Vacation Week – Guest Blogger Eve Annunziato

This week while I’m on vacation I thought I would introduce you to some of the great chicks that I am honored to work with.  Leading us off is Eve Annunziato, Cross Point’s Family Ministries Program Director.  Eve is a fire-cracker of a leader and a dear friend.  Please welcome her and be sure to stop by her blog too!

My Leadership Crush

Before I begin to explain my personal crush, let me introduce myself.  My name is Eve Annunziato, otherwise known as the wife of weatherman, Charlie Neese (meteorologist for Nashville’s CBS station). I wear the weatherman’s wife title proudly, but I also have another gig, Family Ministries Program Director for Cross Point Church.  A place I consider my house of worship, my family, my home away from home, and my community of beautiful friends. I have the distinct privilege and blessing of serving on staff with Jenni.  I’m most proud of not only calling her a colleague but my dear friend for more than nine years.  I’ve chosen to post an excerpt from my blog about humility.  I think this topic is apropos, since Jenni’s an influential leader of integrity, humility and character.  It’s an honor to be her guest blogger today!  So, here ya have it:

I have a major crush; an affinity and admiration for any leader who possesses the virtue of humility – a rare find.  And much to my chagrin not a feature I personally possess. I am drawn to people with authentic humility (aren’t we all) and I constantly aspire to embrace and acquire more of it as I grow as a leader.

The bible, what I consider the best-written guide for teaching and strengthening your leadership skills, puts it this way:

First pride, then the crash – the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. Proverbs 16:18 (The Message)

Leading a flock has a way of exposing the flaws of our own personal vanity. If we can adopt a teachable spirit, we can begin to shift our management focus away from exalting our own successes.  Don’t overlook the essential component.  Modesty is compelling, pride is repelling. Humility in an organization will create a loyal environment, trustworthy relationships, and quality results. Additionally, an unassuming spirit appeals to others, as they, too, aspire to achieve the same unpretentiousness.

Currently, we’re reading the C.S. Lewis Narnia Chronicles with my son, an allegory full of symbolism and positive life lessons. While focusing my effort to “teach” my 9-year old about effective human behavior, I myself am unpacking a ton. In “The Horse And His Boy” I was once again reminded of this illusion of arrogance. Bree, the intelligent horse, is condescending toward the main character, the young boy Shasta. Bree considers Shasta a “foul” and underprivileged kid well beneath himself. This self-proclaimed war-horse with great skill and courage gallops with conceit. Yet, when Bree hears the strong roar of the notable lion, Aslan, (considered the Christ character) he runs for the hills out of panic and ignorance. The horse was frightened and his failure, he soon admits, was a humbling experience. Yet Shasta, unafraid and in his unassuming fashion, proves his faith and courage therefore earning the respect of the tribe.

Proverbs advises that when pride comes, shame follows; yet when humility comes, wisdom follows. That’s the path I’m striving, earnestly, to pursue during my leadership trek.