A few days ago, I blogged about recognizing whether you’re a leader or a manager. I discovered personally, as well as for several CEO’s and Pastors I’ve advised, that understanding the difference is life-changing AND liberating…to yourself as much as those on your team!
If you discovered you’re a leader, then here’s a trap to avoid, as well as a challenge to consider every day: Am I stuck in task or purpose? As a leader, sometimes we can get so passionate about what we’re leading that we jump in and get mired and caught up in accomplishing tasks. So much so, we forget our primary calling, our gifting, our assignment and responsibility to others, is tied up in purpose, not task. Task is “get it done”. Purpose is “lead them and help them discover their potential and grow.” Before you go to bed every night, take a quick look at your schedule, and ask yourself: “Tomorrow, how many appointments and items on my to-do list fall under the category of purpose, and how many are tasks?” How many people on your team do you have time set aside for, even if for 10-15 minute power sessions, to develop, empower and stretch them? You can assign & delegate all day, but you’re assignment is purpose, not task. If you had to fall short on one or the other tomorrow, stay on purpose. Tasks will always be there. The more you stay functioning and flowing in things that line up with your purpose (developing others), the fewer tasks you’ll need to keep on your plate.
This concept is especially tough for leaders who are also still taking on a role, or roles, in a small growing organization, where everyone wears many hats. While you’re still wearing those hats, never lose sight of your assignment as a purpose-focused leader first, task completer second.
