We’re still finishing out staff evaluations ‘round here (the process takes almost a full month these days!)
I think Chunks is posting something more technical about our staff eval process on our Access blog. If not, I’m sure there’s something else helpful there that will make it worth your click. Take the chance.

I love staff evaluation time. Yes, you read that correctly. I feel like God anoints me to conduct and sit in staff evals much in the same way He anoints me to preach, and I approach it with a similar intensity. We always end up going way past the allotted time (right lead staff?:)), and we always leave very built up and even more stretched.

I know some pastors conduct staff evals because they’re supposed/expected to, but to me, it’s almost a holy time of pouring into those I lead, and I can’t imagine trying to lead my staff without this process in place. Of course, I only have 2 direct reports, but I sit in 3 other evaluations and offer input as I feel compelled to.

Wanna know something funny? I was doing staff evals with our staff before we ever even launched our church! Wanna know something funnier? I was evaluating staff members who weren’t even paid!
I was a tough grader then, and I’m a tough grader now.

Darn right I expect a lot from those on my team, starting with myself. I treat them like they’re starters on the All-Star team, because I believe that’s what church leadership is… especially at Elevation… my favorite church in the world.

I think people thrive on high expectations, as long as they’re clear and consistent. At least the kind of people I want on my team do.
It insults high capacity people when you evaluate them with handicaps and exception clauses. It honors them when you evaluate them rigorously, like you expect them to be the best in the world.
And then resource them to become just that.
And honestly believe that they will.