By Tyler Graeff
Management has caught a bad “rap” overtime, especially in reference to micromanaging. When someone choses whether they want to be considered a leader or a manager, most people would want to be known as a leader. Leaders cast vision while a manager is a key person to execute this vision. A leader may be credited with a successful vision being casted, while a manger may be somebody working behind the scenes executing the vision and gaining organizational traction. Within the kingdom of God, good managers are a necessity. Within the ministry, it’s important to know what direction we are heading but also know how we are going to execute and move forward.
What can slow progress and cause your team to lose focus? Squirrels. Everyone jokes about chasing squirrels or rabbits but in all reality they can slowly derail progress on a project or shift our perspective off of what matters most, vision. Ministry can be fast-paced, demanding and rigorous work. Focusing on our priorities, empowering the right people and staying committed to the task at hand can be preventatives for the everyday squirrels that show up at some of the most inconvenient times.
Upon reflection on chapters 11and 12 in High Impact Teams, we can receive a few key takeaways. Management does not have to have a bad “rap”. Within an organization with vision and purpose, having those on your team to execute said vision is crucial. Managers are important. Squirrels cause us to lose focus. Having priorities in the forefront of our vision helps us not get distracted by squirrels and having the right people in place to tend to squirrels when they show up help us stay focused.
Let us pray today for the ability to stay focused and execute the vision that the Lord has given us as we put hope within reach!