Leadercast pt. 2: David Allen

David Allen, for those of you who don't know, is ranked in Forbes' top 5 of executive coaches in the US.  He works with individuals and companies all over the country, teaching them how to be more productive and successful in their business.  For a closer look at his company, you can find him at www.davidco.com

The main point that Allen wanted to make was, was that "Getting things done is not really about getting things done."  Just like last time, I have a few questions for you before I dive in to what this means.  These questions are based off of one overall umbrella question if you will.  That question is, How do you get appropriately engaged?  No I do not mean engaged like I was to my wife before we got married, but how do you get appropriately engaged in your work?  Now for the three questions.

1.)  What are you doing?

           2.)  Why are you doing it that way?

  3.)  How are you doing it?

First is the "what".  No matter what it is that you are doing, Allen says that it is important to have a good BALANCE, and to be in your ZONE.  Meaning, that you aren't taking on more than you can handle, but you aren't just sliding by either.

Second is the "why".  This is an important question meant to help you keep your focus on your goals.  Allen drew it up this way, and I will try to explain it as clearly as I can.  You will have to physically draw this out in order to get the picture, so go find a piece of paper and something to write with before you continue on reading...

Draw a standard graph, with an X and a Y axis.

Along the vertical side, write the word "perspective".

Along the horizontal side, write the word "control".

Place 4 points on this graph, one in each corner.

Now, the dot in the bottom left corner, where "perspective" and "control" meet, is going to be labeled "victim".  These are the people who feel like they have no control whatsoever, and also have a terrible lack of perspective on their life.  The dot directly above in the top left corner is going to be labeled "crazy maker".  These are the folks who have it all mapped out in their minds, but do nothing to put there ideas into action, therefore driving themselves crazy that nothing works the way they think it should.  Next we will do the bottom right corner.  This will be labeled "micro manager".  These are the ones who are going to make sure everything is done their way, at all costs.  Our last point, is going to be labeled "captain & commander".  This group has the right balance of control AND perspective.  They have a vision, and act on it, but then give control down to others who can then keep the vision moving forward.

The next question, is the "how".  How is it that you are engaging?  Are you being flexible?  Are you quick to adapt?

All that being said, the goal is to engage in your work effectively.  Don't get bogged down with with trying to make sure everything goes exactly according to plan, or just toss your ideas to the wind and hope that someone will catch one and run with it.  Be engaged.

Allen also wanted to demonstrate the importance of getting your thoughts and ideas out of your head and onto paper.  Ideas have a tendency to morph or fade away if left mulling around in the brain for too long.  When you have an idea worth pursuing, write it down, and then make outcome or action decisions for how to pursue the idea.  These are decisions that will move the bar forward.  I need ____ to happen, so I am going to do _____.  Then, step back every now and then to make sure that you can still see the whole game.  It is easy to put the blinders on and focus on the one area, but it is important to keep focused on the big picture.  Don't lose sight of your goals.

Leadercast pt. 1: Andy Stanley

A few months back, I was lucky enough to get to attend the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast seminar.  For those who are unfamiliar, this is an annual event held live in Atlanta, GA.  No I was not lucky enough to fly out there to see it live.  This event is also broadcasted to hundreds of locations all across the world.  There were many great speakers this year, and all had something different to offer in terms of how to be a leader.  So, I will be starting a series all focused on what they had to say and how I am applying it to my life.  For the sake of organization, each segment will be focused around one specific speaker.  I hope you enjoy reading along...

Andy Stanley is a pastor out at North Point Church in Atlanta.  According to his website, (www.andystanley.com) more than 33,000 people attend one of his churches each week!  In addition to these thriving churches, Stanley has also planted more than 30 churches throughout Atlanta's Metro area.  This man, is a leader if there ever was one.  Stanley began his speech by asking 3 simple questions; 

            1.) What are we doing?

              2.) Why are we doing it?

            3.) Where do I fit in?

Take a moment to think about these questions yourself as it relates to your leadership role.  This could be at work, at church, or at home.

Answering the first question, "What are we doing", should bring you clarity.  This should tell you exactly what your purpose is.This is important too, because if you don't know what it is that you are doing, you are going to have a very hard time doing it.  For me, There are 3 different answers depending on the role I am referring to.  At work, the "what" is being a light to my community through excellence in service, our community, and our team.  At home, the "what" is Leading my family in our walk with Christ.  At church, the "what" is serving the Lord faithfully, and bringing glory to His name.  Now put those three together, and you might summarize it this way, I am leading the people around me in a positive way to bring glory to God.  I want to be a positive leader to those under my leadership.  One phrase that Stanley said which stuck out to me, was this.  He said that "We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen."  I love that.  It says something about the way we should be holding ourselves, as well as the way we should be treating those who we serve.

The second question can be followed by another question.  "Why are we doing it?" and "What would happen if we weren't doing it?" I have had the unique pleasure of seeing a glimpse of what might happen if I stop doing what I am doing.   I went on a 1 week vacation with my wife to serve at our church's Jr. High summer camp, and I have never felt so popular.  My phone and email were going crazy!  Luckily, there were others available who were able to manage things and keep things running smoothly until I returned home.  PTL for them!  So why am I "being a light to my community", or "leading my family", or "serving the Lord"?    Because that is what I am called to do.  Take a moment to look up a few passages from the Bible.  The first, is Matthew 5: 14-16.  Next is Ephesians 5:23.  Finally, read 1 Peter 4:10-11.  God calls us to lead in this world, and it is our duty to obey him.  I have been blessed with many things, and so I give back by lending myself to the service of others.

"Where do I fit in?"  This is an interesting question, and not one you usually hear from a leader.  Like who wants to follow a leader who doesn't know where they fit in?  This is again though meant to help you find some clarity.  What is your unique contribution?  What is your core responsibility?  What is it that you do, that no one else does?  If you are having trouble answering any of these questions, here is an activity for you.  Take 5 minutes, and come up with your job description.  Seem too easy?  Now try summing up your job description into one sentence.  While your at it, have the rest of your team at work do the same.  It is an interesting challenge.  How to fit all of the things that you do into one single sentence.  It will cut out the fluff for sure!  If you can do it though, good for you.  Simplicity is a wonderful thing in this crazy fast-paced world of ours.  Another quote from Stanely says, "Growth creates complexity, which requires simplicity."  This means that as your company (for example) grows, things will undoubtedly become more complex.  If you have any hope of continuing that growth, you must bring simplicity to it.  You have to find a way to smooth out the jagged edges.  The more simple you can make it, the more likely people are to follow you and remain happy.