Leadership Skills: Discernment

“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.” – Steve Jobs

Discernment is a number one priority for leaders.

My simple definition of a leader, as you might have read before, is:

• Leaders get things done,
• Leader know how things get done, and
• Leaders are persons of influence.

Therefore, in order to get things done, it’s important for the leader to discern what the most important things are and prioritize what they must get done.

Discernment doesn’t come as a magic wand. Discernment comes from clear thinking. Clear planning. Focus. And dedication to discipline.

Leaders must be able to make effective decisions. Effective decisions are a byproduct of knowing what’s important, as well as being able to discern what is not important. Discernment, therefore, is a byproduct of intentional planning.  The rule is…plan, plan, plan. When the leader looks to the future, defines the future, and then defines the tasks to get there, the leader then sets the pathway forward for what to do, as well as what not to do. It’s defining the “not-to-dos” that separates the successful from the others.

Define the objectives in the present tense. Next, define the steps to get there in action steps. Then, “time activate” the action steps and daily deliverables on your calendar. Knowing replaces believing. Leaders know because they have taken the time to plan for success and are dedicated to that plan. It’s very clear what needs to be done; therefore, intuitively, leaders know that if it’s not on the list, they should not be doing it.

The effective leader makes plans, reviews the plan regularly, and then makes effective decisions on how to use time daily.

Successful leaders do what others are not willing to do.