As leaders, we make scores of choices every day. Some of them you don’t even think about. For instance, you chose to read or watch this Monday MEMO. You could have deleted it, skipped over it, or set it aside for another time. Choices. And, as we all know, choices, particularly bad choices, have consequences.

In the book Smart Leadership Mark Miller writes about choices. He acknowledges that all choices are not equal. Some choices are smart ones, and others…well, not so smart. We have all made bad decisions in life. Some don’t matter much in the sweep of things. Others, though, can be monumental…and not in a good way.

Miller says smart leaders make smart choices. That sounds obvious. He goes on to point out that many times we don’t think much about the choices we make. And then Miller details four kinds of choices:

  • Costly
  • Smart
  • Trivial
  • Routine

The book points out that trivial choices are what Miller calls “low energy.” They require little thought, energy, or attention. And they have little impact on your leadership. They may include such choices as what to have for lunch, or what shirt or blouse you should wear tomorrow.

Also in the “low energy” category are the routine choices. They don’t require much effort to make, but they have greater consequences.

Miller says the costly choices are the ones we spend too much time on though they don’t make much difference. We overinvest in these decisions without a significant return for our time and effort.

Mark Miller zeroes in on the smart choices and the key ones that make or break a powerful and successful leader. Miller says, “…if you can keep your eye on these choices and choose wisely, you will experience multiple benefits….” He lists some of those smart choices:

  • Confront Reality – to stay grounded in truth and lead from a position of strength
  • Grow Capacity – to meet the demands of the moment and the challenges of the future
  • Fuel Curiosity – to maintain relevance and vitality in a changing world
  • Create Change – to ensure a better tomorrow

Some good information to ponder. And it got me thinking of what the Bible says about our choices.

Wise choices will watch over you.

Understanding will keep you safe.

Proverbs 2:11 NLT

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

Commit everything you do to the Lord.

Trust him, and he will help you.

Psalm 37:5 NLT

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Those are certainly some wise choices that will impact your life…and the life of others…for all eternity.

God’s best…