Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost upon us? This year has flown by for me, as I'm sure it has for many of you. Though this time of year often ushers in a season of busy-ness for church staffs, it's also one of my favorite times of year to stop, reflect, and plan for the new year. I urge you to stay present during this season - present with your staff, with your congregation, and with your family. Be intentional about about paying attention to your leadership and the year ahead.

In light of that, here's what I'm reading this week:

10 Workplace Trends You'll See In 2017 by Dan Schawbel via Forbes

Anyone who has been in the workforce more than 10 years knows the dramatic shifts that are happening in the workplace - and how fast those shifts now occur. I think it's very important for leaders to be tuned into how the workplace is changing. Dan Schawbel predicts 10 trends we're going to see in 2017, and smart leaders should pay attention and pivot as necessary to build the best team possible.

The Right Way To Discuss Your Failures In A Job Interview by Allen Gannett via Fast Company

As Allen Gannett very accurately describes, you can learn a lot about a potential hire by asking them to talk about a past failure or disappointment. Allen describes the different "types" of answers candidates usually give, like the humble brag or the blame game. But the best way to answer the question? Complete ownership. Read on to see how to take ownership in a way that makes potential employers take note.

What Kind Of Leader Are You? A Fixer, Fighter, or Friend by Jonathan Raymond via Success.com

This is a longer read, but it is excellent. Much like a detailed personality assessment, this article insightfully diagnoses each leadership type, their strengths, their weaknesses, their blind spots, and their challenges. I think every leader should read this and take an honest look at what kind of leader they are and how they can both use their strengths and improve as a leader.

Why Church Leaders Shouldn't Go Overboard At Christmas by David Whiting via Vanderbloemen Search Group

My colleague David offers a slightly differing opinion than what we're used to hearing regarding Christmas service planning. His premise is this: "How you reach people is how you keep them." Read this thoughtful article, then let me know in the comments what you think. Do you agree with David? Or do you think churches need to pull out all the stops in order to reach the most visitors possible? There's no right or wrong answer, but I'd love to hear your reaction.

What are you reading this week? Share your thoughts with me in the comments.