Anhidrosis Leadership

Anhidrosis, or CIPA, is the rare disease that causes the individual to not feel pain. A genetic mutation takes place where the nerve endings do not send the signals to the brain when something is wrong with their body. Maybe you have read or heard of someone who has this disease. At first maybe this sounds like a blessing, a life without pain, how can that be a bad thing? But when you walk around on a foot that is broken, completely unaware, until you have messed it up to the point where it isn't even usable anymore you find out quickly that this isn't a blessing.

Because when the brain no longer is aware of what's going on in the body that is when bad things happen.

There are leaders who are leading like they have Anhidrosis. There are leaders who attempt to lead their organization and yet are not aware of what is going on in the ministries, departments or the "parts of the body". And they continue to function as normal while a certain "part" suffers. I think leaders do this for one of two reasons...

1. Their "nerve endings" are shot.

Sometimes you get leaders that will not understand, or let's be honest here, care very much if the pain of a suffering ministry does not directly effect them. These kind of leaders need to check their nerve endings. Because a leader who does not feel for the other parts of the organization unless it pertains directly to them are operating under a myth. Because if the "brain" of the "body" does not feel the pain of the other ministries it can have some pretty nasty effects on the body as a whole.

2. They misunderstand the difference between micro-managing and managing.

I have heard leaders say they "are not going to micro-manage their team!". Great. I am happy for you and agree that micro-managing is for the most part not the best approach to leading a strong team. But managing is absolutely vital. And any good manager must be aware of what is going on in their organization. They need to know what parts are functioning correctly and what parts are not working in cohesion or in the same direction/vision that the organization wants to be working towards. And as you manage and are aware of those parts that are not working correctly you take the appropriate steps to make sure the body begins to work correctly. Because if a brain doesn't send any signals telling the body how to respond when something is wrong than the whole body suffers. No one says you need to micro-manage. But every leader must learn manage and send the right signals when needed.

I believe God has called me to lead in some way shape or form. And my prayer is that I will never become a leader with Anhidrosis. But that I will be the leader who feels when the other ministries are suffering and that I will respond with awareness and manage those I'm leading with the proper signals that will help the "body" or organization be healthy.

Are you a leader with Anhidrosis? What are your thoughts on this?

Comments

[Anoynomous]

Woe! Speak it out my brother. This directly spoke to me. I watch our youth and youth student leaders week after week. Trying to get through another night, without the leadership needed. No disrespect to anyone. I tip my hat to those who continue to hang on. Man, we need the whole body to become one in all decisions to continue having a healthy youth ministry and to get our youth involved in ministries in our Sunday services. They are also part of the church. In some aspect we have forgotten to include those that are engaging, embracing and empowering God in their lives. My prayer is that we all do our part to help manage what God has trusted us with and not complain what others are not doing in the ministry. Encourage, encourage encourage!!!
Lots of Love.