Leading Realities

A New Leadership Blog Coming Soon!

Thank you for taking time to check out this blog.  Currently Leading Realities is being revamped.  A new leadership blog that will take its place under the title of LEADR will be able to launched this fall.  Please stay tuned.

Among The "Easily Impressed"

Author & speaker Nancy Beach quoting a good friend of her's says, "She wants to be known among the easily impressed." 

This notion was brought home to me last night as our family went to take in Christmas lights in a neighborhood known for decorating their homes extravagantly.  Few things can invoke such wonder in a child.

I too want to be among the easily impressed!  and take in the wonder of Christmas.

Why I Love This Place!

In a book I am reading now, What Americans Really Want ... Really by Frank Luntz it mentions that the first expense to get cut when finances are tight is eating out.  In a struggling economy where consumers are watching the dollar more than ever businesses are needing to be more creative and resourceful than ever to keep people coming through their doors.  Coming up with inexpensive menu items; percentage discounts, meal combo deals etc. are some of the examples of this -- yet they often leave much to be desired and in many instances are ineffective from my opinion.  Yet, seemingly it is the successful, not the desperate or floundering that keep coming up with best deals.  Take for example Chick-fil-A.

For the second time this month and for the third time I know of this year Chick-fil-A in Eastlake CA is coming up with what I consider the best promotion and just another reason I why I love this place.   I am not exactly shy about my admiration for them -- check out my previous post.

On Wednesday Nov. 25 when you come to eat at the Eastlake Terraces location they are having "receipt day Wednesday."  The way the promotion works is whatever you pay for on your receipt you can redeem all the items listed on it on any day in December provided you bring in the receipt from Nov. 25.  What an incredible deal!  In September they ran a similar type promotion where you could redeem your receipt October.  It is great being able to take the family out for a great meal for free!

"It's Sunday and I Wish I Could Eat at Chick-fil-A"

In my previous post I shared how a way for me to keep my leadership fresh is to go to places where there is a definitive leadership presence.  As a follow-up to my previous post I had an incredible privilege to visit the Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters on a recent trip to Atlanta -- talk about a place that leaks vision and leadership. 

Before you enter the office you have a display as a tribute to Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy.

 

Then there is their clear, corporate purpose statement.

 

Inside -- all you have to do is look up.

 

Then there is a tribute to the greatest example of leadership and servant-hood.

 

What I respect is how they have stayed true to their mission.  Part of this mission is to close on Sundays to maintain a day to dedicate to faith and family.  Ironically, if there is any day I feel like taking the family to Chick-fil-A --it is Sunday. 

My Dwarf House Experience

One of the things I need to do to refuel my leadership passions is to go to places that ooze with vision and inspiration.  Now one may think that a quick service food industry establishment may be an odd place to find inspiration, but not if it is Chick-fil-A.  My family are regular patrons of the Chick-fil-A locations in the San Diego area and during a business trip to Atlanta I was able to eat at the original Chick-fil-A -- called the Dwarf House that was established in 1946 by Truett Cathy.  It would be 21 years later that the first "Chick-fil-A" would be opened in Atlanta in 1967. 

It was truly amazing to eat at this restaurant that would be the launching ground to hundreds of locations all across the country that is not only known for great food but also remarkable service and excellence. Every request you make in their restaurants is responded to with a "my pleasure."

Now to many's surprise cows are not safe here.  Yes, they do sell steakburgers as well as other unique menu items exclusive to this original location.

When Truett first opened this restaurant his home was connected to it. So when customers would pull in on their cars onto the gravel based parking lot at any time of the day or night Truett would get up and serve his customers.  This might be the possible reason that this location is open 24 hours a day -- yet true to its conviction still closed on Sundays.

The leadership takeaway for me is that nothing replaces hard work and when you stick to your convictions and values there is a good chance you will be successful.  Hard work and principle/valued based leadership is essential to lead in our current realities.

How I Respond When a Volunteer Leaves

One of the realities leaders face is that the people they lead leave. 

It is especially hard when it is a volunteer.  Now staff members leaving are never easy however, the dynamics and variables are different. When a volunteer leaves it comes down to preference or choice.   Let me explain ...

