Part 4 of 4: Zero-Based Competencies in Leadership Development
By Partner Phil Stevenson
This is the third part of a four-part series, being published in subsequent months. Stay tuned for additional articles! View Part 1 Here, Part 2 Here, and Part 3 Here.
A quick review of “Zero-Based Leadership Competencies:” Interpersonal relationships; The ability to communicate; Personal development; Servant-leadership; Self-awareness; Personal responsibility.
In this final edition of “Zero-Based Leadership Competencies,” I will expand on the concepts of Self-Awareness and Personal Responsibility.
Self-Awareness
I was discussing self-awareness with David Burke, a Barnabas Partner. He said when it comes to being self-aware as a leader, you need to understand, “It is not about you, but you need to know about you.” This encapsulates self-awareness.
In 1996, Taco Bell duped people when it announced it had agreed to purchase Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell. It was the company’s intention to rename it the ‘Taco’ Liberty Bell.
This illustrates what can happen when you lack self-awareness. You fool yourself into believing you are something you are not. You foster a false narrative. This is not healthy. It erodes your leadership.
Self-awareness is engaging the genuine you. It recognizes both your strengths and limitations. It is looking at yourself in the mirror, honestly. You may not be able to do everything, but you are capable of doing something.
The key to self-awareness is to recognize your parameters and limitations. Living within them is not an indictment on you as a person. Instead, it is an indication that you have self-awareness. You don’t have to be what others think you should be. Nor do you need to do everything others think you should do.
Be honest with yourself. Be self-aware. Know your limitations. Maximize your potential within your reality.
Personal Responsibility
This may be the most difficult competency to live out. A culture has been created where we are encouraged to find someone else to blame for our actions. Personal responsibility is a lost art. It has been sacrificed on the altar of victimization. It has been eroded by the drip, drip of it’s not me, but them.
The foundation of personal responsibility is that not everything is your fault, but it may still be your responsibility. When you blame others, you release control, refuse personal responsibility, and leave it to others to make it right. The sooner you take responsibility for yourself in all areas of life, the sooner you will discover genuine freedom.
There are three areas in which every person is responsible. You cannot shift blame. You have to step up, own up, and not let yourself off the hook.
You are responsible for your actions.
You are responsible for your responses.
You are responsible for your character.
This is what a leader does. Takes personal responsibility! It builds confidence in others when a leader says, ‘That was on me. It was my choice. I did it. I will accept the consequences. I will endeavor to overcome the choice I made.’
About The Author: Phil Stevinson
Phil retired from ministry leadership within the Wesleyan Church in July 2023. In his 48 years of ministry, he has pastored three churches. He served in various denominational positions, including District Youth President and Director of Church Planting for the Pacific Southwest District, Western Area Youth Director, District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District, and Assistant District Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest District. At retirement, he was serving as District Superintendent.
Phil has an undergraduate degree from San Diego State University in Psychology, a graduate degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, and a Doctor of Ministry from Talbot School of Theology.
He has written seven books: The I in Team: The Leader’s Impact on Effective Systems (2025), You Can Do More Than You Think You Can (2024), The Ripple Church: Multiplying Churches, Five Things Anyone Can Do To Lead Effectively, Five Things Anyone Can Do To Start a New Church, Five Things Anyone Can Do To Help Their Church Grow, and How to Become a Ripple Church. He co-authored, with Dr. Gary McIntosh, Building the Body: 12 Characteristics of a Fit Church.
He and his wife Joni, live in Roseville. They have three grown kids and 8 grandkids.