Archive for March, 2008
· Categories Blog, Leadership, Link
Grabbed these from Corey…
“Sometimes, a leader emerges from among equals, a man whose natural charisma, stability, and sense of purpose make everyone turn to him, just as the office plants turn toward the window. There’s something special there, and everybody recognizes it, even if no one can put a finger on it. Leadership isn’t a job or a title, it’s a calling.”
(David Zinczenko-Men’s Health Magazine editor)
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
(Abraham Lincoln)
“In critical situations, they look into your eyes to see if you’re there. If you’re not there, they start quitting.”
(Dan Marino Sr.)
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
(Steve Jobs)
Do any of these quotes stand out to you? Why? What are some of your favorite quotes on leadership?
March 27, 2008
· Categories Leadership, Link
I’ve been talking a little bit about FowardLeadership which was the brainchild of my dad and is kind of a joint venture for all of us right now. There are great resources, some free, the rest cheap, there is a blog with a growing number of regular contributors, a leadership spotlight interview, and a podcast.
I was unavailable for the 1st installment, but thankfully they included me in the latest version of the podcast which made it’s way online Tuesday.
We discuss a number of ideas including the post-Easter/big day dilema, visitor impressions, etc.
You can find it HERE.
March 27, 2008
· Categories Business, Church, Leadership
What is your one thing? I’ve read about this concept in books, I’ve heard my dad talk about ad nauseam, I’ve questioned it in my own life, and today we discussed this concept as a church in a meeting of our Executive Ministry Team.
You as an individual might be good at several things, or your church or business might offer a lot, but what’s that one thing that separates you from the rest? What’s the one thing that you want to spend your life trying to accomplish?
– for Northpoint it’s getting people into small groups. They don’t care how many people come to their services on Sundays…it’s all about getting people into Small Groups.
– for my dad it’s about training and equipping young leaders. It’s why he started this resource.
I ran across this today:
I love the scene in the movie City Slickers where Billy Crystal’s character, Mitch, is alone with Curly, played by Jack Palance. Curly is giving Mitch some life advice.
Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is?
[holds up one finger] This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don’t mean…(you fill in the blank)
Mitch: But, what is the “one thing?”
Curly: That’s what you have to find out.
More on this tomorrow…
March 26, 2008
· Categories Culture, Student Ministry
You don’t have to have a degree in Youth Ministry to realize that our students are more connected than any generation before them. With that being said I, like most of you I’m sure, am always looking for better ways to communicate with my students.
Tim Elmore and Growing Leaders recently conducted a focus group of 16-24 year olds and asked them how they wanted to receive information from us. Here are the top 8 answers:
1. Text messaging
2. Internet (i.e. MySpace or Facebook)
3. iPods and Podcasts
4. Instant messaging
5. Cell phone
6. DVD / CD
7. Books
8. Email
I want you to notice a few things about this list. First, note that email is last on the list. One student described email as “a way to communicate with older people.” Second, with one exception, this list moves from more personal to less personal in nature. They want something customized not generic if they’re going to pay attention. Third, and most importantly, these students prefer a “screen” for six out of their top eight favorite methods of communication.
The fact that text messaging landed at number one on the list tells us a lot about students today. Bear with me as I venture some observations about why text messages are the preferred method of communication:
1. Text messages represent very current communication.
More so than voicemails, a text means I need to interact now about something relevant to you.
2. Text messages are generally sent from someone you know.
Unlike phones, you generally don’t get a “wrong number” or generic call on a text message.
3. Text messages are brief and to the point.
The person texting doesn’t waste words; in fact, they usually abbreviate the message.
4. Text messaging is in your control. The receiver can stop when they want to.
This kind of control is attractive to students today. They want communication on their terms.
Students today are inundated with messages, from every side. I believe they’re most likely to respond to a text message because it allows them fast, current, relevant communication with friends–but at a safe distance. They like intimacy without a lot of vulnerability.
How can we leverage this information to be more effective in reaching this generation?
March 25, 2008
· Categories Sports
As I mentioned HERE, I am helping coach a 15-18 year old baseball team this spring. A good number of the guys are from my high school ministry which is fun. I’m coaching 3rd and handling our pitchers and catchers, so I’m calling all the pitches…which is SO MUCH FUN for me. I realize that kind of makes me a dumb jock, but I’m okay with that. I had a battle of the minds with the opposing coach the other night as he stole the signs I was giving to my catcher once and I stole the signs he was giving to his batters twice. It was so much fun.
Anyway, we are on a 3 game winning streak after sweeping a double header Saturday against 2 different teams in 2 different towns. We won in Austell (6-4) at 2, went to eat BBQ, and drove to Dallas and won (16-1). Our teams coming together. I’ll keep you updated.
For students or parents who read and want to keep up with the Beasts from the East (Cobb) you can view the Facebook group HERE.
March 24, 2008
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