Applying Essentialism to Church Leadership

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in August 2020.

Greg McKeown has dedicated his career to discovering why some people and teams break through to the next level—and others don’t. The definitive treatment of this issue is addressed in his New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Greg hosts The Greg McKeown Podcast with guests such as Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, Matthew McConaughey, Maria Shriver, John Hope Bryant, and Ariana Huffington. He is one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, with clients including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike.

Originally from London, England, Greg now lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife Anna and their family. In this interview Greg and Kurt talk about how small, consistent steps are more effective for creating lasting change than grand, overwhelming efforts. At the time of this recording, Greg was serving as an elders quorum president in his ward in California.

Links

Being an Essentialism Bishop | An Interview with Greg McKeown
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
GregMcKeown.com
One-Minute Missionary Work videos
Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

In this episode, Greg discusses the principles of essentialism and how they can be applied to leadership within the Latter-day Saint community. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on small, manageable changes to foster growth and connection in both personal and church leadership contexts.

Key Insights

Essentialism Defined: Essentialism is the disciplined pursuit of less, focusing on what truly matters rather than getting overwhelmed by numerous tasks and responsibilities.

Small and Simple Changes: Greg highlights the scriptural principle that “by small and simple means are great things brought to pass,” advocating for incremental improvements rather than sweeping changes.

The Importance of Relationships: Building genuine relationships within the church community is crucial. Leaders should strive to understand the struggles of others, as most individuals face challenges that may not be immediately visible.

Avoiding Overwhelm: Change does not have to be hard or abrupt. Leaders should focus on small, consistent actions that can lead to significant progress over time.

Celebrating Successes: Recognizing and celebrating even minor achievements can motivate individuals and foster a sense of community and accomplishment.

Leadership Applications

Incremental Improvements: Latter-day Saint leaders can implement small changes in their quorums or wards, such as enhancing home teaching efforts by celebrating small successes rather than overhauling the entire system.

Fostering Relationships: Leaders should prioritize building relationships by checking in on members regularly and asking meaningful questions to understand their needs better.

Setting Realistic Goals: Instead of aiming for grandiose changes, leaders can focus on achievable, small goals that encourage participation and engagement, making it easier for members to contribute and feel valued.

By applying these principles, leaders can create a more supportive and effective environment within their congregations, ultimately leading to stronger connections and spiritual growth.

00:02:40 – Essentialism and Its Impact
00:03:44 – Greg’s Leadership Journey
00:05:06 – Adapting to COVID in Leadership
00:06:57 – The Power of Small Changes
00:09:06 – Celebrating Small Victories
00:10:24 – Family History Made Simple
00:12:12 – Overcoming Overwhelm in Family History
00:13:50 – The Importance of Small Steps
00:15:07 – Engaging with Family History
00:16:39 – The Reality of Change vs. Progress
00:18:30 – The Role of Empathy in Leadership
00:19:04 – Understanding Universal Suffering
00:20:10 – Building Relationships in Leadership
00:22:35 – The Challenge of Fixing Others’ Problems
00:24:37 – The Complexity of Bishopric Responsibilities
00:27:23 – The Need for Honest Communication
00:29:44 – Current Callings and Expectations
00:30:55 – The Importance of Family Relationships
00:32:34 – The Long-Term Impact of Parenting
00:34:06 – Defining Success in Parenting
00:36:05 – The Role of Agency in Relationships
00:37:42 – Measuring Success in Family Time
00:39:50 – The Challenge of Guilt in Parenting
00:42:02 – The Importance of Asking for Feedback
00:44:02 – The Power of Small Incremental Changes
00:46:01 – Overcoming Overwhelm in Life
00:49:15 – Navigating Uncertainty and Fear

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