the superman syndrome – FILO Blog

Have you ever tried juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle? That's kind of how it feels to be a technical director at a church, right? We are expected to be experts in everything from sound and lighting to video production and IT. It's as if we are expected to be superheroes, capable of handling any technical challenge that comes our way.But let's face it, we are not wired to be superheroes. We are regular people trying to do our best with the talents God has given us. I’ve never met anyone actually capable of filling a Superman-sized position with excellence. Something will suffer because there aren’t enough hours in a day, weeks in a year, or years in a lifetime to become an expert in all things. Trying to be a superhero can lead to burnout and being less than effective. So, how can we avoid burnout and still be effective in our roles? Here are a few tips:Know Your Limits: Be honest with yourself about what you can and can't do. Communicate with Your Leadership: Talk to your leadership about your workload. Be open and honest when explaining the challenges. Let them know if you need additional resources or support.Prioritize Tasks: Focus on the most important tasks and delegate the less important ones to volunteers or other team members.Learn to Say No: It's okay to dialogue with your supervisor if you need to decline additional responsibilities if you are overwhelmed. Seek Help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from other technical directors. There are multiple online resources and communities where you can get advice and support.So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember that you're not alone. Here at FILO we want to connect you with other production leaders and empower you to be the healthiest version of yourself. If you are interested in learning more, check out our Cohort page.