Coaching Churches

One of the most recognized experts in the field of productivity is David Allen.  He is the author of many books but probably is best known for Getting Things Done.

The reason I like his approach is that in our day of many complicated business planning models and powerful software applications to back them up he just keeps it simple.  When a project is very large and complicated with many moving parts bring on Project Manager with all the charts and spreadsheets.

However, most of the things that we need to get done must start with the core principles of basic planning.  If what we are doing cannot be defined in these simple steps then maybe it does not need to be done at all.

For every task that would be large enough to fit into the project category there are five key phases:

1.       Defining purpose and principles

2.      Outcome visioning

3.      Brainstorming

4.      Organizing

5.      Identifying next actions

We must take the time to clearly define What we are doing and Why.  Then we need to see that the end result will be better than our current reality.  Once the vision is set then we need a comprehensive plan on How to get there and Who is responsible for every major action item.  Finally and probably most important what are the specific goals that need to be accomplished by the next meeting.

All of us have experienced the frustration that comes from really wanting to accomplish something important and thinking we are really committed to it only to realize several months later it did not happen.  When I evaluate personally and professionally where the breakdown occurs it usually centers on the disciplines involved in effective goal setting.

These are the five critical things I have learned over the years:

1.      Write it down—if it is not important enough to write down in your personal planner or enter into your cell phone list then it will almost always never get done.

2.      Check your resources—do you realistically have the time, energy, knowledge, skills and commitment to make this happen?

3.      Make it clear—you must be very specific about what you want to accomplish.  It cannot be I want to lose weight; it needs to be twenty pounds over next six months.

4.      Develop your plan—strategy is the realistic intersection of resources and commitment.  There is a big difference in walking twenty minutes five days week and training for marathon.

5.      Evaluate your progress—this is where the rubber hits the road.  Do it often until you know you have sustainable momentum and most important celebrate every win.