E-couragement: How to Win the Battle Between Efficient & Effective.

“Our greatest tool for changing the world is our capacity to change our mind about the world.” Marianne Williamson When my daughters were toddlers I tied their shoes. This worked well because I was the obvious shoe-tying expert and the process was highly efficient. Now, at twenty-four and eighteen, Taylor and Carley tie their own shoes. Somewhere along the way, I had to forfeit short-term efficiency for the sake of long-term effectiveness. In order to accomplish this, I had to:

• Relinquish my role as expert.
• Become the teacher.
• Be patient.
• Encourage them.

What’s the benefit? Taylor and Carley have emerged as shoe-tying experts. I’m free from that role, using my time to accomplish other things, like writing blogs.

Here’s the simple connection. Many leaders are still “tying the shoes” of their followers. They want to remain the resident expert, completing tasks in the most efficient manner. Somewhere along the way, they’ll need to forfeit short-term efficiency for the sake of long-term effectiveness. In order to accomplish this, they’ll want to:

• Relinquish their role as expert.
• Become the teacher.
• Be patient.
• Encourage others.

Engaging leaders intentionally shift their focus away from time-task and onto results-people. Free yourself from the efficiency bondage by helping others develop into experts. Stop tying shoes and start leading. In the end, that’s highly effective for both you and them.

Leave your comments: How might you move from an efficient leader to an effective one?