Biggest Challenges Faced by a Chief Operating Officer at Christ-Centered Ministries
Jameese, Chief Operating Officer at Christ-Centered Ministries, cites the biggest challenge of "being on call 24/7," responding to crises ranging from building fires to client emergencies, significantly impacting work-life balance and requiring Jameese to constantly equip others to handle the ministry's around-the-clock needs. This constant availability, even interrupting personal time such as "playing for church," highlights the demanding nature of the role and the unique pressures faced in nonprofit leadership.
Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Stress Management, Workplace Challenges, Work-Life Balance
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jameese Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Christ-Centered Ministries
None
UCLA Anderson School of Business - Certificate
General Studies / Not Applicable
Faith-Based Services , Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Operations and Project Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. The 24/7 on-call nature of the COO role at a non-profit significantly impacts work-life balance.
2. Being the first responder to various crises (e.g., building emergencies, client needs) is a demanding aspect of the job.
3. Equipping staff to handle emergencies and reduce the constant need for the COO's intervention is a major challenge.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
I'm on call 24/7. For most nonprofits in my sector, something needing support is happening at all times of the day. It's quite intrusive to my sleep, actually, at times.
If the building is on fire at 3 AM, or someone's breaking into an office after work hours, or a client needs an ambulance, I'm on those things. I have to be available when others aren't, because it's only going to fall in my lap once the chaos is over.
Being a first responder, in essence, to what's happening in the house, the business, or with our clients really takes a lot of my day. And that's why Mom called 21st.
I'll kid you not, I'm a musician. I actually play for my church. And while I'm playing the keyboard, somebody will call me or text me to tell me there's a need going on, and they need help. That's really the biggest challenge.
Equipping people to be able to handle that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is very hard because it does impact our work-life balance.
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