Tag: Planning

One Foot in Front of the Other

In our fast paced world, we overlook the simplicity and necessity of this statement?

We want answers now. We want problems resolved quickly.

Leaders often fall into the same trap. It is easy to think the work should move along faster, goals accomplished sooner, and people respond more quickly.

Personal experience has proven that when a particular work starts quickly, it struggles and usually does not last. At the same time, when thought and patience are given to the same work––strategically developing each part of the plan––success is generally forthcoming.

A good rule of thumb is to take it one step at a time.

Planning…Strategically

Everyone knows the value of good planning. Leaders will especially appreciate the need to make proper plans to reach established goals.

Plans are not wishes or resolutions.

Plans are not goals.

Plans involve the activities necessary to reach for our wishes, keep our resolutions, and achieve our goals.

There is an old adage that says; “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

We all need short and long-term goals, both on a personal and professional level. However, once your goals are established, focus on the details of a proper plan to ensure success.

Planning Changes

Once we recognize both the high and low points of leadership development, we can strategically plan to build on that foundation and improve our leadership.

Once we acknowledge the area we would change, we can now plan to make that change as we move forward.

Once we consider the individual(s) we could invest our time in, we can develop a mentoring plan that allows us to give the most valuable gift – ourselves.

Once we know where we were, where we are, and where we want to be, everything we plan involves the changes necessary to achieve our goals.

Preparing More to Lead

The need for leadership continues to be urgent.

While we understand the primary role of elders to involve the work of a shepherd, we also find that part of this role points to the responsibility of maintaining purity in teaching.

However, the lack of leadership development in years past has created a vacuum where the majority of congregations do not have elders and congregations with elders have too few to deal with the challenges.

Most locations recognize the problem, but what should be done? The answer lies in our return to God’s design, which means we need to initiate a plan for encouraging, promoting, and preparing more to lead.

Planning for Success

We’ve all heard that “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

Success and quality are the results of intentionality and planning with a dedication to persevere.

When a plan is in place, foresight has already formulated direction for those unexpected or untimely challenges.

This does not mean we will never have to deal with challenges, but if we negotiate a plan before we are in them, we know better how to handle those times.

Leading requires a plan. This is more significant when the spiritual application is connected. Whatever time is given to develop a good plan, it will produce success and quality.

Incidental Leadership

The word “Incidental” means to accompany something without being a major part of it, but what does that mean for leadership?

Incidentals are never planned when leading. At times, the unexpected happens.

We find incidentals in various areas surrounding leadership. People and plans are directly connected to every organization, but not always a major part of goal planning. However, they are essential to assist the ability and opportunity to move along more smoothly.

Incidentals may not always occur when we want, nor the way we want, but they can provide a wealth of benefit in leadership when understood and used correctly.

Phases of Leadership

The planning phase is where we dream, research, and organize everything involved in reaching specific goals.

The activation phase is where we implement the activities needed to accomplish those goals.

The evaluation phase is where we examine what has been accomplished to ensure we are on target.

The completion phase is where we reach the end of the project, the goals have been completed, and the rewards enjoyed.

These four phases have application for nearly every area of life, including our relationship with God and leadership in His kingdom.

Planning…

The holidays will soon be upon us.

Most men do not connect to the planning that goes into the activities of the day. However, most women know it is all about the planning.

The menu must be just right (although it is generally the same each year), the perfect ingredients purchased, and the timing involved in the cooking process.

Imagine what would happen if we gave the same attention to planning who we are as a leader, the goals we pursue, and preparing others to reach their potential.

Spiritual leadership must be all about the planning.

Dedicated Planning…

The adage is true, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” 

Success does not happen by accident. Quality is not the result of chance. 

Success and quality result from high intention and planning with a dedication to persevere.

When a plan is in place from the beginning, whenever challenges occur, foresight has already formulated direction for those bumps in the road.

This does not mean we never have to deal with the unexpected, but if we negotiate the bump before we get to it, we know how to handle those times.

Leading requires a plan, even more so when referencing the spiritual application. A good plan will always produce success and quality.