I didn't have time today to do what I do best. I was too busy being busy.
One of the first questions I ask leaders in a coaching or consulting relationship is to consider what they do best.
"What is it that when you do it, things tend to go better for you?" The "things" may include money, satisfaction, happiness, peacefulness or a sense of accomplishment.
Most leaders possess a well-tuned notion of what things need to be done to achieve measurable results. Managers do things right, while leaders focus on doing the right things.
Problems develop when time demands limit the repetition of doing the right things. I ask leaders this follow-up question, "In the last week of work, what percentage of the time did you complete the actions that make things go better for you?
Then I add, "How about the last month?"
In 30 years of asking this nosy question, I've concluded that in a "good week," the average leader spends less than 20% of their time (self-reported) doing the things that matter most. Highly effective leaders work on the right things about 80% of their time.
Thousands of books and countless blogs address the gap between good intentions and productive reality. The advice writers and coaches provide tends to focus on time management and reducing the shiny object response factor.
The struggle to complete uninterrupted deep work is more spiritual than technological. Some identify the problem as a lack of focus. I contend that weak focus is a symptom of an issue with dusty feet.
In a master class with Jesus, the disciples learned to keep their eyes on their feet and watch for dust accumulation. Today's television weathercasters call it ground clutter. We can't see dust or ground clutter, but God wants us to discern it and move ahead. Move to what matters most.
We see evidence the disciples understood the lesson in Acts 13:51 as they dusted their feet before pressing on to Iconium.
We must watch our feet. We must be mindful of the people, the projects and the pull of wasted energy. It keeps us from doing what we do best.
None of us has a minute to waste. Diligent doers plant their feet while doing the right thing.
Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.
Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
