How To Be Effective

There are over 500 million results on Google about leadership.
Everything from leading an organization to how to be the CEO of your family…
Everyone wants to know how to be more effective.
There are a lot of different theories on being an effective leader.
But I think it boils down to one simple question…

Fun Or firm?
In the home, there is the parent trap. It’s that tight rope we walk when we want to be fun, friendly, and at the same time, firm and formidable.
As a manager of staff or leader of an organization, we balance productivity expectations with the desire to establish a fun and inviting workplace.

Some leaders go too far in one direction or the other.
There’s the old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
Then to the other extreme, there’s that famous line from Shrek, “Working hard? Or hardly working?”

Why Not Both?
In my study of successful leaders, I have discovered you can be fun and firm.

You see, the majority of strong homes and organizations are led by a leader committed to leading in a fun-loving way with a firm hand.

The Bible says that a leader should,
“Be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself…” – Titus 1:7-8 (MSG)
So the key to balancing fun and firm is to have a good grip on yourself.

How To Balance Fun And Firm
Here are three more keys for keeping the proper balance of “fun” and “firm” in your organization or home.

#1 – Find Out What Is Truly Bothering You…
If you find that you are being too firm and not fun, or all fun and not firm, there’s a reason for it.

By digging down to the root of the matter, you will discover how to make your life and work more enjoyable and productive.

Hint… many times, we are not satisfied because we are over-extended in our duties and we have not delegated properly.

#2 – Passion!
A leader without passion isn’t a leader at all.

If you have lost the fun, energetic, inspired enthusiasm that your people desire, then perhaps you are dwelling on the negative. So focus on the positive.

Hint… Celebrate wins with your team! They’ll start having fun and remember why they joined in the first place.

#3 – Communicate Effectively!
Duh… it sounds so cliché, but it’s so relevant. I often make the mistake of thinking people know what I’m thinking.

The Bible says without a vision, the people perish.
If you effectively cast your vision, you empower your team to run with it. But if you don’t communicate effectively, then the plan won’t be properly carried out.

It’s in these times when most leaders get upset and go “firm,” but the responsibility lies at your feet for not taking ownership and communicating the big, clear picture.

Hint… Continually evaluate your team’s knowledge of the big plan and purpose. Are they just going through the motions? Help them see what you see.

Commit today to leading your home, organization, or staff with a healthy mix of “fun” and “firm,” and I guarantee you will be a more effective leader.