In my last blog, I wrote about the leadership reality of emotionally charged issues, and the need on the part of leaders to exercise self-control rather than operating in a reactionary manner when addressing such issues. Effective leaders are able to operate with emotional balance so that they are not controlled by their passions.

Another reality that leaders have to deal with is busyness. While emotion is not a valid substitute for activity, mere activity is not a valid replacement for effectiveness. Leaders busy themselves with the most important things rather than being side-tracked by urgent
endeavors. They have the discernment to identify what should receive priority attention: What only they can and should do, and what is required by their superiors. Beyond this, they have the discipline to channel their energy in those areas, and to say no to other things, no matter how important they may appear to be. At the same time, they develop the skill of delegating to others things that need to be done, but with which they should not be engaged. This is a challenge that I face each day, and one thing that has helped me is the review of priorities and goals on a regular basis. I would like to know how others handle the reality of busyness. What is your response to Andy Stanley’s premise that less is more? By this he means that more is accomplished by zeroing in on fewer things, which are more in line with one’s strengths or what he refers to as one’s sweet spot.