The Secret of a Thousand Leadership Books

Some perceptive reader condensed several top selling business books down to three or so points printed on an index card and posted them on his blog. As I skimmed over the 3 major points of Good to Great by Jim Collins, a book I was very familiar with, I was fascinated by how accurately the mini outline caught the essence of the book. As I read a couple of leadership books after my index card outline discovery, I noticed that most of these books follow an easy to condense format: A couple or three main points then lots of examples of those points. When read, the points capture an "aha" moment that fades fast once the last page is turned.

Soon after my three point index card discovery, I came across an article by Daniel Goleman of Emotional Intelligence fame in which he made the case for will power as a muscle of sorts that can be developed with practice. He concluded that many people simply don't have the will power to pass on dessert or get work done on time without distractions, because they have never experienced overcoming a previous barrier multiple times. According to Goleman, by overcoming an obstacle once, we begin to build the muscle of discipline to overcome it again in the future.

The index card experience of discovering three simple points in leadership books, yet not giving them much thought after finishing the book and the idea of building a discipline muscle to overcome barriers seemed to want to be married to each other. Maybe the reason we dive so heartily into leadership books but don't execute on what seemed to make a lot of sense when we read it, is that we haven't built up the discipline muscle that gives us the strength to make something new happen. We are lazy, disassociated readers. We read, we yawn, we sigh that's nice and forget what we read in less than 36-hours.

We would be better off to simply execute on something, anything, and then repeat the process again to build the stamina and mental perseverance to apply that execution ability to other things in life. We can forget the higher forms of leadership for a minute and practice execution whether it is brushing our teeth after every meal or keeping our desk clean for a week. Consistently doing something is the goal.

We are a nation of attention deficit readers who hope by assimilation to become great leaders without the messy prospect of doing something. Change your pattern of read and forget to read and do something. Just do something. It's where all great leaders start.

Customize Church

Newly released data from a major survey finds that most U.S. adults range far from knowing or caring about the distinctive teachings of their professed faith.
They believe overwhelmingly (92%) in God and 58% say they pray at least once a day. But when it comes to specific religions — the teachings of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Roman Catholic Church or scores of other denominations — they're all over the map, finds the latest data from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. - New York Times article

History has demonstrated that the church, in terms of programmatic themes and formats, tends to be influenced by the consumerist preferences of popular culture. The recent Pew Forum survey supports that observation.

With this survey and others finding that the traditional attendance patterns of church participants are changing, pastors and lay leaders should carefully consider the data. These surveys uncover an increase in the popularity of non-traditional church formats as well as the inclusion of some individualistic approaches to worship. Many worshippers are combining traditional and non-traditional formats to express their religious convictions.

My assessment is that the survey results are indicative of a more recent consumer movement that values co-creation and customization of products and services. Personalized products, custom furnishings, tailored wardrobes are increasingly popular and reflect an individualized approach to consuming. Congregational leadership should consider the trend as a warranted approach.

Past consumer trends have not always served the church well and in many cases have detracted from ministry impact, however, co-creation and customization have components that show promise for ministry efforts. The American church has become impersonal using an approach that aggregates large audiences into congregational settings. Individuals report experiencing a feeling of isolation of disconnection in today’s church that is design around the group experience.

Consider appointing several work groups at your church to explore the customization of church. By addressing individuals and their specific spiritual needs, churches can add another layer to their ministry approach. Review how attendees interact with the large settings, classes and web portals to create a more personal connection. Test ways in which “spiritual students” design their own study curriculum including the appointment of a personal mentor and a schedule of classes they choose to attend.

Creative approaches that allow the attendee to create a spiritual routine and agenda that fits their personal needs will likely be a welcomed addition to your ministry array in this increasingly customized consumer culture.

Courtesy of Trend Ping

Deadly Change

One of the things I hear often from pastors is how difficult is to move some of their lay leaders toward a change in approach, focus -- or sometimes -- even just change in carpet.

Well if you are having one of those days where change seems too hard to face, jump on over to our sister site and read the story of "deadly change." It's all about washing your hands!

Get a Box

As I continue my quest to be "paper free" I am incorporating more online resources into my workflow getting away from computer based applications.

