President Harry S. Truman famously said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”

Early on in my leadership, the concept of the importance of reading took a while to understand. Once I began leading others, I understood leadership as: Doing More and Reading Less.

However, once I was introduced to Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (below), I soon realized leadership is not about doing more, but about doing well what is most important. 

As new leaders begin in their new role, it’s important to start well in order to finish well. New leaders are encouraged to read books not only on leadership, but on productivity.

Utilize the list below for five essential productivity books for new leaders:

1. Proverbs - Have you ever considered what an ant can teach you about productivity? The author of the book of the Bible Proverbs taught a valuable lesson in productivity (Proverbs 6:6-8). Have you ever wondered what the result would be from having not one, but multiple mentors/advisors? Proverbs 15:22 shows us the outcome of receiving wisdom from multiple voices speaking into your new leadership role. You can begin reading the book of Proverbs here (Proverbs) and study Productivity from the Source of all Wisdom. ​
   
   
2. The One Thing - The One Thing was introduced to me by a mentor who noticed I was struggling with multi-tasking. I was working long hours, agonizing through multiple projects and programs, and was not recovering fully from a serious medical condition. The One Thing helped me sort through all of the important obligations and tasks and conclude what was the one thing that I could focus on as a leader that would positively affect the rest of my job, career, and life. Follow the link to learn more about The One Thing: LINK
   
   
3. Your Best Year Ever - Michael Hyatt is one of my favorite leaders to follow on social media. He also has written some fantastic books like: Living Forward (LINK), No Fail Meetings (LINK), and Your Best Year Ever (LINK). Your Best Year Ever gives practical solutions to setting goals that actually work in your life. As Michael states, “Goals poorly formulated are goals easily forgotten. (21)” If you want to set unforgettable goals in your leadership early in your career, this book is a must read. 
   
   
4. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - In Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey introduced me to productive work, not simply working to get the job done. Covey teaches about The Four Quadrants which was invaluable as I began managing my time as a leader. New leaders should make it a habit to read and reread this book frequently. Seven Habits
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5. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less - In this New York Times Best Seller, Greg McKeown realizes leaders can become overwhelmed with the amount of tasks that need to be done. Often, leaders can feel like they are stretched thin and suddenly they realize their lives are spinning out of control. In Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less McKeown gives practical solutions on removing more in order to produce more. Essentialism

Write in the comments below what books have shaped your productivity?

I believe Church Leaders should be fasting and praying for God to save people in their church and community. Some churches set a goal each year of salvation experiences and baptisms and pray for God to save "X" amount of people in their community. 

In 2019, God blessed our church with a record number of salvation experiences and baptisms. Since the baptism waters were moving, we needed a process for our staff to use to be on the same page when someone came forward requesting baptism. 

As you pray for salvation experiences and baptisms in your ministry setting, what is the process for baptism at your local church? Do you know what to do when an individual expresses interest in baptism? 

Refrain from assuming a baptism candidate knows how to get to your baptistery or remember to bring extra clothes to use after the baptism. I am providing you with a simple checklist to use within your ministry. Once someone expresses interest in baptism, rejoice and praise God for changing lives - then follow the list below. 

What is the process you have at your church for baptism? Would you add anything to the checklist? Join the discussion below and download and use the free resources below.

Free Resource #1 - Baptism Checklist

Free Resource #2 - Business Card Size Invitations (Front and Back)

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles. 

Can you guess what is supposed to happen during the mileage mentioned? My vehicle is supposed to receive an oil change. I am aware of the need for an oil change because there is a screen in my vehicle that states “Maintenance Recommended”. There is also a sticker in the top left corner of my windshield stating the exact mileage an oil change is recommended.

An oil change is important for the life of a vehicle because new, fresh oil is essential for lubricating the engine and absorbing engine heat. Do I always follow the 3,000 - 5,000 miles recommended oil change? No, but as my schedule allows, I adhere to what the experts suggest and begin making the necessary arrangements once I approach the 3,000 - 5,000 mark.

Paul writes in First Corinthians 6:19-20 that our “bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” and he finishes the section with these words, “Therefore honor God with your bodies”. If our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and we are to honor God with our body, then we honor God when we take care of the temple He has given us. 

Let’s go back to my vehicle for a moment. What will happen when I do not take proper care of my vehicle? I will start to see the signs of a major problem - and suddenly, the vehicle will break down. When we do not honor God with our body by taking care of the temple He’s given us, we will start seeing the signs: fatigue, apathy about ministry opportunities, neglecting prayer and suddenly, you will ‘break down’. Within ministry circles, it’s called “Burn Out”. 

I am aware the busyness of ministry takes its toll on our weekly to-do lists and self care drops off the list. However, just like the mechanic has given you reminders to maintain your vehicle, you also need reminders of self-care. Make an appointment with yourself - to go for a 30 minute walk three days next week. Make an appointment with yourself - to read a leadership book for 30 minutes before you leave for the day. 

Yes, interruptions will happen and when they do, shift your self-care appointment to the next open day available. Guard these appointments and also communicate these appointments with others around you. You’re not selfish when you seek to honor God with your body. You may actually lead others toward self-care. Prayerfully consider how you can honor God with the temple He has given you. 
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In what ways are you lacking in self-care (lack of sleep, exercise, diet, etc.)? What stops you from honoring God with your body? How do you honor God with your body? What routines do you have in place that could possibly help others? Share your thoughts in the comments below.