The Eisenhower Matrix and Three Thoughts for Leaders
Dwight Eisenhower is noted as saying, “What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important.” He is credited with the quote because of his emphasis on planning and strategy. From this quote, the Eisenhower matrix was born, which Stephen Covey later popularized. Here is my sketch of it: The matrix has […]
Dan, 10,000 Hours, and Your Development
Dan McLaughlin quit his job in April 2010, and with absolutely no experience at golf, he decided to dedicate himself to the game through 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. He is almost halfway through the 10,000 hours and now has a handicap of four. So the practice is clearly making an impact. You can track […]
Poptarts, Budweiser, and Leadership
Poptarts and Budweiser. I am endorsing neither, but one of these brands has experienced 25 years of consecutive decline and one has experienced 30 years of consecutive growth. When I have asked people which one has been growing, they often respond with Budweiser. After all, they have produced some commercials that seemed to grab cultural […]
Small Groups, Rebar, and Culture Blindness
The following post is by Michael Kelley. is an author, editor, and communicator whose works include Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal and Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life. Born in Texas, Michael holds a Master of Divinity degree from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala. Michael and his wife have three children and live in […]
Don’t Blame Your Schedule For Your Burnout
The following is a post by Ed Stetzer. Ed is the Executive Director of LifeWay Research, an author, a blogger at Christianity Today, and the pastor of Grace Church. This was originally posted on the LifeWay Church Leaders blog. We live in a world that is defined by boundaries. Our roads are painted with them, […]
3 Things a Lack of Integrity Kills
When the apostle Paul challenged Timothy to expand the ministry and hand responsibilities over to others, he emphasized character over competence. He didn’t diminish competence, but he started with integrity and faithfulness. Notice the order of the language of this often-quoted verse: The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses […]
4 Groups to Whom the Leader Should Listen
The culture and direction of entire organizations, churches, ministries, and institutions is driven, in part, by whom the leader listens to. These people impact much of the leader’s decision-making, direction, and perception of reality—both challenges and opportunities. As I recently shared, wise leaders ensure they are hearing the right voices and listening to people who […]
3 Characteristics of People Leaders Should Listen To
Several years ago I found myself in a conversation with a political consultant who has run national campaigns for candidates seeking election. We were on a flight, and he asked about my profession. I tried to explain “executive pastor” to him, and after a few more questions he concluded, “Sounds kind of like a chief […]
Pete Carroll and the Pain of Leadership
During the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl, some were speculating if Pete Carroll should be considered one of the greatest coaches of all time. He won multiple championships coaching at USC and was on his way to winning his second straight Super Bowl, a feat many deem almost impossible in the days of free […]
Stay in Your Lane or Own the Whole?
Perhaps you have had a leader challenge you to “stay in your lane.” Whether your mind conjured up a football analogy or lanes on an interstate, you got the message. Quit trying to lead everyone else’s area, and focus on yours. And perhaps you heard a different message in a different meeting when the leader […]