Exploring the Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Leadership Effectiveness

Does an inner disposition of greater confidence and clarity have anything to do with leadership and balanced living?

We looked for correlations in our survey data from Transition into Ministry (TiM) alumni between self-efficacy and work-life balance and other characteristics. Following is a summary of the patterns we discovered.

Conflict and Creativity

4798105772TiM clergy with stronger self-efficacy are also more assertive—and somewhat more creative. They show a marked preference for seeking collaborative solutions to conflicts, and a dislike for simple acquiescence to a competing party’s wishes or an avoidance altogether of situations of conflict. They also tend score higher on creative potential.

Wellness

TiM clergy with stronger self-efficacy indicate more positive assessments of their current life in prayer, mood, rest, exercise, and weight—and more improved prayer life, exercise frequency, and debt reduction. They also score themselves more strongly on work-life balance, the commitment and ability to keep clearer
limitations on work so that the rest of life can be lived more fully.

Duration in Ministry

TiM clergy with stronger self-efficacy are somewhat less likely to consider leaving congregation-based ministry for another venue and form of Christian ministry, and also less likely to consider leaving ordained ministry altogether.

 

We conclude that self-efficacy, assertiveness, and work-life balance are mutually reinforcing qualities that help foster healthier and more effective ministry and leadership.

 

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