I recently wrote an article entitled “Intentional about Being Intentional.” When we live and lead intentionally, we do so with purpose, clarity and passion. It helps us steward our leadership gift faithfully, using it to truly make a difference in the lives of those we lead.
As I’ve thought more about the subject of being intentional I’ve become aware, in my own life, of things that are potential obstacles to being intentional. These things can so often rob us from being truly intentional in our leadership.
An article by Mark Driscoll helped raise my awareness of potential obstacles to being intentional. The following are some of the more common obstacles I, and I’m sure many others, face:
• People – This may sound strange because it is people that we have a heart to impact. But as leaders it is often people that cause us to move into a reactionary space rather than an intentional one. Have you ever experienced someone who is pushy, needy, demanding, high-drama, inconsiderate or unrealistic? If you are a leader, I’m sure your answer is YES! These types of people often scream very loudly for us to meet their demands and expectations, and if we are not careful can often steal our life, joy, health, and time. We may see it as ministry, but often time is just people pleasing. We need to be intentional about how to effectively lead people and manage ourselves, instead of just responding to the loudest voice.
• Technology – I’ve discovered that a huge part of being intentional is using my time wisely, and one of the hugest time wasters in my life is technology. That said, I know that technology does energise and fascinate me, so I do need to be intentional about devoting some time to it. But it too often controls me. I know I can’t be an effective leader if I’m are always surfing the net, reading and updating Twitter and facebook, playing around on my cell phone or iPad, reading emails, smsing, chatting on instant messenger and watching TV. Even though I have and enjoy technology, I’m learning I need to manage it effectively (ie: turn it off at times).
• Lack of planning – Without proper planning and prioritizing, we will very quickly slip from the intentional space into the reactionary realm, often giving our attention and efforts to the most urgent perceived need, rather than the most important one. Leaders never grow to a point where they don’t need to prioritise.
• Trading busyness for fruitfulness – Again I found Driscoll very helpful here. He states that some people say they are too busy to worship, pray, Sabbath, journal, and so forth, but they have tragically traded being busy for being Godly, obedient, and wise fruitful stewards. He goes on to ask if our busyness is truly fruitful or would some plans to organise our world, home, diet, budget, schedule, and life be helpful? I know my answer to that question is often yes.
I have found the more aware I am of these obstacles, the more effective I’m becoming in avoiding them.
__________
Don Muller has spent the last 4 years working into corporate and church leadership development and training both locally and internationally. He has a passion for and works towards seeing individuals live out their strengths and calling daily.