Once in a blue moon there comes a time in a technologists life when they understand and comprehend exactly what their gifts are. It’s accompanied by a satisfying feeling of relief, a deep sense of peace, and an inner passion that quietly bubbles to the surface.
And perhaps at the exact same time they will be acutely aware of the gifts that they definitely do not possess.
And this is a good thing.
The problem (or the good thing…?) is that in ministry we wear more “hats” that aren’t perfectly fitted than the ones (or one) that does.
I want to contend that being able to work outside your core strengths is perhaps the healthiest thing that you can do as a technologist. In my experience it gives you one of the most valuable pieces of relational capital that you’ll need: perspective.
Sure, it’s outside the boundaries of your job description. Sure it’s outside the confines of your controlled responsibilities. Sure it’s a pain, a nuisance, and perhaps a waste of time.
But performing these roles and responsibilities gives you perspective that empowers you to do a better job at what you’re really good at, because being effective means more than just being awesome; it means being awesome in context to the needs of people and the ministry.
It’s one of the best lessons I’ve learned in the past year.
Andrew Mason says
Good stuff.
human3rror says
i thought so. 😉
jared says
haha… happens to many times!
Kyle Reed says
What would be your response to all the Marcus Buckingham style people who say only use your strengths and do not work on your weaknesses? Does that fit into this discussion?
human3rror says
i get his point but honestly I don't agree with it completely. I think it's also somewhat arrogant, even though, again, i get the point.
how can we best use our skills if we don't have context or perspective from the other people involved in the process? we don't operate in a vacuum.
my 2cents.
Billy Chinchilla Almaguer says
What a great post…exactly what I needed to read today. Thanks!
Graham Brenna says
Web is so outside my job description. So I'm re-writing my job description! For the 3rd time in the last 6 years! 🙂
I've been appointed as the go-to guy for our website re-launch… which I'm hoping to go live Valentine's Day weekend! A little ambitious but I think it's doable. I was originally hired 6 years ago to coordinate the volunteers who run the sound boards and visuals during our worship services. Then I started filling my time during those 6 days of the week that we didn't do worship with other stuff… I unofficially now work for the communications department! haha…
I've been working outside my stated job description since I started! Because my job didn't exist before I came along! It's been quite a ride.