercising habits don't slip causing me to be even less effective in my leadership.

5) Manage the Conversation - Even for the most seasoned leader, there will be temptation to take your concerns and disappointment to the wrong people.  It is crucial during a challenging time to know who you can vent with and who you can't.  The people around you, particularly those you lead will take their cues from you.  in these situations, the family is a good metaphor.  In my house, when we're going through a tough time, Mom and Dad (my wife and I) will go in a room, close the door, and talk the dilemma through and come up with a game plan before we say anything to the kids.  Venting to the people I lead or saying something too soon that may cause undue panic or alarm does nothing but damage my leadership and put the mission at risk.

6) Keep Closely Connected to God - I have found that when I am going through a difficult phase of leadership or ministry that my connection to God moves in one of two extremes:  I either get closer and closer to him, depending on him more than ever or I let the situation get the best of me, and my quiet times of prayer, reflection, and journaling take a back seat.  I know that I am at my best when I am as closely connected to God as possible.  And during these difficult moments I need to be drawing on his strength and wisdom more than ever.