The Young Technical Director

[Ironsight]

I am in almost the same situation. just graduated college and went back to my home church to become the part time media director and everybody still views me the same as when I started learning 10 years ago. For some people its hard for them to see you as something different then what you were. I hope the best for your situation and hope that you are able to gain the respect you seek.

[KeckCreative]

I noticed you mentioned you are going to school for theatre. I came out of the theatre world as a designer and stage director. I initially struggled with trying to apply professional theatre level expectations on a praise team and volunteer staff. I had to step back and reassess my expectations and motives. The majority of people around me are volunteers with a desire to serve and create. Once I started honoring that service and moved more into a servicing the server approach, I was a happier person. Do mistakes still happen? Absolutely. Are there things that still drive me crazy (like turning stage work lights almost immediately at the conclusion of the service)? Most definitely. Now, I work on functioning more as a teacher and coach and less as a technical director. Helping those that have little or no technical experience understand what kind of impact little nuances have on an overall experience. Instead of saying do this or do that, I explain and demonstrate and let them come to their own realization. It definitely takes more time and effort than just giving instructions, but the pay off for you and your team is so much greater.

[vestro]

I'm 21 now and have been Technical Director at a 1500+ church for over 18 months. Never really met that kind of resistance from the congregation or pastors, if anything, people think I'm more capable than I really am sometimes

I did some pretty big things early on that I guess "proved myself" - but it was not a conscious thing I did, and just looking back I guess it would have made people feel secure with me.

I'm certainly not the best FOH guy we have, but I understand our entire operations (sound, lighting, video, digital signage and dabble in the IT / website stuff) There isn't anything at my venues that I couldn't eventually sort out.

Also, our team is more like 80+ volunteers. For a church your size I am very confused at how small your team is. Even with the amount of volunteers I have, sometimes I still have Sundays where I am doing everything!

[D.R.HADDOCK]

Is it just a question of age?
me thinks not,
Any leader, especially technical, must gain respect, respect is earned,
its not just given on request.
You should seek to earn there respect.
Prove you are good at your job, and also very important!
PEOPLE SKILLS,
How you treat other people, regardless of the stress or situation
is probably the most important point of all!
Most people will choose to work with someone who has good people skills,
and knows little, rather than a crabby person who knows lots.
Remember its people who build GODS kingdom, not shows or equipment.
I know I wont follow anyone who has not proved to be worth following,
regardless of there qualifications or title.
There s too many so called leaders out there, that are not worth following.

[cbcmary]

many years ago when women were not in management in a grocery store chain and the company decided they needed to do this, a few women were chosen. I went to a store where the store mgr had 'run off' the first woman; I had to figure out how to establish my authority without his help. I went to some older women employees and enlisted their help. They treated me as a mgr in front of other employees and customers and soon the store mgr was basically the only one who did not grasp the situation. Why not choose one of the more mature volunteers and have a private meeting, asking for that person's help so your team can grow as servants and cut down on the conflict. If one person begins to back you up, then another will come on board. Maintain a sweet, godly spirit during all of this.

mary

[D.R.HADDOCK]

YES! I whole heartily agree, its usually about people skills.
A lot of leaders fail not because of what they know,
but because of poor people skills.
And its difficult sometimes bacause people are all different in subtle ways,
So what works well on one person might not work so well on another.
So you have to get to know all the team members and there differences,
But dont get snotty or lose your cool,
You can undo many years of hard work in relationship building with just a few
wrong words or a few moments of losing your cool.
BE COOL, BE GODLY!

[tedanderson]

They treated me as a mgr in front of other employees and customers and soon the store mgr was basically the only one who did not grasp the situation. If one person begins to back you up, then another will come on board. Maintain a sweet, godly spirit during all of this.

You are absolutely right. I once led a crew that was installing voice and data cabling. I was amongst the younger and less experienced guys in the group but two of the older gentlemen (old enough to be my dad) set the example for the rest of the crew.