Aug 27 2008
Flexibility
I was supposed to start my Uptown Barista job on Monday. But they were having computer problems so the manager backed it up until Tuesday. Then he called and said the computers were still down so he changed it until Wednesday.
At the church, especially since we are new, changes happen almost hourly. We have to be ready to change our plans because stuff happens. Whether it is the AC not working or a musician that can’t be there or a preschool teacher who is sick.
I learned a long time ago that the key word in ministry is “FLEXIBILITY.” If you aren’t flexible then you will be left behind and be extremely frustrated. I am a organized person (except for my desk). I have always planned out my days down to the minute to get the most out of my schedule. However, there were always interruptions and distractions that arose and changed my plans. After reading and going to leadership conferences I realized those were actually opportunities for ministry.
Then I went to a Franklin-Covey seminar that taught me that the reason I was frustrated with my schedule is that it was unreasonable. No day goes 100% as planned. You have to build in wiggle room. You have to be flexible. First, I started figuring out what were the most important things that absolutely had to be accomplished and I ranked them as “A” events. One way or another I would finish them each day. Then I would rank “B” events. These are important but sometimes they could be rescheduled or even cancelled if needed. Then there are “C” events which are nice but aren’t necessary for my day to be a success.
What happens with many people is we have a check list of 10 things and we check off 9 of them. But we aren’t successful because the one we left off was an “A” event. Sometimes it is the #1 “A” event! When I started planning my days this way I became “less” frustrated with my days.
So the key word in ministry is “FLEXIBILITY.” What have you learned that could help me or others in time management?