Now there are times when a volunteer leaves because they are moving out of town and the practical dynamics of their involvement (i.e. distance) is unreasonable and though it is hard to lose quality person it is understandable.  Sometimes it is a lifestyle change i.e. their work schedule moves from a day shift to a night shift or woman having a child forces them to leave their role.  Now the difference here and the context I am speaking from is a church, is though they leave the role, in most cases you still have the relationship.  Or similar to this is where they simply want to try something else in the organization.  Again, though you hate losing them from your team -- the organization still gets the benefit of their involvement.

However, the scenario I am speaking of is when they are not only leaving their role, but they are also leaving the organization all together, for none of the practical reasons mentioned, but simply because ...

This is what I experienced two weeks ago when two leaders and I had a final transition conversation about their moving on.  These are leaders whom I have known for 13 years. I have had the privilege of doing their wedding, I have presided over one of their loved one’s memorial service and shared their company in many social settings.  Most importantly they are friends.  There explanation was that it was a time for a change and it was nothing personal.

So what do you do when you are confronted this reality?

For me, the first thing I try to do is discern if their leaving is right for them.  Now this is not a last attempt to manipulate or guilt them into changing their mind.  No this really is in their best interest.

In over 15 years of having these type of conversations I have learned that people leave churches for the wrong reason -- the reason being they need to experience change in their life. 

However, the real change needs to happen not in changing church, but in some other area of their life that is too difficult for them to deal with.  So instead of addressing the real issue they feel they need to change something -- to give them the feeling that movement or action is taking place.  When they look at the situation changing churches is a lot easier than selling their house, looking for a new job, or getting counseling to work on their marriage or an issue in their life.

Sadly when they choose this route they end up changing the one constant thing in their life and their situation worsens.

Now if this is not the case and you sense the change is valid and even if it is not the case and theysimply disagree with you here is how I try to respond:

First, and foremost thank them.  Thank them personally and on behalf of the organization.  The reason this is hard is because these are quality people that have made a difference in many people’s lives.

Second, take an interest in what their move will involve.  Ask a lot of questions you might learn something from the place they are headed to.

Third, ask hard questions about how their volunteer experience here and ask for suggestions on things could be improved for those who are currently involved in the future.

Fourth, wish them the very best and offer to be reference to help them get off the ground and running in their new situation.

Fifth, keep the door open -- you never know, they might choose to return.

Filling My Kindle

As a result of "My Monday Morning Ritual"  here is what could be filling my Kindle in the next few weeks:

"In Between" Leadership

Being involved in a college ministry mentoring session last week reminded me of some of my fondest and in many ways most defining volunteering experiences when I served as the leader of programming/producing an on campus mid-week college gathering at the University of Hawaii.  It was during that time the staff advisor gave me this bit of advice that has stuck with me for close to 20 years – “It is the ministry or service that takes place after the service that is often most meaningful.”  Over the years this has proven to be through many times over where it was not the designed efforts that had the greatest impact, but rather the casual and informal moments that took place afterwards.

In leadership I like to call this “in between leadership.”  Because it is often in between services at church or in between sessions at a leadership conference where the following occurs …

• A point made in a session gains greater clarity while discussing it amongst peers.
• A new potential leader or future employee is met
• An aha moment is discovered
• An associate opens up and becomes transparent for the first time
• A birthing of a new initiative takes form

So I hope you are prodded to take advantage of thein between moments because that is often where leadership occurs

Chick-fil-A -- They get "it" and have "it!"

We have heard the term "it" being referenced to someone or an organization to describe some unexplainable intangible that makes them standout.  For example in reference to New York Yankees Short Stop Derek Jeter's contribution to the team we might say, "He just has it!"

Another example of "it' is Chick-fil-A where on any regular visit the two words you hear the most is "my pleasure" in response to any request you might have.  Well today is another shining example of how great this restaurant is!  We just got back from a late lunch where our family of four had 4 chicken sandwiches, 1 order of 8 chicken nuggets, 2 small order of fries, 2 small drinks and a large shake (their shakes are the best by far by the way!) all for under $10. 

How is this so?

