Urban Pastor LIVE!

8.  WAITING UNTIL THERE IS A PROBLEM TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK. 

As a pastor, I understand the importance of encouraging others.  It empowers others to reach their fullest potential. 

Furthermore, it motivates them to want to go the extra mile.  Because I can fall victim to the tyranny of the urgent, sometimes I’m encouragement-challenged.  Moreover, since I am results oriented, my tendency is to only speak up when expectations aren’t met.  Experience has taught me that this can create a culture of fear. I need to discipline myself to encourage my staff, leaders, and members more.  As Tom Peters has said, “Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes.”

Have you encouraged someone today?

9. STAYING TOO BUSY. 

I’ve too often made the mistake of assuming that since I’m busy I’m adding value.  

It’s very possible to be constantly busy and be completely ineffective.  By the way, email can be the biggest trap of all.  If I wanted to, I could spend every hour of every day processing email and getting absolutely nothing accomplished. 

It has been said, “never mistake motion for progress.”  Throughout the day we must stop and ourselves, “is what I’m doing adding value to others or helping me reach my destiny?”  If so, keep doing what you’re doing.  If not…well, you know what to do.

How do you know when you’re too busy?