College Choices and “Artful Procrastination”
Butler University, University of Cincinnati, Point Park University, Alma College, maybe Indiana University or Purchase College?
My daughter Christina’s been accepted into four college ballet programs and is waiting on two more. The four schools she’s been accepted to have a constant flow of communication going to her in hopes that she will pick their school and program.
Only problem is Christina is waiting for two more schools. So though the pressure (from the schools, others in her life and herself) is on making a decision now – as her agent I’ve instructed her to wait until just before the commitment deadline.
There are a lot of things that can happen between now and then that will help her make the best decision.
So procrastination, not being decisive is Christina’s best course of action.
This concept of decision-making’s discussed in one of my favorite leadership books – The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership by Steven Sample. It’s full of practical suggestions for being an effective leader. It’s one of those books I occasionally re-read and often refer to.
In one of his best contrarian perspectives Sample provides his rules for making decisions, one of which is:
Never make a decision today that can reasonably be put off until tomorrow.
This runs counter to what leaders hear from others. We’re supposed to be certain, confident and decisive. But Sample makes a case for what he calls “artful procrastination.”
Sample believes a good leader should take all the time he or she can to make a decision. Why?
Because new options and information will become available during the “procrastination” period that will allow for a better decision.
Now there are times when snap decisions need to be made.
But most important decisions, ones with long-term effects generally do not require immediate action. Instead they require input from others as well as thoughtful reflection and prayer. None of which can be done in a New York minute.
So Christina will put off deciding what school she will attend until “tomorrow” knowing that it’s the best day to make a big decision.
Coaching in the Big Time
Time out during our last game. “A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are.” Ara Parasheghian
I’ve just finished my 5th season of helping coach basketball at Northern Michigan Christian School (I also have 1 season of coaching varsity baseball under my belt).This season I was the assistant middle school coach (7th and 8th graders) where my son Jonathan played on the 8th grade team. Let’s just say we all had a “growing season” together meaning that our record doesn’t tell the whole story about all the things we learned. Not only did we learn a lot about basketball but more importantly a lot about life. Some of these lessons weren’t the easiest to learn. But they’re easier learned in middle school basketball than later in life when the stakes are higher.And it’s these life lessons that have driven me to spend so much time in the gym, on the bench and in the locker room working with young men, especially my own sons, and using the great teachable moments that sports provide to help them move from being boys to becoming Christian men.
Jonathan #12 running the offense. Chasing After My Wife on a Snowy Morning!
Numbers can say many things about people. Their age, net worth, zip code and the number of Facebook friends all provide a glimpse into who a person is and what they are all about. Here are a few numbers that tell you a bit about the woman I’m privileged to be married to.
26 years of incredible marriage we have had together.
4 great kids whom she has nurtured so well as a mom.
6 years of being cancer free.
And most importantly on a recent morning –
-6° F, and a
2 mile run she shamed me into taking with her on this same morning.
Not only did she drag me out but she set the pace and had me chasing her for the entire 2 miles. You have to love and admire a woman who will not only challenge that kind of weather but looks great in doing it.
She has heart, she has determination and she has resilience – all of which her numbers reflect and among the many reasons I love her so much.
