by Stan Toler 3-D Leadership

Many Christian leaders are moving forward at a rapid pace, running on so little gas they would short-circuit the low-fuel light on any dashboard. In order to be successful over the long haul, leaders must avoid the trap of doing more and must learn to do fewer things more effectively. I suggest a 3-D approach: designate, delegate and dissociate.

1. Designate. Every leader needs to assign a priority level to his or her work. Almost every management system recommends the practice, but it is often ignored. Whether you use A-B-C files, marked file drawers, or PDA programs, somehow you must avoid lumping all work together on the same desktop. Designate it!

Priority One is for items that need immediate attention. This is work that will jeopardize your effectiveness if not completed. Priority Two is for work that needs attention in the near future. These things must be done, but there is less urgency about them. Priority Three is for work that is of some value but not vital. It's any item that you'd like to accomplish but which will not affect your mission if not completed.

When you've designated your tasks as Priority One, Two, or Three, you'll still have the same amount of work to do. But because it is prioritized, you'll be more effective.

2. Delegate. Determine which of your tasks could be shared with another. As a leader, you must be willing to involve others in your work. Your true task, after all, is to direct the work of others. And when you involve others in your work, there is a hidden benefit: they become free to use the gifts God has given them. To delegate effectively, you must transfer ownership of the task, communicate clear expectations, negotiate a deadline for completion, and reward results appropriately.

3. Dissociate. Relax. When you have delegated properly, things will function as well, and probably better, than if you retained total control. For your own sake, learn to allow your subordinates and coworkers freedom. Allow them to be both creative and responsible for results. By doing so, they'll grow, the organization will grow, and you'll be free to do other things.

If you're an effective leader, you will constantly have more good ideas than you can possibly pursue. How do you maintain both peak efficiency and a survivable pace? Designate, delegate, and dissociate.

Master the three Ds, and you'll succeed for the long haul.

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Stan Toler is a pastor, conference speaker, and television host. He is the author of The Secret Blend, Minute Motivators for Leaders, and more than 50 other books. You can visit his website at: www.stantoler.com.