What is it about “Confrontation” that scares most of us?

There was a time when I had to correct someone for something they had done: we were in the airport in Guatemala and we were catching our flight back to the States. One of the individuals on the team had decided to wait to come through security and it was getting near to the time of boarding our plane. Eventually, we were able to get him on the phone and let him now that he needed to come through security, now!

This was going to be a great opportunity for a leadership sandwich.

A what? You ask.

A leadership sandwich is exactly like it sounds. You start off the confrontation with a little affirmation (bread slice number one), then you move to the source of your confrontation-what needs to be corrected (the meat), and then finish it off with a little more affirmation (bread slice number two).

It’s important that when you confront someone, they understand that you are addressing an action they may have done, and that you are not targeting them as a person. When you do this, you will create an atmosphere for growth because the individual walks away still feeling motivated and a part of the team.

Here is my challenge to you: think of a time when you had to confront something in someone’s life. Now consider this, how did it go? Could it have been better using the leadership sandwich?

The next time that you realize something that needs to be confronted, I encourage you to consider the technique of the leadership sandwich.

Aaron Beeler has served at Teen Mania Ministries for over 3 years as an Event Manager with Acquire the Fire and now the Leadership &  Training Manager for Global Expeditions. He has served in leadership on 7 mission trips all over the world, and has a passion to reach and teach people.