Burned out?

I saw this on CNN: With modern chief executives increasingly becoming frazzled and run-down, promotions should come with a health warning. Probably two-thirds of CEOs are struggling. The best way to avoid a breakdown? Build a support network and try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. End of quote.

No question. Today’s leaders face overwhelming challenges. The boardroom or the corner office no longer guarantees a sweet life of luxury and respect.

So how does a leader who follows Jesus adjust?

With a solid, wise, Godly team that provides feedback, ideas, support and counsel.

With a balance between work, play, family and God.

With a proper pace. Unhurried, balanced and calm.

Jesus said it best: Are you tired? Come to me. Learn the unforced rhythms of Grace.

Focus Forward

How do you as a leader balance tradition and forward progress?

I work for an 80 year old organization with a rich history. There is often the temptation to rest in the past.

But we work on a rapidly changing culture. We deal with mind-boggling technology changes. As much as we cherish the past, we can't live there. We must move forward to avoid irrelevance, if not extinction.

We value the past, but we don't live in the past.

We build on the past with a direction to the future.

We hold to our core values, while adopting a willingness to change.

And the paradox is that consistency of values plus a willingness to change preserves the core values and stimulates progress in the future.

Paul the apostle in the 1st century said: "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

I Wish I Had Done It Sooner

've found most people don't regret what they’ve done. I've found many who regret what they didn't do.

I think of the opportunities I've missed by ignoring an opportunity.

I think of times I wouldn't step out of my comfort zone and take a risk. I think about times I moved too slow.

Jack Welch is the famed former CEO of GE. He had a reputation for ruthless decisions. Recently, Bill Hybels conducted an interview. Bill asked if Welch had any regrets from his years in leadership. Jack replied: Yes. I wish I hadn't moved so slowly.

I can relate. If I had taken action on some situations right away, I would have avoided years of struggle.

Jesus emphasized the importance of TODAY. James his brother said, "Don't put it off till tomorrow. We have no assurance of tomorrow.”

Deal with little problems promptly, before they become BIG problems.

"No Guilt" Fun

I used to feel guilty about wasting time having fun. I was taught that every single moment we live must count.

Recently I've found that the greatest waste of time is unproductive tasks.

Like spending HOURS trying to get a new software program to work. I smack my forehead and say: I could have been relaxing.

I now realize the most destructive waste of time is not in “having fun”, but spending hours doing useless work.

Jesus made every moment count. Yet, he went to a wedding. He played with kids. He went boating and fishing. He went to a quiet place to pray and rest.

So, when you work, work with intentionality.

And when you play, play with abandon, forgetting the long list of emails in your in box.

And let the joy of the Lord be your strength.

~Wayne