Good Leader's Make Strategy And Planning A Way of Life

June 8, 2011

I’m sure you have all heard the adage, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. Chances are you heard it at a church or business seminar, or saw it on a plaque on someone desk. Unfortunately, even though most of us have heard it, we ignore its truth. Let me be the first to admit that I like to rush into things to quickly. I get in a hurry, feel under the gun, or just lose my patience waiting on someone else to get their work done. I know I’m not alone. Whatever the case, this adage is one of the most ignored axioms among leaders.

Most hard charging, type-A, ADD leaders are so productive because they get things done and learn on the fly. However, they end up paying a toll for their lack of attention to proper planning. You would be surprised how many business men I have run into who have a great idea, but no concrete strategy to complete the task. The same holds true among pastors and church planters. Many start a new program in the church or attempt to launch new church without a proper and thoughtful business plan. A good plan is one of the greatest assets for a leader.

Nehemiah, I believe, was a calculating planner. I find it interesting when he finally approached the King and the King asked, “How can I help you”. Nehemiah had it all planned out. He didn’t stumble. He didn’t falter. He didn’t have to make it up as he went along. Over the four-month period of Nehemiah’s praying and fasting, I believe he was laying out a plan and preparing to answer every objection the King might throw his way.

Jesus said to a crowd that was gathered around him.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, This fellow began to build and was not able to finish. Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” (Luke 14:28-31 NIV)

One of the biggest mistakes a leader can make, when entering into a new phase of business, church or even your own life is a failure to make adequate plans. That doesn’t mean that all your plans were right, or that they were even will even work. It does ensure however a direction and an attempt to do the hard work necessary to attempt anything great.

For those who are leaders in the church: the work we do holds more value than simply creating a successful, program, outreach, or launching a new campus. What we do holds eternal value and therefore must be given due diligence before we launch out in any new direction.  Just because we feel God as called us doesn’t mean we don’t have to do the hard work of preparation. As Paul said to Timothy, “Study to show yourself approved”. (2 Tim 2:14) Then, like Nehemiah, once you are prepared, you can boldly and confidently move forward to accomplish what you believe God has called you to accomplish.

Posted 6/8/2011 in Stephen Gray | 1 Comment - Add Comment

Comments:

     This hits home. Great stuff, Doc. I am reminded how important it is for leaders to surround themselves with people who have strengths that will compliment the leaders weaknesses.