Well on this Labor Day, and I assume on most holidays restaurants are slower than normal with most people barbequing or going to the park or beach, Chick-fil-A had a promotion where by wearing a favorite sports team shirt you received a free chicken sandwich no other purchased required.  In addition if you wanted lettuce, tomato and cheese on the sandwich which normally requires an extra charge that was also free.   Being a Monday the Eastlake (San Diego County) location has an on-going promotion of getting a free order of nuggets with the purchase of a large shake.

Not only did these promotions increase there business -- the place was packed!, but it also benefits families, especially in this economy, where they can get a great meal at a great price.  Chick-fil-A continues to impress me with this promotion as it just followed another  promotion last Tuesday where whatever you ordered can be redeemed sometime in October for free by bringing in your receipt.

In particular the location we frequent the Eastlake one operated by Mandy Medlin tha continually offers impecable service and it is my pleasure to be a loyal customer.

Leadership Leaks

There are some individuals in whom leadership just leaks from their lives, where in the course of their normal speech leadership comes through.  Such is the case of Bill Hybels, senior and founding pastor of Willow Creek Community Church.  And though last week at the Leadership Summit Site pastor's debrief  the content of the conversions were aimed at evaluation and review some great leadership truths and learnings were gleaned as Bill facilitated.

Here are some thoughts that I stood out ...

"Don't ever underestimate the power of inspiration."

"(in reference to the Leadership Summit) You just have to be serious minded believer to appreciate this event."

"No one wants a mild dose of God any more."

"You have to make a decision on whether you are going the coaching route -- sustainability; or the cheerleading route inspiration."

Leading Questions with Brad Franklin

I just got back last night from Chicago where I spent a couple of days with some tremendous leaders debriefing this year's Leadership Summit.  One of the benefits of serving as a host site (in the San Diego area) is the great relationships and friendships that are developed throughout the years by attending these events.

One such person that I have developed a great friendship with is Brad Franklin who serves as the lead pastor of Lakeside Church in Folsom California.  Brad is an incredible leader that I always glean great insights when I spend time with him.  Be sure to check out his blog Benediction.  You can also follow Brad on Twitter.

Recently I asked Brad to answer these Leading Questions:

What is your Favorite Leadership Movie?
Hmmm, I can’t nail it down to just one.
I love Crimson Tide, because of the conflict, the stakes of the decisions being made, and the fact that my son serves on a submarine. I also love Saving Private Ryan. Is the mission more important than a man? Or is a man more important than the mission? On a different emotional level, I like Dead Poets Society and Mr. Holland’s Opus. Good teachers are leaders, and good leaders are teachers.

What would you differently now in your leadership than you did five years ago?
I would be much more rigorous in the process of hiring leaders, or of installing volunteer leaders. Having the right people in the right seats in the bus, as Jim Collins says, is one of the most important things to an organization’s health, especially the church. I have not always done this well, and when I have messed up these processes, our staff and our church has paid the price.

What fresh/current leadership learning are you working through?
Let me give you some of my top take-aways from the Willow Creek Leadership Summit which just concluded:
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. (David Gergen)
The best thing you bring (as a leader) is a filled-up bucket. (Bill Hybels)
Listen to the Renegades. (Gary Hamel) One thing I’ve noticed about renegades: some are easier to listen to than others. In their passion for change, some renegades end up shooting at their own team. That is not helpful. But some renegades are able to express love for their people while at the same time espousing new initiatives and new ideas. Look for those kinds of renegades.

What is Your 3 Most Impactful Leadership Books You Have Read?
Axiom, by Bill Hybels. Best practical leadership book ever, hands down.
It’s Your Ship, by Michael Abrashoff. This navy captain altered the top-down leadership model of the US Navy and invited everybody on the boat to contribute to its improvement. Very useful in today’s Twittering, Facebooking, feedbacking world. Good to Great, by Jim Collins. His concept of a Level Five Leader is a clear picture of a biblically-informed, Christian leader, even though he didn’t arrive at his conclusions through Bible study.

