Today I’m pleased to feature a guest post from David Arrol Macfarlane, Director of National Initiatives for the Billy Graham Association of Canada. His recent post Getting the Right Things Done caused me to do a lot of evaluation in my own leadership, and I hope it hits you the same way.
In business we used to say: “What get’s measured get’s done!” When I worked with American Express I found this to be invaluable information. If you are going to achieve your budget, reach your sales quota, improve your product or service quality or expand your business base you must know clearly exactly what numbers you are aiming for. Having as a goal “to do better”, “try harder to make more widgets” or “grow the business” without measurables does not work most of the time. Now when you do have a clear measurable aim that you keep tracking it helps everyone stay focused and on target.
After leaving business for the Pastorate I brought this key concept in my leadership toolbox but realized that it needed to be retooled for ministry. That is when I came up with this triumvirate:
1. What get’s measured get’s done.
2. What get’s prayed for get’s done
3. What get’s celebrated get’s done.
While apparently controversial to some, I see:”what get’s measured get’s done” as key to accomplishing the vision and mission that the Lord has given us. Nehemiah and his team knew exactly what their task was – to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem – and it kept them focussed as they constantly monitored their progress and did not quit till it was all done. People like to know exactly what is expected of them.
“What get’s prayed for get’s done” is crucial on four fronts: First, it keeps us on our knees asking for God’s wisdom and help. Second, it keeps us focussed daily on what we need to be about and what needs to get done. Third, by praying we realize that without God’s intervention and sustaining power we will fail. Fourth, when the goal is accomplished we will not take any of the credit for it! Nehemiah and the people of God constantly prayed for success as they faced challenges and setbacks – God heard their prayer as He will ours.
“What get’s celebrated get’s done”. Nehemiah and the people pulled out all the stops when they accomplished their goal of rebuilding that wall and their rejoicing could be heard for miles around! I wonder what would happen in many churches if they celebrated someone leading a friend to Christ as much as they do for someone who prepares a church meal? “What get’s celebrated get’s done”. Nothing encourages or affirms your people to stay on track with the vision and goals more than celebrating big and small accomplishments to the glory of God. Hope that this is a help to you too.
Read the original article here.
