Think about the people who have shaped your life — not just the ones with an official title, but the ones who simply showed up. Maybe it was a teacher who encouraged you at just the right time. A coach who saw potential in you before you saw it yourself. A boss who took the extra time to teach you something valuable. Or maybe it was just a neighbor, a small group leader, or a friend who was present when you needed guidance.

Our relationships impact every area of life. Whether at home, in friendships, or at work, the quality of our connections influences our joy, our resilience, and even our ability to accomplish our goals. When relationships are strong, life is fuller. When they are weak or neglected, everything feels harder. Prioritizing relationships and connection is a productivity hack many leaders are afraid of.

Friendship gets harder as you get older — especially when you have kids. Between the chaos of parenting, demanding work schedules, and sheer exhaustion, finding time for meaningful connection can feel almost impossible. Add in the challenge of coordinating babysitters, aligning schedules, and mustering the energy to socialize, and it's easy to see why so many friendships fade in this season. But here's the truth: When it’s most difficult to prioritize friendship is when we need it the most.

One of the most impactful things a small group leader can do is delegate responsibility. While it may feel easier to handle everything yourself, giving group members ownership over different roles helps them grow in their faith and maturity. It stretches them, challenges them, and allows them to rise to the occasion. Simply put — when you give people a role to play, they take ownership.