Who is a leader dead or alive that you would like to meet?
Assuming that every Christian would say Jesus...and so would I…King DavidAbraham Lincoln

What refuels your leadership passions?
I am really enjoying the process of working with some younger leaders. This is a growing passion for me. I’ve known for a long time that the legacy of a pastor is not only how many people choose to follow Jesus through his ministry, but how many people he can send into ministry. Lately I’ve been having more opportunities to inspire and equip younger leaders. I find it a fulfilling part of my role as a leader. The other thing I love to do is cast the vision. I love to help people see it, feel it and get it.

Who has been the biggest or most impactful leadership influence in your life & why?
In the early days, the first pastor I worked with when I was a part-time youth pastor. He showed me wisdom and faith as he led our church. One of my first prayers almost everyday now is, Lord, give me wisdom and faith to lead.
In these recent years, Bill Hybels has been the greatest influence. Perhaps the greatest thing I have learned form him is to be generous with leadership opportunities for others. Perhaps that’s why I am engaging more with young leaders now.

To a young and emerging leader, what is one thing you would advise him or her in regarding leadership?
Read. As David Gergen said at the Leadership Summit: “Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader.” Mentors are readily available to us now simply through books.
Ask. I didn’t ask enough questions early on. I probably thought I knew everything.

If leadership were a color what would it be and why?
It would have to be a rainbow, because the need of the followers changes as circumstances change. A good leader adapts to the situation and the need. As one of my mentors says: Leaders do what leadership requires. That might mean it is red hot one day, but low-key blue the next. Perhaps growth is required, so then green is the need. One-size fits all leadership is probably dangerous, or at least obsolescent.

What is an indicator that you are losing your leadership edge or that it is growing dull?
Nobody is following.

My Monday Morning Ritual

I love working on Mondays!  It is the day when most of my colleagues take the day off so I can get a lot of uninterrupted routine assignments done.  And getting these routine tasks done really sets the tone for my week knowing that I don't have a letter to send, a phone call to return, a form to submit lingering -- simple tasks but when left undone can be like a small pebble in your shoe. 

Usually after a couple hours I head down to Starbucks for my second Venti coffee of the day --  though there are many locations in the area I choose the one connected to a Barnes and Noble Booksellers so I can participate in my Monday morning ritual of checking out the latest leadership and business book offerings.  I do so I can never be without something to read.  I usually find about 2 to 4 titles that I jot down and create an on-going list.  Now I don't read every book on the list, but atleast I have a catalog to go to.  It amazes when I hear people say "I don't know what to read?" For a leader this question should never be raised.  Performing some type of ritual like this, it does not have to be weekly, solves this problem.

So as a result of today here is what is being sent to my Kindle:

• Free by Chris Anderson

• Monday Morning Choices by David Cottrell

• The Silver Lining by Scott D. Anthony

New discovery for me today -- Social Media has its own section in bookstores -- amazing.

Leading Questions with Kristen Chandler Founder Kick of For Hope

You do not have to look far to find great leaders that you can learn and glean from.  Often they are in the midst of your organization.  Such is the case with Kristen Chandler.  Kristen has been a part of my church for  8 years and recently she has been given a platform where her leadership giftings has flourished in the founding of an organization Kick for Hope.

To read Kristen's incredible story and how she founded Kick for Hope less than a year ago click here.

I asked Kristen to share her thoughts in response to these Leading Questions:

What is your Favorite Leadership Movie?
Freedom Writers

What would you do differently now in your leadership than you did five years ago?
Delegate more, control less—micro-management kills time and growth.

What fresh/current leadership learning are you working through?
Because K4H is still in its infancy and run entirely by volunteers, I am learning to establish a culture in which volunteers gain a sense of ownership, commit whole-heartedly, share ideas freely, and know their contribution matters.

What is Your 3 Most Impactful Leadership Books You Have Read?
Created for Commitment, Axiom, Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands.
(Reading leadership books is a fairly new endeavor for me.)

