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In this video Nike president and CEO Mark Parker tells about the advice that Steve Jobs gave him shortly after the release of the Nike+ product line. It’s a simple bit of wisdom that any leader can relate to: “Get rid of the crappy stuff.”

What is the “crappy stuff” you need to get rid of in your life? What are the “edits” you need to make in your ministry or organization?

The following is an excerpt from my Pastor’s blog:

“Don’t confuse micromanaging with developing leaders. Many leaders get confused about this. You are not micromanaging when you are developing somebody. There is a season when you need and must know the details until you develop trust and the developing leader proves they can deliver high quality results consistently. Once the leader has proven him/herself, you need to turn them loose to lead and to lead strong without knowing all of the details. Don’t frustrate a proven leader by making them tell you the details. That’s micromanaging…”

To view the original post in its entirety click here to visit herbertcooper.com.

A constant tension in my life is to “do less for more”. In other words to try and focus on the most important things in life, the things that bring the most value to myself and others. This doesn’t mean that I have less to do it just means that I spend more time on what is most important. Here are a few things I do to try and carry out this principle:

1. Prioritize. To do what is important I first have to determine what is important. 

2. Delegate. There are certain things I need to be doing and certain things I shouldn’t be doing. I try to delegate the things I shouldn’t be doing.

3. Pause. It helps me to take breaks to identify if I am doing “more for less” or doing “less for more”. Change of Pace + Change of Place = Change of Perspective

4. Listen. One of the best things to have is the voice of others helping you to stay on track with what is most important. No man is an island. 

What are some things that you do to help stay focused on what’s most important?

The following is an excerpt from my Pastor’s blog:

“One of the mistakes many leaders make is they let go of knowing the details too soon. When you are dealing with a developing leader, you need to let them prove themselves first by getting some wins before you totally turn them loose. As you develop leaders, you have to have the wisdom to know when you can let go of knowing details. If you let go of knowing too soon with a developing leader, you will be blindsided, and you’re not doing your job well because things are always falling through the cracks. This kills so many leaders because they don’t develop people, they just hand out assignments and think a developing leader will produce results.”

On Thursday I will have the conclusion of this post.

To view the original post in its entirety click here to visit herbertcooper.com.

The following is a list of items that I gave my assistant when she first started working with me. These are few things that I have found helpful in keeping our department running efficiently during our day to day operations.

1. Be solution minded. With every problem give 3 or 4 possible solutions. With every question submit multiple choice answers.

2. Use proper lines of communication. No drive-by meetings. Schedule a time to talk or send me questions using the multiple choice format. When you call someone ask, “Is this a good time to talk”.

3. Communicate clearly and directly. Be tactful, direct, and to the point. Stay on point.

4. Lead through volunteers. Do the 20% that only you can do. Delegate effectively - this includes follow up.

5. Keep workspace and facilities clean and clutter free. Includes hallways and open areas. Organize desk before leaving at the end of the day.

6. Be considerate of other departments. We are not in competition with other departments. Be a team player. Ask permission before using equipment, volunteers, facilities, etc.

7. Give feedback in private. Never correct a volunteer or co-worker in front of someone else. The right thing at the wrong time will produce unwanted results.

8. Under promise and over deliver. Do not promise performance unless you can deliver.

9. Apply the “no surprise rule”. Keep me in the loop; let me know what you are doing

10. Be a good steward. Find the best price and manage resources well (volunteers, money, supplies, etc.).

11. Never miss a deadline. If it looks like you are going to be late, negotiate and change the deadline. If you can not change it, get help.

12. Do not assume. Do not guess or assume if you do not know something.

In the book Everyone’s a Coach by Ken Blanchard and Don Shula, there is an acronym that helps us think about how we’re doing as leaders.

C stands for Conviction-Driven: Do people understand what your values are and where you’re going? Because leadership is about going somewhere. Lead with conviction.

O stands for Overlearning: There’s no such thing as teaching a good thing too much. You want to prepare your people so much that they really know their responsibilities and they can make something good happen. 

A stands for Audible-Ready: Don’t get stuck with a plan if for some reason it’s not working. Let people bring their brains to work; let your kids use their brains, too. Be open to the thoughts of others. Be ready to change your mind if a new and better idea comes along.

C stands for Consistency: This isn’t about behaving in the same way all the time; it’s about behaving the same way in similar circumstances. Be consistent. Praise progress and cheer people on when they’re doing well. If there’s a problem, you can redirect them and get them back to their goals. 

H stands for Honesty-Based: This one is all about walking your values. Act with integrity at all times.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are you leading with conviction? 
• Are you really trying to always do our best? 
• Are you adaptable and innovative and ready to change? 
• Are you consistent in  your behavior and are you walking your talk?