Q. I have reached the height of advancement in my current position. I was blessed with a mentor early on in my career who pushed me and I've maxed out. There is a management position that I am qualified for but I lack the confidence to apply for it. I'm with a new company after working for one company over 10 years. The atmosphere here is very competitive and I do not have that cut-throat personality these people have. My mentor worked where I was formerly and has taken on a new protege. He checks on me but I do not want to burden him with this. Besides, I'm rather embarrassed to talk to him about it. What do you recommend, please?

Coach Avis:

 
What I observed most is you did not say "self" confidence. Personally, I think that's good. Our confidence need not be in ourselves but in He who is within us. Turn within to Christ-confidence. If you put God first, every action you take, it is He who is performing through you. Do you doubt God's ability? (Not a trick question but I hope you are smiling.) Transform your mind. We can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength to do them. You have achieved all that you have because He achieved them through you. Man will give us credit but as children of God, we must glorify Him.

Take everything about the management position into consideration and prayer. God will shine. His light will shine through you. Greater is He that is in you . . . Let me know when you get your promotion!

Hold your head up and present yourself to the world as the royalty you are. You are a joint-heir to all of His promises. Humility is a must but it is not putting yourself down and exalting others. If we can go boldly before the throne of Grace in our time of need, surely we can approach anyone else with boldness and confidence. Agreed?

Q: I'm in my mid-20s and teach third grade. I also work with this age group in my church. We are considered a mega-church and we have mega-jealousy, envy and strife, even in the nursery and children's church. I do not feel I have anyone to share my dreams because everyone is out for themselves. I desire to become a Youth Pastor. I would be in seminary school now but I'm working on a Master's degree. Coach Avis, what can I do? What is the next step for me?

Coach Avis:

Prayer. Pray that you do not become as those you described and pray for them. Pray a prayer using the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 as a foundation for them and yourself. Then, seek a mentor/coach. Take Leadership & Development classes offered by your church. It's my guess these are offered since you are in a large church. This should give you some visibility by the right person(s). Make sure you are living holy and serving God. Do not fall to the tricks of the devil.

The Internet has resources available to you for independent study of Religion and Theology classes that are free and can be taken as your schedule permits.

Volunteer outside of your church with another nonprofit who provide services to children and youth. You can build your resume by doing so.

You may consider writing to the Pastor's wife about your desires. Pray about this. She may take you under her wings. Do not be upset if she doesn't but she should at least respond to you. Pastor's wives have full schedules. She will probably place you under someone she trusts to mentor you if she's unable to do so.

Make sure you know the plans God has for you. Know they will not be blocked by anyone but you. Stay in the will of God for your life. No weapon formed against you will prosper and every tongue speaking out against you will be condemned. In His will, you will have good success.

Q: I'm a career woman, wife and mother of one son. We want another child but I honestly am unable to handle the responsibilities I have as a mother of one. Coach Avis, how do I find a balance?

Coach Avis:

The answer is simple but the journey isn't usually easy. We can make it easy by simply deciding to prioritize our lives but as women, we act as if we were born with guilt. All works of the enemy, I tell you. Put things in order of priority and toss everything else. Do not be ashamed to ask for help. We have God, family and friends in our lives for a reason. Sit with your husband and make sure there is a close degree of equity between responsibilities. Is he carrying his fair share? Prioritize together. Earnestly seek God and ask Him to order your steps. He will. Do what He says. I also recommend these articles, "When to Say "No" and "10 Tips to Balance Work and Family."

Q: How can I decide whether coaching is right for me or my organization?

A: Simple. Contact Us to set up a free sample session. That is, hands down, the best way to decide whether coaching is the best choice for you.