Who is a leader dead or alive that you would like to meet?
Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America

What refuels your leadership passions?
The Leadership Summit & reading “leadership” books (which I’ve only recently begun doing) is definitely leadership fuel. I also revisit God’s calling to me in my journal. Through the Psalms, God reminds me that He’s carrying me: without Him I have no good thing, but with Him I can scale a wall. Then I can dare to envision what the future of K4h could look like if we do this thing right...and consider the consequences if we don’t. And reading stories of Africa’s poorest children not only fuels my vision, it fuels my passion to lead K4H to reach its full potential because ultimately growth means improving and saving lives.

Who has been the biggest or most impactful leadership influence in your life & why? 

Each BSF teaching leader I trained under and served with over a 10-year span. All three showed me how to lead with excellence (not to be confused with perfection).

To a young and emerging leader, what is one thing you would advise him or her in regarding leadership?

Investing the time to build authentic relationships is critical to success. This will yield an eager group/team with a vibrant exchange of ideas as well as a willingness to help realize the vision you’ve cast.
 
If leadership were a color what would it be and why?
Red. A good leader is sacrificial. He sacrifices speaking for listening, fights the urge to tell others how to think for drawing out their ideas, exchanges personal gain for team growth…etc.
 
What is an indicator that you are losing your leadership edge or that it is growing dull? 

Personal growth flat-lines. Ideas stop flowing. Your group or team lacks energy and enthusiasm.  Volunteers or group members disengage. Passion is replaced with passivity and eventually even dread.

Do Not Underestimate Your "Leadership Influence" as Parents

Last Thursday at this time I was trying to calm down a mind that was racing with thoughts and ideas after taking in day one of the Leadership Summit.  One of the highlights of the day was an interview of Jessica Jackley co-founder of Kiva -- a micro financing organization that in less than 4 years has served as a platform to raise close to 100 million dollars in loans primarily to entrepreneurs in third-world countries.  For more on Kiva click here.

It was an inspiring session that showed how by going for it and doing something you can make a difference.  In fact I loved how host Nancy Beach commented at the conclusion of the interview, which I believe would sum up many attendees response to the interview: "Oh my goodness, I just, I don't know about you? I just want to get around a group of people and solve something."

As inspiring and impressive as Jessica Jackley and the Kiva organization are, my greatest leadership takeaway was somewhat unexpected.  What stood out for me is how critical a role we as parents can have in the life of our children.  We play so many different roles in our children's lives and one I need to be paying attention more to is my role as leadership example in their lives. I have a six year old boy and three year old girl.

Here is what was revealed in the interview of Jackley in respect to her parents role in her life.

When asked who had a significant or the biggest influence in her life, she said ... "My mom and dad ofcourse influenced me greatly.  They convinced me that somehow I could do anything and I believed them and that set me on a path."

Here are some of the ways she mentioned how her parents influenced her:

• From her middle school years all the way through college was challenged by her dad to come up with "a theme for the year."  A theme that she would be base her decisions and serve as background for all that she did that year.
• Her parents provided a spiritual influence in her life.  They took her to church and it was in Sunday School that she heard this lesson, "the poor will always be with us ... what you do to least of these you did unto me."  It was this message that would serve as the nexus of her heart to help the underresourced.
• They took her places where she could be inspired and have her world expanded.  In college her dad took her to the Leadership Summit where she heard numerous vision-expanding messages that had a great effect on her life.
• They believed in what she did.  When Kiva was in its beta phase it was her mom and dad and other family members that raised the first $3000 to help the first group of entreperneurs.

Volunteerism -- The Power of Choice

 My wife was i-chatting with a friend about the difference between being on staff versus being a volunteer -- she asked my thoughts which prompted the writing of this blog post.

I have worked vocationally in the non-profit sector for 17 years serving on staffs of churches.  Yet when people ask me when was my most memorable and/or meaningful time of serving in this environment was -- I always refer back to the five years prior when I served as a volunteer during my college years for both a local church and another non-profit organization.

The reason that I look upon my volunteering experience so fondly is summed up in one word "choice." 

To have a choice is powerful! Choice is a luxury.  Choice gives you freedom.  Choice gives you the optimum of circumstances.

It always bugs me when I hear of a professional athlete saying that money has not changed them, in spite of having a multimillion dollar contract.  Their proof is that they drive the same car (i.e. a 79 Ford Pick Up) and live in the same house (1200 square feet) and in the same neighborhood (middle class).  However, I believe whether they are conscientious of this or not, somewhere embedded in the back of their mind is the notion that if they wanted to they could change their current lifestyle in a minute. 

