The Walkthrough

Leaders come in all shapes and sizes but they all have one thing in common, a leader will make numerous decisions everyday. A pastor will have to decide if a new program is the right direction to go. A boss will have to decide where cutbacks need to be made. A parent will have to decide to say yes or no to their child. A volunteer will have to decide how to make best use of their limited time. The list is endless of the different types of leaders along with the different decisions they will have to make. So how do we as leaders make decisions that are best for us and those that we are leading without looking back with regrets?

I use a method called "The Walkthrough."

Several examples of a walkthrough:

a. An architectural walkthrough utilizes computer software to provide a virtual tour of a building or structure prior to its real life construction.

b. The term is employed in the theatrical and entertainment industry to describe a rehearsal where the major issues of choreography and interaction are practiced and resolved, prior to more formal "dress rehearsals". Performers will walk through their entrances and exits on stage (rather than in character or in performance mode) and clarify any issues they might have (e.g. unknown cues to be resolved, places to stand or sit).

c. In video games, a walkthrough is a document which attempts to teach a player how to beat or solve a particular game.

In each case you have in your mind a completed project, then you go through the steps to arrive at that completed project.

The same process should be used when making decisions. I use a leadership walkthrough when making leadership or management decisions. Before saying yes or no to someone I take a moment to image what the end result of my decision should look like. When I have a clear picture in my head of what the outcome will be I take smaller steps to make sure that is where I arrive.

This may sound like a no-brainer, but I believe many people (including myself sometimes) just make decisions with no thought to where these decisions will take them, their family, their church, or their organization. Situations end up out of control and not at all how they assumed they would be.

Six steps of the leadership walkthrough.

1. Get specifics.
-Ask questions: when, how much, resources, facilities needed, people involved, how long will it take, etc?
-Get as much details as possible.
-Hear the advice, opinions, and the heart of those who will be closely involved with this project.
-Listen to their concerns and be open to every good idea.

2. State expectations clearly.
-This is the phase where I share what I am thinking.
-Don't assume everyone knows what is going on in your mind.
-Get all major concerns out in the open from the beginning.

3. Don't assume things are simple and don't need a walkthrough.
-While some decisions will be small and a walkthrough can be done fairly quickly, do not skip the process.
-The little foxes destroy the vine.
-The things that were no big deal can become the biggest problems.

4. Delay the decision until the walkthrough is complete.
-Don't make a decision until you feel comfortable moving forward.
-Set a date to give your final yes or no.

5. After the decision is made do follow up on the decision.
-After a sufficient amount of time do a couple of follow up questions.
-How did it go, was there any problems, do we need to rethink, what were the successes?
-This let's people know that what they are doing matters.

6. Show appreciation to those who helped accomplish this decision.
-Giving out thank you cards, a handshake, or public thank you goes a long way.
-People need to be encouraged for doing things correctly.

The walkthrough will eliminate confusion that comes along with just assuming our decisions will go well.


In Jesus Service,