Barnabas File

In a beautiful and arresting poem, the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  (3:1, NIV) As we enter into a new year, we naturally reflect on the past, the present, and the future.  In this liminal time, we would do well to consider how we can most effectively use our time in the coming days.  Certainly, as the writer states, there is a time for everything but what is the right time?  We can’t do it all at once and, as good stewards of the time, talents, and skills with which God has blessed us, how do we use those resources effectively? In working with coaching clients, I often find myself engaging with them about the best use of their time.  They are usually gifted and motivated individuals who have much to offer, so there are many demands on their time and energy.  People seek them out to accept new responsibilities on a regular basis. How do they make good choice...

In a recent webinar, author and leadership guru James M. Kouzes said that the question he is asked most often is, “Are leaders born or made?”   He responded that all leaders are born (just like the rest of us), but people who want to be leaders can learn to be leaders.   He went on to explain that a study showed that “99.999897% of people surveyed indicated some leadership ability.” I am not sure how Kouzes came up with that figure, but I do know that most people have a chance to be a leader at some point in her or his life and has the ability to develop the skills to be more effective in such a role.  As Kouzes also explained, coaching by a professional and self-coaching are ways to make this happen. How can a life coach help a person in a leadership role be more productive?  One survey showed the following results of having a coach: Improved work performance              ...

“I don’t have enough time.”  I have heard this often in coaching leaders.  In reality, everyone has the same amount of time.  How we chose to use it is up to each one of us but those choices are not always easy.  I have come to realize that when I consider the tasks before me, I have three choices. First, there are those things I need to do.  These are the things that are of primary importance.  One of these is my relationship with God.  Another is my relationship with family. Everything else is negotiable.  Those things that I need to do are usually those things that I am gifted to do.  This does not mean that they are easy to accomplish.  They may take work, but I have the skills to do them or I can acquire those skills.  These are usually the activities that bring me the most sense of fulfillment. For example, I have just finished the manuscript for my first e-book.  Since it is based on my experience, ideas, and ...