Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

Spring–Summer 2011 | TORCH 19 To be effective in our vocational calling, we must understand that God directs our work. God does call us to a vocation, and He desires that we walk worthy of our calling. Our career is a gift that He wants us to enjoy (Ecc. 2:24, 3:13). This realization can be motivating, daunting, and humbling because it causes us to rely on Him and seek to please Him in all we do (Eph. 5:10). Managing Time Creating margin, or quiet space in our lives, begins when we learn to use time effectively. As a provost, my days are often filled with meetings and events to attend on and off campus. The pace can be stretching at times, but in the midst of my busy schedule, I have learned to give my time to what is most meaningful and productive in my work life as well as my life outside the University. I have learned to incorporate these practical principles in order to manage my time at work: • Arrive early to check e-mail before others arrive so I can give my full attention to people as the day begins. • Prepare in advance for meetings and always have an agenda. • Begin projects immediately rather than waiting until later to save time in the long run. If we are effective and intentional in our approach to work, it can actually lead to balance and satisfaction in all of life. I know I am creating proper space in my professional and personal life when I am taking time for prayer, meeting faculty and staff over coffee, playing basketball with colleagues at noon, and taking time to carry out my passion for the church as a house church leader and elder. We have a stewardship responsibility to manage our approach to life. Often the difference between success and failure is learning how to make the most of our time. Focused Priorities We can always find things to fill our schedules, but we must train ourselves to do those things that will produce the greatest results. It takes exceptional focus to structure your work so you can be most effective. Focus also helps us find the natural break where we can walk away from a project for the evening and come back to it again tomorrow. None of us can do everything well. We should instead focus on a few things in which we can make a difference. Organizations today need leaders who see beyond the clutter and communicate priorities. When everyone in the organization is focused on common goals, they will experience a sense of teamwork, get excited about overall direction, and realize that what they are doing is making a lasting contribution. Over time, I have learned to distinguish which priorities should rise to the top of my focus list. Projects that have had my full attention often produce the greatest results. As I take time to think about the future and identify the greatest need, I continually sharpen and revise my list. When we realize our time is God’s, we will value it more and utilize it more effectively. If we can discipline ourselves to use time wisely and focus on the right priorities, we will not only create more balance, but we will also find our work more energizing and rewarding. The satisfaction we take from our work will make the rest sweeter, and the rest we enjoy will energize us to give our best at work. Dr. John Gredy has served as provost of Cedarville University since 2008. He received his M.S. in counseling and guidance and Ed.D. in higher education from Indiana University. He has been at Cedarville since 2005.