Two of my favorites (presently) are Google documents and Box.net

Google documents allows you to upload, revise, create, send, post documents with an online application tool that looks very familiar. You can save your creations as a Word file or with a new addition, you can quickly convert to a PDF file for easy transport. Like all Google applications, it's free and size is not an issue.

As an online file cabinet to hold files that I might need while away from the office or to work on from home without using a work computer, I have a Box account. You can get an account with very adequate storage space for free and the ability to upgrade as your storage need increases.

Box and Google docs both allow a document to be emailed directly to your online account as well as various sharing arrangements for collaboration with others. Google docs also has a push/pull function that allows you to access your files on your computer and when back online it will sync the online version with any revisions.

By depending more on the anywhere availability of online applications and file storage I have greater flexibility in organizing a paper-less workflow.

Have a paper-less tip to share with other pastors and lay leaders? Post a comment and share it with others!

Consumer Church

"The most pervasive logic or vision for ministry today is shaped by the market and the values of consumerism rather than by the Gospel of Jeus Christ," - Kenneth Cardin, Methodist Bishop

Like it or not, your church, my church, competes in the market place. Our "competition" is not other churches, but rather any event, past-time, choice that serves as an alternative to church attendance. There is an old business adage though that applies to this market place dynamic -- go where the competition is not.

In a business sense, to go where the competition is not, is to create a new mental space -- a unique place in the consumers array of choices. To extend it a bit more, it means to create a new loyalty in their heart.

I believe that business practices and marketing strategies have gone where they should not go in the ministry of Christ, however, I think there is important application here.

By striving to create that new loyality in their heart we are striving for spiritual matters. I know without a doubt that the things of God are more attractive, more meaningful and more fulfilling than anything the consumer world can offer. Yet, the market place is winning the attention of the consumer.

If the message of Christ is unchanged, and the power of Christ has not diminished, as lay leaders and pastors, we must examine why the things of Christ are not widely held or appreciated. If it is not in the message, perhaps it is in the messenger.

Consider what your life "sells" to those around you. Do you speak more admirably of your car than you do of your faith? Do you know more about the NFL than the book of James? Have you found yourself going on and on about the latest movie plot while never giving a second thought to the greatest story ever told?

I fear that we, the messengers, have been to blame. The message is still strong. We have not remained so.

As a laity leader of your church or a pastor, I encourage you to ask the following question for 1 month in each of your classes, meetings and informal gatherings: "What does it mean to be a "consumer" of Christ as opposed to a consumer of things? After 1 month, call a special evening of dialogue to honestly share what you have learned. I suspect it will be a turning point for you, your church and your community.

Laity Should Insist on Sabbatical

Human Resource studies estimate that 20% of organizations in the U.S. have some form of sabbatical for their executives. It is seen as a way to increase retention and productivity of the executive. The stresses of leadership require a stepping away from the responsibilities to refresh. The experience is often accompanied by additional education or self-study that benefits the executive and the organization upon their return.

The practice of sabbatical began in the Jewish culture related to an agricultural economy and eventually spread to include periods of respite every seven years for those in the rabbinical services. Some churches have adopted the seven year break for their pastoral staff.

The role of pastor is likely one of the most difficult leadership positions in the U.S. Dealing primarily with a volunteer workforce, a membership struggling with the financial and social stresses of society as well as an often tight budget from which to serve -- pastor's are reaching record periods of burnout and turnover.

I believe it is the responsibility of church lay leaders to speak on behalf of the pastoral staff and insist to other leadership that provisions be made for pastoral sabbatical. When a laity leader comes to have a deep understanding of the day-to-day stresses of ministry, they are more likely to appreciate the benefit of such a break.

As a lay leader, spend some time with your pastors to understand what they face and what you can do to walk with them in that journey. A good start is becoming an advocate for their rest and reflection.

Problem of Creativity

In a recent Convergence survey, creativity was listed in the top five needs of the surveyed pastors. More specifically, the inability to inspire creativity within their staff and lay leadership was the problem at hand. These church leaders join millions of other leaders seeking that elusive goal of creativity.

