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Leadership, like genius, often involves making something complex seem simple. Leaders must learn to simplify the world and situations around them in a fashion that produces more effective results. Specifically, too many times leaders fall into the trap of hacking away at leaves while ignoring the roots. A quote by college football coach Lou Holtz speaks directly to this: "Decisions are easy to make if you know what your priorities are." I have always liked that quote. The clearer we are on the roots of a situation, the harder it will be for us to get distracted by the leaves. The stronger our priorities, the better we can navigate the obstacles in our path.

How is this done? By understanding first principles, by knowing the "big rocks" we want put into the jar before concerning ourselves with the smaller rocks, by knowing "what's important next."

So clean up your thinking. Focus on priorities and first principles. Find points of agreement with others on the big picture of things first, before dividing yourselves up on technicalities. Have a clear objective and resist the urge to get distracted by smaller things. Work at the root level of things, and you'll often find that the leaves take care of themselves.

Posted in LLR Daily Application

6 responses to “Roots vs. Leaves”

Lydia

May 4, 2009

Chris,
The book Simon Says by Chuck Goetschel really speaks to this issue. Once you know your purpose and mission, it is much easier to discern the things that you need to be about. It also gives fuel to the dreams, since your dreams must be wrapped around your purpose in life. I have really enjoyed reading Chuck’s book and going though the practical exercises he gives to discover your purpose and mission in life.

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Phyllis Hoff

May 4, 2009

Chris:
The first principle has worked so well at work for me. I know I need this reminder every month or so, so thank you. It came at a very good time.
God Bless.

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Cathy

May 5, 2009

Chris,
When our kids were older children and teenagers, my best friend (and sponsor) would often say something to me when I would relate to her the frustrations I was having in the of raising our 2 special-needs kids.
Especially with ongoing situations, she would say, “Is this a battle worth fighting, a hill to die on?? Choose your battles that way!” It was a great help to me, both then and now, in other areas of my life. Stepping back to ask myself that question helped me to get the perspective I needed, and still need today.
What I came to realize is those battles worth fighting for, those hills to die on, these were the root issues, the major confrontations. These were things like character, integrity, honor, responsibility, faith and truth. Those were heart issues, forever things. All the other stuff all fell under the banner of stupid junk worth no more than a minor reprimand, a minimal scold. Leaf stuff.
It works with adults, too. After analyzing the situation and the size of the need to resolve things, I try to be clear on my feelings and thoughts about things, and where or how I have been insulted, hurt or disagree. And if it’s not a long-term problem or a hill worth dying on, I let it go. It’s just not worth it to me. It is, as you said, leaves.
It is only when I step back and determine the size of the issue, and its problem areas, that I am able to see clearer paths to conflict resolution for my life.

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Dave in FL

May 5, 2009

Chris,
Try Ballroom Dancing. It’s also something that looks easy but can be very diffcult and it’s loads of fun and your wife will love you more for it.
Dave in Fl

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Jonathon Jones

May 9, 2009

Sometimes truth just pierces into you… Thanks for the wisdom.
2 Timothy 2:23-25

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Sonya M Beeler

March 1, 2018

Awesome, thanks, Chris Brady.

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