Leadership can be complex and hectic.
There is always something to think about. There is always something to do. Your time and attention are pushed and pulled in a variety of directions.
And while you are trying to do everything, you find yourself feeling like you are going nowhere, and that you are actually limiting your organization.
How can leaders sift through the complexity of leadership and focus on what is most important? It starts by knowing these four things:
1. Know your organizational goals
If you’re faced with a challenge or an issue that does not feed into your organizational goals, limit your involvement. Your time and energy should be dedicated to that which your organization deems most important.
2. Know your particular area of emphasis
You cannot truly focus on everything and be effective. You must pick and choose. Identify an area where your leadership is most needed for the time being. Focus on that area until you are comfortable with its direction and performance. Then, move on to another area.
3. Know what only you can do
There are elements of your leadership that can be delegated. But there are some things that only you can do. One is the role of CRO (Chief Reminding Officer). You are the one best suited to point others toward organizational goals and value. Whatever only you can do, do that.
4. Know your team
Know your team members’ strengths and weaknesses. You are responsible for placing each member in positions that will bring them and the organization success.
Don’t get pushed and pulled around by issues that are not most important for your leadership and the organization. Sift through all of the complexity that will inevitably come.
Know your organizational goals. Know your particular area of emphasis. Know what only you can do. And know your team.
Keep leadership simple.
By knowing these four things, you will be on your way to knowing that your leadership is effective.
Art Rainer is Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and cofounder of Rainer Publishing. He is the author of several books, Raising Dad and Simple Life.
