Actually, I’d say they are essential. Now, I have to admit, I’ve learned this the hard way in life AND in leadership. So many times in my own life and in my leadership (still trying to perfect this), I focus on the “big” things and forget the details. But it’s the details that make the “big” stuff BIG.
Here is my analogy, please forgive the illustration, you’ll probably never forget it, and I’m NOT trying to be crude: How many times have you had to use the restroom (the kind that takes more time), and sat down to do your business without checking to see if there was a toilet beneath you? I’d bet the answer is NEVER! BUT, how many times have you had to do the same thing, proceeded to sit down…do your business…WITHOUT checking to see if there was an ample supply of toilet paper! BUSTED! I’d assume it’s happened to all of us. It’s an “Oh crap moment”! (Pun intended) And in that moment, it didn’t matter that the “big” thing was there (toilet) if the details were not (paper)…right?
Depending on when and where this happens, determines the consequences of the oversight. At home with family? No big deal. Yell for help. At home alone? Slightly inconvenienced. At a friends house? A little embarrassing. Meeting your future in laws at their house? DISASTER!
Planning the sermon, songs, illustrations & videos for Sunday morning…toilet. Making sure EVERYONE is informed of and ready for the transitions…paper!
Designing a KILLER graphic, invites and mass mailer for an event…toilet. Making sure ALL the information is correct on the material…paper!
Having a GREAT Scripture and idea for a sermon…toilet. Studying the background, language, audience and KNOWING how God wants this applied to YOUR congregation by intentional times of prayer and study…paper!
And the list goes on…you get the picture!
You may get away a few times with NOT checking for toilet paper in leadership, but eventually, you’re at the future in-laws and it’s a disaster! I might have just coined a new staff phrase as we plan out events. “Have you checked for toilet paper?”
Checking,
Jeff
