Effectively Prioritizing

Leaders should set priorities. I say "should" because, all too often, leaders let the priorities and agendas of others side-track the organization.

We let the last minute panic of others (usually caused from their own lack of planning) pop up and steal our day. We get pushed down dead end trails running after errant stakeholders. We waste time reorienting ourselves after our attention is distracted for non-strategic matters.

Leaders should set priorities. Think of the "setting" as in setting something in concrete. Assuming that priorities are seated firmly within the strategy of the organization, priorities should not change without abundant discussion, contemplation and analysis. Running up against opposition does not warrant a changing of the strategy embedded priority. If priorities changed, then strategy should have changed as well.

Priorities, if properly chosen, are the stepping stone goals that will move you and your team toward accomplishing your purpose. Priorities serve as the guard rails for the organization to ensure coordination of effort and direction of movement.

An entity that does not respect and defend their priorities will create a culture that lacks accountability and efficiency. The culture becomes one of individuality and disconnection. Efforts are disjointed and lack focus. Multiple paths to no where are entrenched as "the way we do things around here" without priorities.

Priorities should be as sacred as mission to the leader. They are the boundaries in which you will succeed.

Improving Personal Discipline

There has been some recent research that indicates the development of discipline in general has a "spill-over" effect in other areas of our life. The analogy is that a runner who develops his or her ability to run further and faster can use that developed skill in various applications. Whether running from danger or climbing a ladder, the level of fitness developed will improve one's ability to perform various tasks. Discipline works in much the same way.

As we develop the discipline of keeping our work space organized, we become more apt to apply the same skill to keeping our car and closet organized as well. The fitness of discipline goes beyond like tasks though. Having discipline in general allows us to be more disciplined in all aspects of our life. Being diligent about showing up on time, will make us more apt to stick with healthy eating habits. Discipline, as it turns out, is a muscle that moves in all directions.

If you are struggling with the lack of discipline in any area, begin to build discipline in the things that you find to be enjoyable or easy. The building of this discipline will eventually be applicable to all aspects of your life. Simply be disciplined.

Vocabulary is Important

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit -- you decide.” Proverbs 18:21, The Message

Vocabulary is important. However, we are so surrounded with words that we minimize their impact on our own well-being and that of others.

Tribal Leadership authors Logan, King and Fischer-Wright use one’s language to place individuals and their collective organization in various stages of development. They point to “a specific fingerprint made up of language that people use” to understand the person’s outlook on life including their work. Their premise is that when we change our vocabulary, we change our beliefs which in turn reinforces our new perspective and communication style.

Words have long been known to build up or tear down a child’s self-esteem and life-perspective. That impact appears to have a similar affect on adults. I have been surprised through my 25 years of leadership to find past employees who still remember a compliment I gave or kept a thank you note I sent many years ago. We hold to the admiration given to us by our leaders. That admiration reinforces a leader’s ability to “endear” those who follow to his or her leadership; which I believe is the strongest organizational connection to which a leader can aspire.

Words, of course, cannot be mere hollow scripts. Compliments and encouragement must be heart felt. Inquiries into a team member’s well-being must be genuine. Transparency on the part of the leader must be real. Words are a reflection of our inner-beliefs. While they can be used to manipulate on occasion, over time, they will always bear out deeper convictions.

The Proverbs teach at length about the incredible power of words. Words are the means by which others will interpret our values, follow our encouraging vision, and learn of unknown capabilities. We are cautioned to guard our words. We are told that our words convey wisdom and cultivate honesty. They are not merely words -- they are elements of teaching, healing and direction. They are to be used wisely.

If you find some under your leadership who lack confidence, consider what your words have done to put them in that diminished state. Have you thoughtlessly dismissed their thoughts with a quick dismissal of their ideas and a statement of your own thoughts?

Consider how your words have stripped them of motivation. Have you removed their accountability and responsibility by speaking to them as children?

If you find they are self-focused at the expense of the team, have your words conveyed your efforts are all about me, my or I? Our team will mimic our words and therefore adopt our beliefs.
Vocabulary is important. Proverbs 16:10 instructs that “A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit.” Your words will determine your standing against that promise.

Courtesy of RodBrace.com