Go Ye Therefore
Leadership Qualities: Focus Part 2
Too Many Pursuits-Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 (negative)
The old axiom remains true: If you chase two rabbits, both will escape. This was certainly true of Solomon’s futile attempts to reach his varied goals (He pursued eight goals in Ecclesiastes 2 alone!) So, what can we learn from this leader about focus?
- He pursued too many things in too short a time.
- He pursued the wrong goals to reach his desired outcome.
- His self-serving goals were all wrong.
- He despaired because he never identified what he really wanted.
Consider the following checklist as you make decisions about where to invest your time and energy. When faced with a decision, ask yourself:
- Is this consistent with my priorities?
- Is this within my area of competence?
- Can someone else do it better?
- What do my trusted friends say?
- Do I have the time?
When you say “yes” to an opportunity, get ready to focus. Make to-do lists. Set your priorities. Avoid clutter. Pursue excellence, but avoid perfectionism. Question everything. Work to prevent procrastination. Control interruptions and distractions. Use the calendar. Narrow your wedge-don’t try to do everything. That means you’ll have to say no to some good things. And how can you say no gracefully?
- Say no to the proposition, not to the person.
- Respond in terms that convey the best interest of the person who’s requesting your involvement.
- Defer creatively; suggest an alternative.
Join me next time forĀ Leadership Qualities: Focus Part 3