When I encounter a leader who expresses a desire for his or her team to be more creative, I ask them: What would you like for them to create? The question throws them a bit since everyone knows that organizations just need to be creative. I'll get a ramble about wanting breakthrough ideas or "out of the box" strategies -- but they sound more like merit badge efforts or check off the box --hey look at us, we're creative -- prideful accomplishments .

I've come to believe that creativity doesn't exist in organizations because (1) it isn't what they are really striving for and (2) it's impossible for them to conjure up something that is truly creative, genuinely new. Their misguided pursuit takes the emphasis off of organizational outcomes and attempts to place the spotlight on personal performance.

One could argue that creativity versus construction is a matter of semantics and in some cases it is. However, to do so looses sight of the subtle distinction and importance that vocabulary plays in an organization. Striving for a brilliant, totally new idea is a futile attempt that is likely embedded in self-serving motives. Rather, constructing something new from elements at our disposal removes the pride of ownership and becomes a team effort much like a group building something with a pile of Legos.

Constructing new objects, paradigms or processes is not enough by itself. Instead, organizations are better served by assembling parts, ideas, processes in a unique way to meet a need. A focus on purpose rather than creation moves the organization toward a more meaningful pursuit. It is about vocabulary for sure, but it makes a distinction that draws away from personal fame for the sake of impressing others with a so called creation. The canvas needed for creating something new doesn't exist. Rather we are to make a new product, or process, or effort from the building blocks that God has already given us. It is the classic create versus make distinction. For a expanded explanation of the subtle difference click on over to our sister site to learn more about the problem of creativity.

They Will Manage Your Time

I've found over the years that others will manage your time if you let them. It is rarely a positive experience when our much cherished passing minutes are put in uncaring hands.

Observe the flow of your work place to spot the culprits. Notice that the same guy who stands in your door frame yapping on about his new lawn chair/cooler is the same guy that walks out the door proclaiming "it's quitin' time" leaving you in catch up mode. He is managing your time.

There's also the pseudo-interested office mate that wants to get into long, seemingly deep, discussions about yesterday's meeting or the big project that everybody is working on. They keep the conversation between the lines in terms of relevant topics, but they go way too deep and long. You get the feeling that they would rather talk than do. You're feeling them right.

They are the type that will manage your time to their entertainment. They like talking. They figure talking about work is work in itself, so they pass time with you strapped to their victim seat jawing about nothing. The only sporting thing to do with them is drop phrases like: "I thought I heard you weren't working on that project anymore." Drives them nuts. The only thing worse than having to actually do the work, is thinking that someone doesn't think they can. Play with them a bit. You've earned the right.

The final type is the "can we talk" victim. Never fails, you are in the middle of a chaotic crunch so you can get home in time to watch old Burt Reynolds movies with your mother-in-law who is in town for a yet to be determined period of bliss, and the victim enters. They are typically on the verge of tears and the exchange goes something like:

"Oh, I'm sorry, I can see you are in the middle of something. Never mind. It's not that important, it's just, well I don't know who else to turn to, you've always been so good at helping me see what to do, and now that I'm pretty sure I overhead someone say my name in the same conversation when they were talking about not needing as many people around here and it's my birthday, almost, it's actually next week, but I know, I'm pretty sure, they said my birth date too, so I know they mean me, and I just bought a new car and can't afford it even with a job and without a job well I'm in deep, whatever you do don't say anything, but if you were to say something it would be great if you'd let them know I have asthma and it would be a shame for an asthmatic to be living on the street, and aren't people with asthma protected by that ADA thing, I have rights and all, but I can't afford an attorney if I don't have a job, and I just knew you'd know what to do, and I'm sorry, listen to me, I've been rambling and probably for no good reason, right? Tell me it's for no good reason.

To which you reply: "I'm sorry, have we met?"

