When the next step isn't always the best step

Mike Bonem May 19, 2022

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I like the leadership axiom, "Take the right next step." The simple phrase encourages action over inaction. It emphasizes intentional movement rather than paralysis by analysis. It acknowledges that we don't need to know every step before taking the first one. But I had an experience that made me wonder if taking the right next step is always the right thing to do.

I was out of town and had a very early morning flight. I wanted to get as much sleep as possible, so I didn't allow much margin in my schedule. When my alarm went off, I kept focusing on the next step—shower and get ready, pack my bag, catch the hotel's airport shuttle, look up my flight status and departure gate while riding to the airport, get through security, and head to the gate with a quick stop for a coffee.

As I stood in the long line of travelers waiting to get their caffeine fix, I realized I could have used the order ahead feature on my app. But I had been too focused on the immediate next step to think about this.

This may be a trivial example, but it illustrates an important leadership point. As we take a next step, we should keep our eyes on the overall goal. My goal that morning was to get on my flight with a cup of coffee in my hand. By focusing only on the step directly in front of me, I overlooked a better way to accomplish my goal.

In your context, the overall goal may be your church or ministry's vision, or it might be the goal for a specific initiative. Are you keeping that in mind as you take your next steps? Examples of a next step being misguided might include:

• A goal of launching small groups in which life-on-life discipleship occurs. But recruiting unqualified people in the haste to establish the new groups.
• A goal to reach young adults in the community through a new worship service. But consulting with insiders on the design of the service because they're more accessible.
• A goal to provide a life-changing experience on a mission trip. But being so focused on the logistical details that the evening worship services are not planned thoughtfully.

I'm still a fan of taking the right next step. But we need to be clear on what we mean by "right." It's not necessarily the step that is quickest or easiest.

Instead, it's the answer to the question, "What step should we take today that will best move us toward our goal?" What's your right next step today?

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Mike Bonem is an author, consultant, speaker, church leader, businessperson, husband and father. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, including 11 years as an executive pastor, consulting with Fortune 100 companies, and leading a start-up business. This article was first published on MikeBonem.com. Used with permission. Learn More »

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