"Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14
There are some decisions you should never make solo. Just as the verse above emphasizes, "There is safety when you have other people help you make decisions."
The smartest person in the room is the room.
Here are 7 times when you should always have other people around you when making a decision.
When calling DCF. DCF guidelines are similar in each state. In the state of Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees programs and services involving child welfare, child abuse, childcare, legal services for children, foster care, domestic violence, human trafficking, drug abuse, and mental health issues.
As someone who works with children, you are a mandatory reporter if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected. And you should make the call. But I do suggest you have 2-3 other people that you run the situation by before making the call and make sure they are aware of the situation and are in agreement. The other people should be leaders such as a pastor, elder, staff member, etc.
Letting someone go. Don't let someone go by yourself. Make sure you get input and advice from a couple of other people who are aware of the circumstances and believe it is the right call to make. This includes when you are letting a staff person or a volunteer go. And don't meet with the person alone. Have at least one of the other people with you when you inform the person.
Hiring someone. Don't hire alone. Have 2 to 3 other people who meet with the potential hire as part of the hiring process. It's hard to get a strong review by yourself. Other people can pick up on things you can't pick up on by yourself.
When this happens you have to make a decision about the person serving or not. And there are times when they should be able to serve. Let's take someone who had a DUI ten years ago. It was before they knew Jesus and they have been clean now for 6 years. I would personally let the person serve but I wouldn't make the final decision alone. I would have 2-3 other people who agreed and would sign off on the person serving.
Starting, stopping or changing a program or process in the ministry. Change should be an open book not a secret diary. When you are making big changes or adjusting the ministry, bring a few people along with you to make sure it is the wise thing to do. Bounce your ideas off of them to get their input on the change.
Updating or building a ministry area. Thinking about painting your nursery and preschool areas? Want to bring a new theme and decor into your pre-teen area? Building a new children's building? Adding a new indoor playground?
Ask for help. Get input from some of your key volunteers and parents. They can provide you with key insight and ideas that will make it far better than you going at it alone.
Making a big purchase. Here is what I suggest. Anytime you are spending more than $500 on a ministry item, get someone else to sign off on the purchase before you make it.
A wise leader gathers and listens to the advice of those around him or her. Be that kind of leader.
p.s. Looking for more ways to be a wise leader? Get my book "Lead Well in Children's Ministry." It draws from over 32 years of children's ministry experience. Learn how to lead well by avoiding many of the mistakes I have made over the years. Available in ebook and paperback at this link.
