A leader who is good at grasping what’s essential builds influence, exercises good judgment, and displays thought leadership.
The Benefits of Grasping What’s Essential
It’s essential to grasp what’s essential, else I miss the essential! Ugh!
Ok, I need to separate signal from noise. But, what’s that like?
Well, from several biographical sketches in scripture we see grasping what’s essential in practice.
First, from First Samuel 25, Abigail was one who got the essentials. Actually, that trait was linked to quick thinking and influence.
In addition, she was diplomatic and could make a convincing argument.
Second, from the life of Solomon in First Chronicles 22.12 and Second Chronicles 2.12, we see grasping the essential paired with being wise.
Moreover, it’s also connected to making sense of things. And, with using good judgment.
Third, are passages in Ezra 8, Nehemiah 8, First Chronicles 26, and Second Chronicles 30. In each, we see grasping what’s essential linked to effective teaching. Also, to thought leadership. And, to advising others.
In short, grasping what’s essential yields influence, good judgment, and thought leadership.
Leadership Insight
So, how does a leader get to the point of grasping what’s essential?
1). Well, experience in an industry is a starter. More simply, what’s it take to keep the trains running around here?
2). Then, a second source is wise counsel. Thus, I’m willing to learn from others who are more seasoned. But, I’m discerning enough to tell good advice from bad.
3). Third, is deliberate reflection. Here, an impactful leader learns by stopping and reflecting. And, by asking:
“What happened?”
“Why did it happen?”
“How could I have responded better?”
4). Now, for a person of faith, reverence is another source of grasping what’s essential, Psalm 111.10.
However, beware not to abuse or misuse knowledge of what’s essential for selfish ends, Ecclesiastes 10.16-17.
Also, don’t become arrogant and combative because of the knowledge you have, Job 17.2-4.
Therefore, impactful leaders deliberately build their knowledge of the essential. Then, they carefully monitor those essential few, leading-edge indicators of progress.
Apply This Today!
Impactful leaders faithfully execute the basics. Why? Because they realize that grasping what’s essential grows their influence and improves the quality of their decisions.
Remember, knowledge is power when that knowledge is used appropriately. But, when misused, knowledge fuels negative outcomes for a leader.
So, what are you doing as a leader to grasp what’s essential in your current position?
Thanks for visiting. Also, please contact me if you have comments: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
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