Self Management Part I

Self-management: what is it?
If I were to analyze past leadership "train wrecks,” I believe I would find that most are tied to some problem in self-management.

Self-management is not about selfishness. The Bible is clear that we are to give of ourselves, sometimes to the point of death, for the Kingdom or for what God has called us to. On the other hand, it’s important to realize your responsibility to be a good steward of your life.  In Jesus' parable, what happened to the servant who buried his talent? The master said, “You wicked, worthless servant; you did not invest what I gave you.”

Self-management is not about discipline, organizational ability, and having your Palm Pilot straight. There are many self-disciplined people who could never get anyone to follow them.
Self-management is really about taking up your cross -  your life, heart, strengths, weaknesses, gifts, and relationships.  It is saying, “God, here I am.  Make something out of this.”

For those of us who follow that path, the payoff is tremendous.  That’s God’s economy.

By John Townsend
Guest Lecturer
MA in Organizational Leadership
Biola University

(C) 2007 Biola University