by Peggy Hahn, LEAD Executive Director

1. A planner. Our team is trying Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner for the first quarter of the year. Last year I fell in love with my Passion Planner. There are tons of planners on the market. Choose the one that works best for you. Then use it. Planning is the way to ensure you have time off, time to read, time for continuing education and spiritual practices, and time for family.
2. Books. I love to read books that drag my head and heart into new, deeper knowing. Ones that move me beyond my surface-level knowledge. Here are a few recommendations:
   • White Fragility, by Robin DiAngelo. We read this for staff discussion and we are still chewing on this book. I find myself turning to it over and over.
   • How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going, by Susan Beaumont. I really appreciate the work she does exploring liminal space, congregational life, and leadership. Susan is a rock star when it comes to helping the church be a better version of itself.
   • Your Leadership Edge, by Ed O’Malley and Amanda Cebula. This book, and the other resources by the Kansas Leadership Center, should be a core read for every leader on every church council. It is too easy to keep doing the technical work over and over and miss the chance to diagnose the situation, manage yourself, energize others, and intervene skillfully.
   • Your Best Year Ever, by Michael Hyatt. Easy and helpful advice as we start a new year. I love his crisp writing for fast reading.
   • Or pick any book that sparks your imagination. Reading books is central to growing as a leader. Leadership is an activity, not a title or role – we can all lead.
3. Time to dream. This may feel like a weird gift, but getting the people you need on board to support you and give you space to dream is key. This might be your church, your council, your family…you get the picture. Block out a day a month, two days a quarter, a week every six months, whatever works in your life, but do it now. 2020’s work is going to come crashing in before you know it, so get this on the calendar first. You may want this time so you can be alone, or maybe you want to be with people who are great thinking or praying partners, or maybe a combo of both. The point is to stop doing your usual work and start listening to the Holy Spirit stirring up dreams in your heart.

Merry Christmas. Our LEAD Staff is holding you in prayer.