Re-framing management

Management has gotten a bad rap in recent years.  In leadership circles, “manager” is even viewed as something of a dirty word.  Some articles and videos imply that management is tantamount to leadership sell-out.  You have given up the high calling of leading, and settled for managing.  And managing is only small step away from micro-managing, which is the unforgiveable sin of leadership.  There is some truth to this.

But is managing really a bad thing?  Certainly it’s often necessary—vital, even.  Somebody has to do it!  Maybe we need to stop looking down on management and start re-framing it.

I propose a new word: instead of management, cultivation; instead of manager, cultivator.  Cultivation is a job taken on by God himself in our spiritual growth (John 15:1-2), and it was the very first job given out by God to the first human being (Genesis 1:15).

Cultivation implies creating the right conditions for growth to occur.  Isn’t that management at its best?  Plus, re-framing elevates this activity right alongside leadership as a different-but-equal partner.

Leaders pioneer, cultivators settle the land.  Leaders plant seeds, cultivators set the stage for a bountiful harvest.  Leaders set the direction, cultivators groom the trail so people can follow.

We need both leaders and cultivators, especially in the Church.  But not everyone is great at both, so here’s to some amazing leader/cultivator team-ups in the future!