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.
________________
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.
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