Happy New Year! Today is the day many of you see as a possibility of a new beginning. It may mean a new start, a new dream, or a fresh Bible just waiting to be highlighted and scribbled in. January 1 can also be the beginning of a new year of personal leadership goals. How will you take advantage of these opportunities? Here are five ways you can make the most of developing your leadership journey this year.
1. Begin with vision and prayer. Where would you like your ministry to go in 2018? Spend time in God’s Word and seek His direction for your leadership. What is something that you want to see accomplished this year? Start with two little words, “if” and “why.” Ask the Lord to help you think about the “what if…” and “why are we doing this?” These questions can be the catalyst for a new year of vision.
2. Develop a strategy. Living in a new community, I often use my phone to help me with directions. I know where I want to go, but I also want to know the best route. Developing a strategy is the road map to your vision. You can have great vision, but unless you have a map, you may end up in the wrong destination (or in Nashville, more traffic).
3. Put together processes. Once you articulate vision and know which direction you’re headed, put together processes or benchmarks that guide progress. As one of my ministry friends once said, “You can have a lot of vision, but someone has to execute.” Figure out how to execute your strategy.
4. Set deadlines. Most of us don’t like deadlines, but they are necessary markers that push us toward progress. A looming deadline will force me into action. Without them, you might just turn the calendar to another year without accomplishing your vision.
5. Evaluate your progress and make adjustments. Besides setting deadlines, there should be times when you will stop and evaluate progress. Are goals being met? Have you executed the plan? If not, does something need to be adjusted? Do you need more accountability? Do you need additional time? A few months ago I put together a ministry plan that ends in May. Recently I’ve taken time to look at the plan again. Some of the goals were a little lofty, and I totally missed the marked in some areas. Instead of feeling defeated, I’m making adjustments, and by evaluating the plan, I can actually make more progress.
Here on the Lifeway women’s leadership blog, we’re excited to stay connected with you in 2018 and offer leadership resources that will enhance your vision and strategy. One way we want to stay connected is by sending you a monthly e-newsletter highlighting some of the top blogs and resources in our area. If you’d like to receive it, subscribe today. We love serving you!
Kelly King is the Women’s Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources and oversees the YOU Lead events. Join her this year and get to know her heart for ministry leaders. Follow her on Twitter @kellydking.
