EP 250 – Leading From the Middle with Josh Ellis
This week we welcome Dr. Josh Ellis to the bootcamp. Josh is the Executive Director at the Union Baptist Association in Houston, TX.
Josh talks to us about the three main groups that you will be shepherding in most churches and the six leadership ingredients needed for leadership with each group.
Josh introduced us to the concept of “Leading from the Middle,” an idea that he’s pieced together from various leadership theories. Rooted in Everett Rogers’ “Diffusion of Innovations,” this strategy identifies three groups within any organization: the front, the middle, and the back. Here’s how Josh envisions these groups:
- Front Group (Scouts): Early adopters who are enthusiastic and ready to forge ahead. These are your go-getters. They don’t need convincing but require clear direction and resources to forge ahead. Provide vision, encouragement, and the necessary resources to keep them motivated and aligned.
- Middle Group: Majority of members who adopt change at a steady pace. This is where most of our congregation will be. It’s crucial to invest in this group by using all six essential leadership ingredients: build trust, cast vision, equip, resource, encourage, and serve.
- Back Group: Those who are more resistant or slower to embrace change, often due to healing, learning, or adapting. This group often comprises individuals who are healing, resistant, or taking their time to adapt. Build trust, offer encouragement, and serve them to gently guide them forward at their own pace.
Josh highlighted six essential ingredients for effective leadership. Let’s go through these briefly:
- Build Trust: It is essential for the back group to feel secure and included.
- Cast Vision: It is crucial for all groups especially the front group, to maintain clear objectives and direction.
- Equip: Most critical in the middle group to prepare them for future leadership roles.
- Resource: Providing the necessary tools, especially important for the front group.
- Encouragement: Necessary for all groups, particularly the back group and the front group dealing with initial pushback.
- Serve: Show genuine care and support, which makes the back group feel valued.
One key takeaway from Josh’s strategy is resisting the urge to treat leadership as a linear continuum. Not everyone should or will move from the back to the front. Each person’s journey is unique, and our leadership approach should respect that individuality.