Head-first or Feet-first

When I was a kid I loved jumping into the pool feet-first.  Shallow end, deep end – it didn’t matter.

I hated diving head-first.  It scared me, even though I knew the deep end was plenty deep enough.  I always thought about diving and really wanted to, but in the end I usually just jumped.

As a leader, I find myself facing a similar decision when it comes to new projects and initiatives.  Do I dive in head-first or take the safer approach and just jump feet-first?

More often than not, if we are uncertain, we will jump instead of dive.  Rarely will we dive instead of jump.  There are times for both.

Here are steps I take when deciding whether I need to dive in head-first or jump in feet-first:

1. Pray & Consider - before I do anything I need to pray & seek God’s guidance.  As I do I need to consider my options and what’s involved (who’s involved, what’s the goal, when can it start/complete, & how much will it cost in all resources are generally what I look at).
   • Trash the idea or move to step 2
2. Seek counsel - if it’s a big decision, something new or people impacting, always seek input from others.  This may mean your wife, your mentors or those who will be involved/impacted by the move.
   • Trash the idea or move to step 3
3. Make a plan- if you were to pursue this action, what steps are involved and how will you take those steps.  Just like at the pool, you’ve got to gauge how deep the waters are, how far under you’re willing to go, and how bold you are feeling to take action.
   • Decide whether you will dive in head first (go all out in pursuing this action) or jump in feet-first (move slower to test the waters, gain momentum or build slowly)
4. Dive in head-first or jump in feet-first - in other words, do something…get started!

Diving in is more fun while jumping in is a little safer.  There is a time for both.

Whatever you do, don’t just stand on the edge and look at the waters…get in there and make some waves!