Preparing for your Purpose

I recently got involved is a couple of deep discussions with friends looking for direction. It seems many are seeking that ahh-ha moment when they get life, and where they fit in the master scheme. Personally my belief points to a divine purpose for us all. While I can't control my purpose, I can be ready for the task when it becomes apparent. A dear friend was fond of tell me,"You don't get to pick what your good at!" I submit there is a way to improve what your not good at.

Chris Brady, and Orrin Woodward authored a book, "Launching the Leadership Revolution," and inside the binding is some great wisdom for us all. Engineers, (they are retired), are always looking for ways to graph and monitor everything. In the "Tri Lateral Leadership Ledger" chapter they found a way to track life skills. Once you can set a value and graph something you can monitor your progress and growth. Wouldn't it be helpful to know your weakness and track you personal growth? Here's what they tell us.....

There are three categories of personal effectiveness. They consist of character, tasks, and relationships. To have an impact, character is a must. If people can't trust in you, our never going to make a difference. Brady and Woodward break this down into 9 sub categories.

1. Honesty
2. Integrity
3. Courage
4. Proper values based on absolute truths
5. Faith
6. A humble spirit
7. Patience with others
8. Discipline
9. Self mastery

Here is the genius of the Brady, Woodward formula. Take these sub categories and rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being the lowest and 10 an exceptional rating. You now have a scale for self improvement, broken down into categories. If you score a little low on the Faith category you can focus on that and improve your overall character score and your effectiveness influencing people. You can self assess your weaknesses and focus your improvement for laser type personal growth. Isn't that genius? What an incredible tool for self improvement!

Now the second heading is listed as Tasks! Here are the seven sub sections as defined in the Brady, Woodward principles.....

1. Acceptance of responsibility.
2. Work ethic.
3. Availability.
4. Willingness to invest time.
5. Tenacity.
6. Perseverance.
7. Execution.

Again put a number value on each area and you have a place to begin! I love the simplicity yet the accuracy of the whole assessment!

Last heading is the biggie! Relationships! They whittle this down into ten sub headings.

1. Accepting people.
2. Approving of people.
3. Appreciating of people.
4. Finding the good in people.
5. Encouraging people.
6. Caring for and about people.
7. Putting others first.
8. Seeking a win/win situation.
9. Helping people accomplish tasks
10. Living the golden rule.

Again self assess and put a number value on your ability in each category. Average each sub heading and you have a number to value each main category. Now you know where to focus on our self improvement, and track your progress! Are you strong in relationships and weak on tasks? Perhaps you get the job done but not so good on relationships. Is your character in question?

For an outside opinion have your spouse, close friend, pastor, or mentor fill one out for you. Now that's a person serious enough about self improvement!

I encourage you to read "Launching the Leadership Revolution" by Brady and Woodward. There is so much more wisdom between the pages. There is a reason it was #1 on the Wall Street Journal best seller list!

God Bless
Capt. Bill