Weekly Thought – May 20, 2025
Fred aimed to be productive, helpful, and achievement oriented. He believed in “paying rent for the space he occupied” through contribution to those whose lives he touched.
Energized By Accomplishment
I have learned that if I end my day feeling beat, I probably didn’t accomplish much that is worthwhile. Accomplishment gives me such joy that it actually restores my energy. Activity, for its sake alone, is draining.
As I have gotten older, I find I am more selective, more thorough, more conscious of what I am trying to do. I learned that activity is not the mark of accomplishment. The more I can delegate tasks that are not uniquely mine, the more attention I can pay to those that are. Do you ever find yourself doing someone else’s work? Why? My friend who was head of a large international company once told me, “I am not going to pay them, and then do their work, as well.”
A leader may feel that he or she doesn’t have the luxury of only doing a few things well, but the principles still apply. I have run small organizations, and I have run large corporations. I have never been short of time because I believe I know how to prioritize. I keep for myself the things that only I can do and delegate the rest.
But many fall prey to the temptation to keep others dependent upon them in order to make themselves feel important. Others fight against feelings of guilt if they aren’t arriving first and leaving last. In the church the concept of “servant leadership” is quite popular. I do not believe that means the pastor should be cutting the yard and sweeping the floor in order to demonstrate leadership.
To follow the delegation model, it is critical to understand strengths. If a leader spends an inordinate amount of time trying to overcome weaknesses, the organization will suffer from anemic leaders. To do what only I could do meant I clearly understood and maximized my strengths.
This week carefully consider: 1) How well do I know my strengths? 2) What defines accomplishment for me? 3) When do I feel the true sense of operating effectively?
Words of Wisdom: “Activity for its sake alone is draining.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Give thanks to the LORD. Call on his name. Make known his accomplishments among the nations.” (Psalm 105:1 NET Bible)