Pilgrimage Ponderings
What Not To Do
In his book, Good to Great, business analyst Jim Collins explores the difference between companies that are merely good companies and those that far exceed expectations. In the course of this research he determined that the principles being uncovered were not only about business. He sees them as principles of greatness.
One of the pillars of greatness, in his understanding, is disciplined action. He talks about this concept in a unique way. He says that we tend to think of disciplined action as knowing what to do. But greatness comes from being disciplined about what not to do. The great companies he studied each made conscious decisions to let something go or to not pursue a particular path. The good companies looked very different in that they were all over the map in their pursuits. It seems that being clear about what not to do helps a company focus its energies and resources on the most important thing.
I'm not sure by this definition that I can ever become great in what I do. I have a difficult time narrowing my focus. I spend a lot of time doing good things, and I like saying "yes" to people when I am asked to do something. But I can't help but ponder what my life and ministry might look like if I could ever get to that point.
What is the one best path for me to pursue in my work? In my life? What about you?
