Our leadership got Covid—this is what we learned

Ben Stapley Nov. 3, 2021

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Recently the majority of our church leadership team tested positive with Covid in the same week.

We thought it would put a lot of stress on the organization. Surprisingly it didn't. Here's what we learned through the process.

1. Be honest - Don't try to hide things. Your leadership is visual and prominent. People will notice when they aren't present at meetings and events. So don't try to hide things. Be honest with your staff about the situation. They will find out one way or another. It's best they find out from you.

2. No special treatment - Whatever your protocols have been for the rest of the staff over the past year, they need to be the same for your leadership as well. Giving your leadership special treatment during a pandemic is a quick way to foster a toxic work environment.

3. Don't change your policy- Everyone reacts stronger to a situation when it happens to them personally. That's human nature. So it is natural to reexamine your Covid policies after you have recovered.

I strongly encourage against making any major changes, because it can appear to be self-serving. That being said, if you do unearth a new best practice after you have gone through this situation, wait a couple of weeks before you implement it.

4. Keep it positive- You are a leader. People are following you. One of the main things your staff needs from you is a positive attitude. Whatever confidence, or lack thereof, is at the top of the organization will trickle all the way down to the bottom. So if you have any personal predilections towards pessimism, put that in check for the sake of those you lead.

5. It will test your leadership development - Most organizations have a leadership pipeline or apprenticeship program. Being sidelined because of Covid put our leadership development to the test.

It passed with flying colors. If you are not currently developing the next generation of leaders, do it now.

Put your team in a position to succeed when the unexpected happens.

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For over twenty years Ben has created & captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. He has served on the executive team of multiple megachurches and currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Zarephath Christian Church in New Jersey. Ben also consults for churches, teaches at universities and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity. For more information visit www.benstapley.com. Learn More »

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