Chapter 3... plan the work and work the plan.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

This chapter allowed our group to some great and insightful discussions. In this chapter, "The Cycle of Achievement", we discuss the importance of:

1. Having a Vision. A vision is tomorrow's reality expressed as an idea today. If you don't have this one down, there is no sense going on to the next one. Spend as much time as you need before going to the next one.

2. Setting Goals. Goals are an essential part of a leader's growth process. You can grow without a plan, but more than likely, it will not be consistent with the vision. By the way, goals are set in stone.

3. Developing a Game Plan. A game plan is like directions to a destination; it will get you there, but it is not the only way. The BIG idea here is to stay flexible. You may need to reroute your course when something unexpected happens. By the way, it may have caught us of guard, but God is not surprise...relax. "While goals are in set in stone, a game plan is set in sand".

4. Working! This is where many would be leaders stop. they have done everything up to this point, but now it is just too hard. The big one here for me is that you have to model what you expect others to do. Anyone could see through a leader that wants to manipulate, specially in the church. You get what you model!

5. Seeking Counsel. Only a selected few should serve in this capacity. We all need someone who can look at us and not feel intimidated to tell us the truth. Do you have someone like that in your life? Three practical suggestions:

a. That person should be a Christian. How can you receive counsel from someone who's values are not consistent with yours.

b. It MUST be someone from the same gender. If you don't follow this one, you may pay a high price. The risk is too high.

c. Don't go with the someone who is going to tell you what you want to hear. To do that would be a waste and counter productive to what you want to achieve.

As a leader our goal is to improve in our followship. To do this, we have to continue to challenge ourselves to grow. This is a great stradegy to put some handels on our process. Take time to really look at this closely and evaluate where you are at.

A couple of questions for you: Which one of these are you best at? Which one needs the most attention?