It's really all up to you. That is; most of us cook with lump/charcoal on a kettle for the special outdoor flavor, weekdays and weekends regardless. I found out early that the flavorizer bars don't give the flavor ize I'm looking for in my cooks.
So, for me, I plan the meal, light the TnG, put the Starter over the flames, make an adult beverage, turnoff the TnG, enjoy my drink with my wife, pour the hot coals into the char baskets and bring the kettle up to the temp I want. I never see it as a chore to cook with lump/coal, it's more like an opportunity for a little cross communication time with my wife.
If your in a hurry, just turn on the burner on your kitchen range and start cooking. SJ