Apparently, Lantz Howard just became a new dad. Check out some great baby pictures on his blog. Lantz is also a frequent Twitter friend (You can follow him HERE) and today I’m featuring his 10 question leadership interview. Lantz is a youth and family minister. I’m impressed with what I see in Lantz and you’ll be impressed with his answers.
Here are 10 questions with leader Lantz Howard:
When you were growing up, are you doing what you thought you would be doing vocationally? If not, what did you want to do?
I dreamed of being a pilot since Jr High. Actually went to Lubbock Christian University with intentions of getting out and pursuing aviation school or military. During that time I had the chance to start working on my pilot’s license and realize it was fun hobby, but I enjoyed being with people. I came alive after I was with people. However, sometimes I wonder what if…
What’s the most different job you’ve had from what you are doing now and how did that job help you with what you are doing now?
Working the summers in the oil field out in West Texas. My father wanted to teach me the value of true honest, hard work and the value of higher education. Well, needless to say after many days of sun up till sun down I am thankful for hardwork and believe that this is missing from many young males lives today.
Who is one person, besides Christ, who most helped to shape your leadership and how did they help you?
Leadership…I would say my grandfather. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in the late 70’s and lived until 2000. He valued relationships and connecting with people. Without those qualities one cannot be a leader.
Besides the Bible, what is one book that has most helped to shape your thought process in life and ministry?
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. I read this book in 2001 and it has impacted my life in many ways to this day. In fact I ordered a copy earlier this week to pass on to someone.
What are three words other people would use to describe your work style/ethic?
I try to have focus, discipline, and perseverance.
What is your greatest strength in leadership?
Connecting.
What is your greatest weakness in leadership?
Working through conflict.
What is the hardest thing you have to do in leadership?
Connecting others.
What is one misconception about your leadership position you think people may have?
That I am young and don’t know a hill of beans. Well, he is in charge of the youth ministry…that is not the “real” ministry.
If you could give one piece of advice to young leaders from what you’ve learned by experience, what would it be?
Stick it out longer than what your emotions tell you. Early on in leadership you will want to run and avoid the conflict, but the one who is able to dig down and fight for what matters will overcome.
Thanks Lantz.
For those of you who are young leaders, have you, like Lance, ever felt as though your voice wasn’t heard because of your age? How did you deal with that time?
Thanks for posting.
This was a great surprise after not being connected to Twitter and my GooReader for a few days with the birth of my little girl.
Thanks Ron for allowing us to be apart of your tribe here at your blog.
Congrats on the baby!
I have spent an awful lot of time being frustrated when I tell people my age they immediately coil back and say "you can't possibly be that young!" — I've just stopped telling people how old I am! I let the outcomes of my projects and events do the talking. I spend a lot of time preparing and choose my words carefully in a group of those who are more seasoned, trying to foresee some of their concerns and offer some viable solutions or alternate ideas. There are still times when I leave a presentation or meeting feeling like I wasn't heard but as I continue to move forward in ministry, those moments are becoming less frequent. I'm earning the respect of those who are older with each successfully executed task and I leave the rest up to God.
With all that being said, there are some benefits to being a young, creative leader: I bring a fresh perspective, an excitement, and a willingness to take a risk to benefit the Kingdom. I'm all for changing the things that need to be changed (especially changing the changes that I might have made 6 months earlier). There's a generation of us who are learning and growing and being prepared to replace the generation that currently leads when the time comes. Some of us lead now in some pretty public spotlights, others are finishing drafts of books, and some are just beginning to make a splash in their respective areas. Regardless, I'm going to continue what I'm doing because it's all I know how to do.
I think you are going about it the right way. Earn the respect by your work. Jesus said we would be known by our good works. Good strategy! "Don't let others look down on you because you are young, but set an example…" 1 Tim 4
The setting an example needs to be a constant reminder. Many older leaders have been wounded themselves and need someone (possibly a young leader) to reach out to them.
That's great insight Lantz.
Those moments where my input seemed to be negated because of my age has caused lasting indentions on my tongue from me teeth. I have learned that if I have something important that needs to be heard then I need to say it in a way they will hear it. Often times, a large group setting doesn't allow that for a young leader because of all the seasoned opinions around theirs. I wait for an open moment to discuss my concerns or my suggestions privately where there is less importance placed on the source and more importance placed on the subject. There are those moments where privately you are automatically discredited as well. In those moments I focus on the fact that I answer not for what was done, but rather or not I did what I was assigned to do. Andy Stanley has taught that eventually you will either be heard or you will leave because leaders go to where they are heard.
Mason, that's a great reminder to me as a leader. I try to lead that way, but it's always good to be reminded.
I read that (this is a sumation), "if you think that a person is a perfect leader it is because you don't work for them." I'm sure you do well, but knowing that you are human I'm sure you have times when you could improve. What I don't understand, which this post help me realize, is that we know young leaders have much to say and an even bigger desire to say it, yet we don't create a venue for them to freely express. Staff meetings are not that venue, they are too structured and purposeful. They come with to do list and task assignments. (cont…)
I like the venue thought. I want to always have a place where people are feel free to get information to me, regardless of how large we become as an organization. Thanks
This generation is like no other generation before it. They are learning subjects and principles at a higher rate and, thanks to the internet, they have more information at their disposal than any generation before them. Lets be honest, how many current CEO's used the internet to do a high school research paper? Yet because they aren't old enough to know it, there is no possible way they can. The leader who figures this out and creates a venue for their young leaders to express their thoughts and ideas is the leader who will constantly attract young raw talent and will be leading the way for years to come. In my humble opinion of course….
You could call the venue "The playroom" or "Tree Fort" either way they will feel appreciated, heard, and respected. Makes for a loyal leader
I like that concept. Sounds like a fun place to be.
I didn't get on a computer until I was in college, and then it was only in one class.
Those private moments can be monumental and life changing. Unfortunately these moments do lead to people leaving and going where they have influence.
Yes, I love the private moments too! We encouraged more of that at our staff today.