They have to understand that by choosing to drive the same car, stay in the same house and live in the same neighborhood they have elevated their car to be the equivalent of a Mercedes Benz,  their house to a Mansion and their modest neighborhood to a prestigious gated community.  It is a lot different when this is your living condition and you have no choice -- this is simply the hand you have been dealt.

Here is another example ... when a multimillionaire chooses to eat at McDonald's because he loves their Big Macs that again is in many ways  making it the equivalent of a Ruth Cris Steak House Filet Mignon because he has a choice.  On the other hand it is different for the single mom with two kids trying to make a budget work by eating off of the dollar menu -- that is survival.

I believe you are getting my point regarding choice. 

So how does this tie into volunteerism.  The very word volunteer is a verb defined as "to do with a choice."  And there is something incredibly rewarding, fulfilling and life giving when you make "a choice" to give of your time, giftings and resources for the benefit of others.

I remember as a college student juggling a work schedule of 24 plus hours a week, a full course load and using what ever discretionary time I had to help at my church and campus ministry -- it was truly the best time!!!  Why?  Because I knew I could be watching the latest movie,  playing video games, going to the beach or just hanging out or working more hours at work, but I chose to volunteer instead.

On the other hand in a vocational staff role to a certain extent "you have to be there."  Now if someone "chooses" to work at a church or any non-profit organization the argument could be made that don't you want to be there?  Absolutely.  Yet at the same time, embedded somewhere in the back of my mind is the thought that this is a part of my job.  This is not a bad thing -- it is simply the truth.

I really believe and now speaking specifically of those who are serving in a local church -- the call of a vocational staff is giving up there right to choose.  And this is a very noble calling.  Jesus said this ...

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.  For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"

Do the Simple Things (notes from Bill Hybels Closing Remarks of the 2009 Leadership Summit)

Over the course of this week I will be sharing some of my notes from the various sessions of the Leadership Summit.  My first entry is from the last session of the Leadership Summit.  These are notes from Bill Hybels' closing remarks to wrap up the two-day conference.  

I get numerous solicitations to attend various leadership conferences and seminars from the non-profit and business sector and I have often said that Bill Hybels is the differentiating factor that separates the Leadership Summit from all other conferences.  Even in his brief 20 minute closing there were incredible words of wisdom -- very "simple" yet at the same time very needed to be heard.

My notes are below right out of my Livescribe Journal. I hope you will be challenged to do the simple things.

Leading Thanks

A critical role in the life of a leader is to be leading the way in giving thanks.  This week one of my main objectives is to thank as many people as possible in as many means as possible for making a our Leadership Summit experience this past week such a huge success!  This year we had our biggest attendance in five years, up 115 from the previous 2 years.

In this picture is a part of a team that gave selflessly over the two-day Leadership Summit experience.  That is in addition to, for many, a prep day the day before the event and for the point leaders of the various volunteer teams -- as it is almost a year-round commitment to some degree.

The amazing thing is that we have yet to do a public recruitment for this event in six years of hosting.  Since year one we have mobilized volunteers from existing teams, who perform these task regularly, and most end up staying on for the next year and the next and so on.  In fact we find ourselves turning away volunteers who ask to be involved and have found ways to reduce the amount of team members so more of our church team can be apart of the experience as an attendee.

So thank you Journey Community Church Summit Site #44 Team -- I hold you in highest regard!!!

Why People Don't Attend the Leadership Summit

Every year after the Leadership Summit I feel incredibly energized, challenged and ready to take on the next big opportunity presented to me.  And at the same time I leave very frustrated and confused.  Frustrated because I always feel there are more people that can benefit from this world class training event.  Confused because why would people not take advantage of this training event right in their back yard.

Here are some of my thoughts: (this was originally posted in my other blog rodsprod.com last year and it generated a lot of positive feedback.)

For most people who pass up incredible learning opportunities like the Leadership Summit they do so because they mistakenly think the following:

They mistakenly think ...

