Every church strives for unity and shared vision among staff members, but occasionally, passive resistance can occur under the radar, slowly eroding unity and stalling momentum. Today, let's explore this subtle form of what we call 'silent sabotage' within church staff and how to tackle it wisely without losing unity.
Silent saboteurs are not openly rebellious; their resistance can be subtle and elusive. They might nod in approval during meetings but act oppositely, or they might question strategic directions under a veil of helpfulness. This form of passive resistance can present itself as selectivity in accomplishing tasks, delay in fulfilling responsibilities, or constant forgetting of new plans.
However, not every staff member who opposes certain directions is a saboteur. Sometimes, resistance can come from a fear of change, an unprocessed hurt, or struggles related to pride, envy, or control issues. It's crucial to delve beneath the surface to understand the reasons behind passive resistance.
The key to dealing with passive resistance, without overreacting, is identifying these patterns of behavior and addressing them privately. Approach these conversation with curiosity and a non-confrontational demeanor. Probe gently into the staff member's feelings towards the church's direction, ask clarifying questions and provide some much-needed space to share their perspective.
It is important to note that the objective of such conversations is not to confront, but to understand, empathize, and align individual perceptions with the overall church vision.
Continuous ignorance of passive resistance can lead to a decline in team alignment and unity, which can negatively impact the overall mission of the church. Therefore, leaders should strive for clarity and care within their teams for a healthy staff culture.
If the resistance turns out to be sabotage, setting boundaries and making tough calls might be necessary to protect the team. Remember, resistance is not always rebellion but ignoring it can risk the harmony of your team.
For more insights into identifying and addressing silent sabotage within your church staff, tune into today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. Deepen your understanding, further your leadership skills and ensure your church staff remains unified towards the fulfillment of your shared mission.