Jabin Chavez Leadership Podcast

Episode #076: Why You're Frustrated
Host: Jabin Chavez
Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jabin Chavez dives deep into the root causes of frustration for leaders—whether in church, organizations, teams, or even at home. Rather than focusing on surface fixes, he encourages listeners to uncover the underlying issues causing frustration and provides five core reasons leaders often feel stuck. Jabin’s practical, honest approach, personal anecdotes, and humor make this episode accessible and actionable for anyone in a leadership role.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Getting to the Root Cause of Frustration

• Jabin starts by urging leaders not just to resolve frustration but to discover its root cause.
• "Never forget that whatever you're feeling right now... there's always a root issue. And what we're trying to get to is the root issue." (01:11)

The 5 Reasons You're Frustrated as a Leader

1. You Haven’t Communicated Your Values

   • Frustration with teams often stems from unspoken or inconsistent values.
   • Jabin gives a real example of a communications issue with a team member, realizing he hadn’t clearly explained his value system around communication.
   • "If you don't like how a team member is texting you... have you ever communicated your value system?" (05:18)
   • Communicating values is an ongoing process; even experienced leaders must reiterate them.
   • Memorable moment: While speaking about this, Jabin discovers he still has the price tag on his jacket and reacts with humor. "Oh my gosh, guys, look at this... I still got the tag on this jacket. Can you believe that? ...God, have mercy." (09:00)

2. You’re Avoiding Uncomfortable Conversations

   • Leadership demands continual, uncomfortable conversations; avoiding them escalates frustration.
   • Jabin references Phil Dooley: "Leadership is just a series of ongoing, uncomfortable conversations." (12:06)
   • Not everything has to be personal or emotional; distinguish between uncomfortable and personal.
   • Leaders often expect the same level of investment from their team as they have—this is unrealistic.
   • "You cannot expect your team to love and care about your organization the way that you do... For them it could be a lifelong calling, but for most it will just be a job. And that's okay." (15:00)

3. You Haven’t Prayed About It

   • A lack of prayer around the problem increases tension and frustration.
   • Pulls wisdom from scripture: Philippians 4 and 2 Corinthians 12—prayer releases grace and ease.
   • Jabin shares advice from Kenneth E. Hagin: "Pray till you feel a release. Pray till you get some joy. Pray till you get happy. Pray till you feel lighter. Pray till there's a release." (20:30)
   • Lighthearted moment: The tag on his jacket continues to distract him, adding a human touch.

4. You Haven’t Followed Up

   • After delegating, many leaders fail to follow up—and get frustrated when things are left incomplete.
   • Most team members need management, reminders, and accountability.
   • "The vast, vast, vast majority of your team... needs to be managed. I'm not saying you have to do it, but I'm saying somebody has to." (25:11)
   • Embrace regular follow-ups as part of leadership, not a sign of failure.

5. You’re Ignoring the Prompting of the Holy Spirit

   • Sometimes, the root issue is ignoring internal checks and spiritual promptings.
   • Jabin underscores the importance of going with a “Holy Ghost anointed ‘I think’,” not waiting for a clear sign.
   • "It seems good to us and the Holy Spirit. It just seems good. It wasn't, 'Thus saith the Lord.' ...It is a Holy Ghost anointed, 'I think.'" (29:31)
   • Encourage open, honest conversations based on these promptings—even if it’s based only on intuition.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Values:
  "One of the most taxing things in ministry is to have to say why we do what we do over and over and over and over again. But the healthiest ministries... have learned the power of communicating over and over and over again the why." (11:07)

• On Taking Things Personally:
  "Not everything has to be personal. Not everything has to be a fight. Not everything has to be tears. Not everything has to be frustration. Not everything has to be emotion. And it doesn't all have to be personal." (13:29)

• On Prayer:
  "Wherever prayer is in a deficit, you're gonna lose oil. The moment the prayer stops, tension starts. You got to pray. You must pray." (19:24)

• On Team Expectations:
  "I love my nieces and nephews... I don't love anybody like I love Goldie Ray Chavez. I'm just telling you, no one loves City Light Church like I love it. And I can't put that on my team." (15:41)

• Humor & Humanity:

  • Jabin’s visible distraction with the tag on his new Amazon jacket adds a relatable, spontaneous moment:
    "Jesus, be a pair of scissors for me in the name of Jesus. I just want to get rid of this thing so bad. My ADHD is obsessed with it." (21:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:11 – Introduction to the root issue concept
• 05:18 – Communicating values and practical examples
• 09:00 – Light moment: Discovering the price tag on his jacket
• 12:06 – The necessity of uncomfortable conversations
• 15:00 – Realistic expectations for team investment
• 19:24 – The power of prayer in leadership challenges
• 20:30 – Advice from Kenneth E. Hagin on praying for a “release”
• 25:11 – The necessity of follow-up in leadership
• 29:31 – Listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings

Episode Wrap-Up

Jabin concludes by reminding leaders that you can enjoy leadership, ministry, and life—it's not simply a burden to be endured. Frustration is not a lesson from God, but a signal to address and fix something.
"I honestly believe you can enjoy ministry. You can enjoy your team... No, fix it. God's good. Amen. In Jesus' name." (34:30)

He also announces a holiday break for the podcast, promising to return in January with new leadership content.

Summary Takeaway:
If you're frustrated as a leader, don't ignore the frustration or label it "spiritual training"—search for the root. Communicate clearly, have the tough talks, stay prayerful, keep following up, and trust those spiritual nudges. With humor, humility, and persistence, you can lead well and enjoy the journey.