They have heard this leadership stuff before. 
The truth is that leaders are learners and all of us need to be continually refreshing and refueling our thinking and learning efforts. It is ignorant to think that a lesson learned 20 or even 3 years ago still has the same application in this ever changing world today. One of the most impressive aspects of the summit sessions is when you hear the various speakers refer to one another sessions and what they got out of it -- modeling what it means to be a learning leader.

They cannot afford it. 
Now this no laughing matter. At our site this year and many other sites across the nation noted that finances was one of the main barriers toward churches bringing smaller teams than usual or not being able to attend at all.  Yet the truth is, you can't afford not to attend.  We simply cannot forsake putting resources toward things that can have a lasting, kingdom oriented impact.  For many of us we drink 4 to 5 lattes a week at $4.00 a cup.  Cutting back one cup a week would cover your registration cost.

They do not have the time.
The truth is we all have the same 24 hours in a day, so I would challenge anyone with this thinking that it is not that you don't have enough time, it is more than likely is that you don't have the right priorities.  People make time for what is important.  And if Leadership Development is important to you, you will make the time. And if you believe you are in a role where you lead and serve others - - they deserve a better you.  A you that is taking the time to grow their leadership.

They will watch it later on DVD. 
Yeah Right.  The truth is if you did not have time to watch it before with the structure of a set schedule and the motivation of others to engage in this learning experience, what makes you think you will be self-motivated enough and disciplined enough to watch the sessions on your own.  I am convinced that more and more I pay money to stay put and sit.  Paying a conference fee forces me to take the time and stay engaged in an experience like the Summit.

They have attended the Leadership Summit in the past.
The truth is the Willow Creek Association (who puts on the event) is committed to bringing the freshest learnings in leadership that includes new material every year from a new faculty of speakers from wide range of influences.  And most people who have attended multiple years say that the most current summit was the best yet. 

So make plans to attend next year August 5 & 6 2010.  See you there!

Leading Questions (an Interview with Don Everts)

Teaching pastor at Bonhomme Presbyterian Church and author  Don Everts presented an incredible message, "Designed to Leak",  at our services this past weekend -- people are still commenting and sharing how the message impacted them.  I have gotten to know Don well over the past 9 years -- he is an incredible and very gifted leader.  After the services I sat down with him to answer a series of "Leading Question."

What refuels your leadership passions?
First when I see things lead poorly and second reading books on leadership.

What is an indicator that you are losing your leadership edge or that your leadership is beginning to slip?
When you haven’t felt holy discontent for awhile.

What would you differently now in your leadership than you did five years ago?
Learn to help people move on from current roles quicker when it was not a fit

Who has been the biggest or most impactful leadership influence in your life & why?
Al Anderson, longtime Vice President of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Canada. 
To a young and emerging leader, what is one thing you would advise him or her in regarding leadership?

What fresh/current leadership learning are you working through?
How to lead well in vision and align a lot of existing entities.

What advice would you give to a young and/or emerging leader?
Pay equal attention to the fruits of the spirit as you lead as you do to the gifts of the spirit.  Leadership is just as much about gentleness and kindness and humility as it is vision and word gifts and mentoring.

What is the 3 most impactful leadership books you have read?
Dedication and Leadership Philosophy by Douglas Hyde
From Good to Great by Jim Collins
In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen

Who is a leader dead or alive that you would like to meet?
St. Francis of Assisi
William Booth (founder of Salvation Army)

Favorite leadership movie?
Field of Dreams – it is about a visionary leadership.  Here is a reluctant leader (played by Kevin Costner) who as he leans forward in the vision creates space for things to happen.

If leadership were a color what would it be and why?
Leadership is blue – a primary, but vibrant color.

Places that Inspire Me & Refuel My Leadership

I have learned over the years that I need to continually find creative ways to refuel my leadership.  Sometimes just going to places that inspire you can serve this purpose.  I was in Menlo Park CA earlier this week for quick overnight visit and that area oozes with energy and vision as the whole San Jose/San Mateo area is the home to some of the leading technology companies -- some of that I am very influenced by.  So on a whim I went to visit the headquarters of the following three places below. 



