Step Off the Line: Budgeting

During my time in the military, I learned a number of valuable leadership lessons. One of the most important was the instruction to "step back off the line" at critical times. What do I mean?

Think about a quarterback in football (real football, not soccer). He’s standing up, able to look around and see the entire field. He is able to make certain checks and calls that only a leader who can see the whole field can make.

Does that make him more important? Not necessarily. 

I think he would deem those big lineman in front of him pretty important, and most of their NFL contracts reflect. They are an extremely vital part of the team. Goals (in this case, touchdowns) are not achieved without them. 

But, what can the linemen see? What’s different for them? Well, they can only see what’s in front of them. If the quarterback tells them to change their blocking objective, they trust him because 1.) He’s their leader. But, also, 2.) He can see the entire field of play because he is off of the line. 

What am I getting at?

The entire team matters. The entire team must work together to do their individual jobs, but they need clear vision and direction from someone who can see the entire field. Unless we as leaders get ourselves out of the trench, or “off the line,” in order to stop, breathe, and begin to fully assess the situation in front of us, the organization (team, unit, etc.) will fail. 

What does this have to do with budgeting?

Right now, times are uncertain. No one could have dreamed COVID-19 would happen. Therefore, no one could have fully planned for how to make leadership decisions, especially budgeting for a church or non-profit. 

So, what do you do now as a leader? 

Our suggestion is to take a step back, three deep breaths, and pray before doing anything else in order to more accurately assess the current state and needs of your organization. Then, focus and tackle each individual task as prioritized.

A lot of you are worried about your organization’s finances. We see that, and more importantly, the Lord sees that. So together, let’s step back off the line and take a look. 

Fortunately, most of you are actually in a much better situation than you may think. We met with many of our clients who are rightly concerned but are listening to the world tell them how worried they should be rather than personally looking at their organization’s financial report. 

Part of the benefits of being a partner with Auxillio is the help of your Partner Strategist! Please come to us with your concerns, worries, and questions. That’s why we’re here. 

I’ve personally taken part in many of these meetings with Aaron Angstrom, one of Auxilio’s Partner Strategists. Before the meeting, Aaron has reviewed the past month’s financial reports, the past quarter’s, and taken a deep look, along with the Operation’s Specialist at the current bank statements. 

When we review this information with you on a Zoom call, we know you have likely just come from another Zoom call or meeting with people who need your attention and guidance. We know you are in the trenches caring for your staff, caring for your people, and most importantly, caring for your family.

But, as a leader, you have to step off of the line. You have to be able to assess the full situation. You cannot make a plan or a call if you cannot see the whole field (unless you’re Peyton Manning, but he was an anomaly.) 

Let us do that with you. Let’s set up a call. For budgeting purposes, let’s assess your financial reports and come up with a plan, or, a better plan.

Here is one leader’s assessment of organizational financial planning during this time, and here is one for your personal finances.

Remember, with Auxilio, this is a partnership. We’re in this with you. Most importantly, the Spirit of God is in this with you. How do we know? Well, because if for no other reason, we’ve asked him to be.