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Leadership Productivity

Act Now!

This paper is not going to write itself.

October arrived four days ago. With a November 1 deadline looming for the first three chapters of my 150-page dissertation, I reached the sobering conclusion that:

This paper is not going to write itself.

For the next few weeks (27 days to be exact) my early mornings, late evenings and weekends will have a singular focus. This is painful. It’s also helpful. The process helps me clarify ideas that have been rumbling around in my head for several years. The deadline is a gift. To enjoy it, I must act now.

What challenge are you facing?

That new exercise regimen isn’t going to work out by itself.
That strained relationship probably won’t reconcile itself.
That agenda for the upcoming meeting won’t plan itself.
That afternoon with a spouse, child or good friend won’t just happen by itself.
That huge project isn’t going to be broken down into workable next steps and delegated by itself.
That time to rest and Sabbath won’t simply appear in the overloaded calendar.

Leadership is character in action.

What is God leading you to do? Act now.

By Ken

Dr. Ken Cochrum (DMin, Bethel University) is Vice President of Global Digital Strategies at Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) in Orlando, Florida. An avid cyclist and aspiring guitarist, he also holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas and a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He recently co-founded Indigitous.org, a movement passionate about connecting people to Jesus using digital strategies. He previously served as vice president of Cru’s student-led movements worldwide. He and his wife Ann spent 13 years in East Asia where they raised their two children. Ken blogs regularly at www.onleadingwell.com.

2 replies on “Act Now!”

so true. i have been learning this very much in my own life right now. i am in a role of leadership on my missionary journey and your quote “Leadership is character in action” was discussed today with my team and exactly what i needed to hear!

“Leadership is character in action.”
I agree with Ruth: that’s gold.
Especially for someone like me, who has tons of ideas, and often starts things, but struggles with following through and finishing. I gotta KEEP acting! 🙂
May you write with clarity and speed this month, Ken!

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