[S3EP31] The 7 Competencies That Expand Leadership Influence

Influence grows when people trust both your character and your competence. Character may open the door, but results, wisdom, initiative, and leadership skill determine how much influence you can carry. In this episode, Tim Stevens talks again with David Whiting (GenerosityOS SVP and LeadingSmart Senior Consultant) about the competency side of growing influence on a church staff team. Building on part one, they unpack why some leaders continue gaining influence while others hit a lid, even when they are faithful, dependable, and well-liked. They also discuss why influence is connected to results, volunteer leadership, internal drive, strategic thinking, and the ability to represent the church well. This is part two of a two-part conversation on influence, focusing on the competencies that help leaders bring value, build trust, and contribute more meaningfully to the mission of the church. Additional topics include: church leadership staff culture leadership influence ministry teams character and competency staff development volunteer leadership strategic thinking church staff trust team alignment decision-making leadership development ministry excellence organizational health leading with wisdom Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back to part two with David Whiting 04:00 The difference between character issues and competency issues 06:00 Why leaders need to understand their competency limits 07:30 Win at your assignment and build trust through results 10:00 What happens when someone is in the wrong seat 11:30 Make it better without weaponizing excellence 14:00 Why volunteers are one of the church’s greatest resources 17:00 Add value in the room with ideas, solutions, clarity, and wisdom 20:00 Why bringing problems without solutions limits influence 22:00 Think ahead and learn to see around corners 25:00 The difference between managing what is assigned and leading what is next 27:00 Succeed with volunteers in a volunteer-driven organization 30:00 Why “I can’t get people to serve” is often a leadership issue 33:00 Bring internal drive, ownership, and initiative 36:00 Represent the church, mission, and leadership with wisdom 40:00 How to speak well for decisions you may not fully agree with 43:00 Using these conversations to help your staff grow in influence 45:00 LeadingSmart Gatherings and final thoughts 48:00 Focus on your character, grow in your competencies, and increase your influence