I did not get a formal tour -- I just walked the outskirts of the property for just a few moments. Yet even in that short time you can feel the energy and you can sense the vision that exudes from these companies that are literally changing the world.

Where do you go or what do you do to refuel your leadership?

The Impact of the Leadership Summit

This past Sunday we had a member of our church, Kristen Chandler, share her journey of how the Leadership Summit has impacted her life.  Here is the transcript of her journey.

I have attended the Leadership Summit for the past few years and when I registered for it last summer, I was seeking direction. I had just finished serving in a ministry I had been involved with for ten years, and I didn’t know where I was going next.  I had my own ideas, but I wanted God’s perspective. He has used the Summit in years past to really speak to me, so I this was perfect timing and I was trusting for Him to speak to me again.

It was also an exciting time at home because my son was going to Africa with our high school ministry. In preparation for his trip my heart really started to break for the people of Africa. I even had an idea about how to raise resources to help them, but I quickly shelved it for lack of time. When my son came home with pictures of children, each with their own story something happened. I was moved from being paralyzed by the millions of children I would never help to being motivated by those I could. This idea to raise aid came to mind again…but, with 3 kids, work, and hopefully a new ministry…there was just no time.

A week later I attended the Leadership Summit.  I was ready for God to answer my prayers and give me some direction. With each session, God began to lead me down a path that was completely unexpected. It didn’t match up with my idea of “ministry”. It wasn’t an answer to my prayers about getting involved here at Journey, and it didn’t seem to build on my past ministry experience…in fact it seemed odd. 

But with each speaker, God broke down my arguments and my changed my idea of what ministry was supposed to look like for me. Through Gary Haugen (founder of International Justice Mission), I saw God’s passion for the world. Whether it’s rescuing people from oppression or providing basic needs like water and food, these are ways God shows up.  He said, “When we help people, they can see God show up and believe He is good.”  I was also completely inspired by the women who had pursued their visions with driving compulsion and reckless abandon, despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Then Craig Groeschel, pastor of Lifechurch.TV) said something that would change my life. He said, “If you’re not failing, you’ve stopped dreaming, you’ll eventually stop learning, and you will stop growing.”  Those words unlocked the chains that had bound me to playing it safe my whole life. I had permission to fail and God had given me a dream worth failing for.

For 2 days I had been carrying around the conference notebook and toward the end of the conference, I saw the words on the cover, “Lead Where You Are.” I am in soccer. My daughter plays competitively, and like other competitive sports, it can take over your life at times.

The idea about raising resources for Africa through youth soccer first came in March. Between March and the leadership summit, despite my attempt to dismiss it, the idea kept coming back. When the director of the orphanage asked for soccer balls and our club quickly donated…it was there. When I saw pictures of our kids playing soccer with children in the villages and realized this common bond our kids share... It was there.  When I read Mission Africa started to wonder, “what can I do?”… it was there.  Each time the idea surfaced, it had more depth and clarity. So when I saw  “Lead where you are” I knew this crazy idea of hosting youth competitive soccer tournaments to benefit Africa was indeed a cause God was calling me to.  He broke down the preconceived ideas I had about how I should serve Him, He gave me the courage to say “yes” to his Plan, and filled me with unbridled passion to share the vision and rally others to help.

Immediately after the summit I began making phone calls, sending emails and learning everything I never wanted to know about starting non-profit and organizing youth soccer tournaments. I knew if I did not act upon the promptings I had received quickly it would be another good idea on the shelf. 

Eleven months later, next weekend to be exact, is our inaugural Kick for Hope soccer tournament. A little over a month ago, when Rod asked me to share my Journey, I honestly though I’d be standing here sharing my attempt at a vision that had failed because, at the time, we only had 3 teams registered.  But on July 11th & 12th,  94 teams will play in Kick for Hope to raise over $47,000 to provide clean water, malaria nets ad AIDS education to children in Africa.  It has been a long, hard road. And I can honestly say, it’s a journey I would not have traveled if I not attended the Leadership Summit last year.  

So I want to encourage to sign up and attend the Leadership Summit this year – you never know what God may have in store for you – He may have you lead where you are.