1. DETERMINE YOUR PERSONAL VALUES
The first step in effective leadership is defining core values. Until that is done, the ship the leader is trying to steer has no rudder. Until our core values are crystal clear, every decision is a challenge. Jesus knew that. Early in the process of developing his team of disciples, he forced them to confront this foundational issue.
Matthew records Jesus' primer on values in Matthew 6:1-34. Jesus focuses his lesson on verses 19-21:
"Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure it, your heart will be also."
2. DETERMINE TO USE ONE SYSTEM AND ONLY ONE SYSTEM
This is critical for long-term success. When we manage the "where to be" and the "what to be" in the same place, we are planning for maximum potential. Without a system, we will always be in reactive mode.
3. SET GOALS. GOALS ARE CRITICAL.
In time management, this comes into play when prioritizing. If your lifelong goal has been to become a master guitar player, then perhaps dedicating some time to practice the guitar should slide in instead of going out to a friend's house. When in doubt, turn to your goals for guidance. Remember, goals are birthed out of our values.
4. SEE MARGIN AS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN EVERY DAY AND EVERY TASK.
If you leave something to chance, or if you leave the opportunity for something to go wrong because you haven't managed your time well, something will indeed go wrong. And when you create your schedule and prioritized task list, always allocate much more time to accomplishing the task than you think you'll need.
5. STAY THE COURSE
A system is only a system when used consistently and improved often!