Lessons from Arrow Leadership

I went to the 2nd residential for Arrow Leadership last month.  This one was in Carefree, AZ, near Phoenix. I've never spent time in the desert, and never appreciated cactus before, but my perspective has changed!

Saguaro Cactus - grows about 1" per year. We saw many that must have been 100's of years old!
Our spiritual growth is often more like a Saguaro than a Bamboo plant - slow & steady,
but producing something significant in God's kingdom!

As I prepared for the class, I had the opportunity to read several books and a number of articles.  Here are some insights gained from the preparation:

1. Keep focused in life with a planning rhythm - take time away (Bob Beihl, "Focusing by Asking")

• To find balance in your life, begin by defining your ideal year & then put it on the calendar: first schedule your vacation, then set at least 1 measurable priority in each of the seven basic areas of life: (1) family & marriage, (2) financial, (3) personal growth, (4) physical, (5) professional, (6) social, and (7) spiritual. 
• Take 2-3 days annually to plan the year in advance - set goals & calendar for all of your key roles. Ask yourself the question: "What is really important?"
• Schedule 2 1/2% of your time to focus by taking 1/2 day per month to review goals and schedule & re-prioritize

2. Plan weekly, not daily (Covey, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People") - after implementing annual 2-3 days & monthly 1/2 day, then plan each week in advance, putting the priority activities in each key role of your life onto the calendar (big rocks first!).

3. Use 5 key questions in meetings with those who report to me (Beihl)

• Q1 - What decisions do you need from me?
• Q2 - What problems are you facing?
• Q3 - What plans are you making that we haven't discussed?
• Q4 - What progress have you made that I need to be aware of?
• Q5 - How are you doing personally? (Scale of 1-10)

4. Physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health are all interconnected. ("Making of a Corporate Athlete) - If I'm worn out physically, or not keeping in shape, I'm not going to be as strong in the other areas. Bill Hybels shared the same idea with the fuel gauges analogy. Intentionally pursue health and growth in all four areas and you'll find an increase in well-being and performance in life.

More observations to come! Which of these four observations hits home with you right now? What will you address to make a difference in your life, family, and ministry?

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2 Thess 1:11-12)