Not too long ago, I had the incredible experience of receiving personal leadership coaching.  The kind where someone doesn’t simply download stuff my way, but this person literally sat in my office, examined what I do and how I do it, and then tweaked me as a leader.  What a gift, no kidding!

One of the most powerful elements of that encounter was the direct encouragement for me to spend 10% of my time managing those I lead, and 90% of my time leading.  What does that mean?  I think of a book referred to me by my pastor, Tyranny of the Urgent, which gives the clear insight that we can be ruled by the events of the day, or set the pace with the Lord.  In sheer management, one can be consumed.  However, management is necessary; there are a myriad of things that must dealt with.  Have you ever ended a day though feeling overwhelmed by events, versus knowing that you set the course?  Or perhaps feel like you are consistently responding to issues versus gaining ground on them?

A leading mindset forces me to hop in the drivers seat of event/crisis mode.  This way helps me deal with the present by clearly spending time thinking and planning for the future, and then executing things now that get us there.  This is not la la land either.  Leading is:

1. Future based-It is about where are we headed, and how do we get there today.  I want to lead in such a way that I can see where we need to be, but have the ability to take the steps necessary today to get us there.

2. People based-I want everyone on our team, and me, doing the best job possible.  Leading leaders versus managing them forces me to be thinking of stretching our team and how to do that, personally adressing strength and growth areas, and by providing things that fill up our leadership tanks (retreats and meaningful staff meetings).  Our leaders, me included, desire things that press us to be better personally and professionally.  Leading is about freeing people up to do best what God has called them to do.

Move out of reaction mode and into the drivers seat.  Do not let busy-ness mask whether you are leading or not.  Where do you want to go with your team?  It will not happen if you do not lead.