They all manage your time. Close the door, say no and make them live by your clock. They'll get the idea and start living according to your rules. Stand up when they darken your door so they won't sit down. Gradually start moving toward the door as you chat upon announcing that you have a call to catch or you should continue the conversation later but right now you're suffering from too much Dr. Pepper intake. If you need to talk with them, go to their office, don't sit down and quickly state your business. Don't wait on them to start a meeting. Don't continue the conversation past 5 p.m. Ask them hard questions when you see them so that they know it's not fun and games when they are in your presence. Ask them how in the world do they manage to have so much free time and they really should let someone know if they need more to do and you'll be happy to put in a good word for them so they don't get bored.

Don't let them manage your time though. After all, it is YOUR time.

Single and Uninterested

“ Unless religious leaders take younger adults more seriously, the future of American religion is in doubt,” - Robert Wuthnow, After the Baby Boomers: How Twenty- and Thirty-Somethings are Shaping the Future of American Religion.

There is a tectonic shift currently underway in American churches. As post-boomers remain single longer than their parents and grandparents, the draw of American church is less influential in their life. Many young couples are moved to regular church attendance for the benefit of their young children. Without the pull of investing in a child’s spiritual development, single post-boomers are seeking alternate paths of spirituality.

Look for overall church attendance to wane as singles delay regular church participation for other leisure activities. Those congregations who focus more seriously on this unique segment of the U.S. population will find some success in attracting them to church attendance. A focus on core needs, both spiritual and emotional, will help drive the shift from traditional to specifically focused single, young adult formats.

A sustained effort to build a core group of singles is essential to success as this cohort desires a like-aged, like-minded group of significant size to warrant their interest. A more aggressive marketing trend toward this population will be pursued by some spinning off single-centered publications and web portals that are supported by denominations or individual churches.

Courtesy Trend Ping

Commit to Capture

Observation: (1) Pastor and lay leader team work depends on strong relationships and (2) strong relationships depend on doing what you say you’ll do and (3) keeping your commitments requires remembering them and (4) keeping track of your “to do” items requires an “air tight” capture system. All successful efforts begin with an effective capture system.

I’ve noticed, and I’m guilty as a lay leader, of catching one of our pastors on a Sunday with a request or finding myself unprepared to capture a “to do“ from them. In the fast pace of Sunday activities, that’s probably not the best time for us to discuss a next action, but that is the day that the most interaction occurs. A capture system solves that problem.

While there are many capture mechanisms, and I have tried most of them, my present system is based on the Getting Things Done (GTD) approach. Before I describe my system, let me mention some “runner up” systems that I’ve used that almost fit the bill for me and might fit your routine.

Some prefer to be totally digital incorporating laptop, desktop or handheld solutions. If that is your preference I recommend the applications from 37 Solutions. Entry level use is free and more expanded access is cheap. I use one of the solutions (BackPack) in my current approach, but more about that in a minute. For a straight forward “to do” list design, I recommend the Ta Da product that replicates a simple “to do” list design.

I also spent several years using the Task list along with OneNote on Microsoft Outlook. It is very effective for those who have continual access to their computer. You can of course capture on a slip of paper and enter as a Task on the computer later.

For many “GTDers” the paper approach called Hipster PDA is an effective solution which at its core design is simply a stack of index cards clipped together. My current system uses a variation this approach to capture not only my next action items but notes.

I use a modified Hipster approach with a Levenger Circa 3x5 index card punch. I print the cards on my Canon iP1800 printer which accepts a stack of blank index cards. I print templates, which are abundant if you Google Hipster PDA template, on the blank cards, punch them and insert in my Levenger 3x5 Circa notebook. I carry extra cards in my pocket in case I encounter a hallway conversation without my notebook. I use a fine lead mechanical pencil instead of pen since the writing space is small and I can change entries if the item changes.

The cards follow the GTD philosophy, arranged around the context or place I will do the action item. I have an @office, @home, @errands and someday maybe card to record actions. I use the previously mentioned BackPack from 37 Solutions to keep more extended notes on a project or other long document needs. Each BackPack page has a distinct email address so you can forward an email to a specific page to process later. On the Circa card I’ll remind myself there is more backup by recording (BP) by the action item to prompt me to look in BackPack for more details. On the BackPack site I put a key word from the card in the BackPack internal search engine which pulls up that tagged page.

For email threads that drive an action item on my Circa card I record (OF) to indicate more detail in an Outlook Folder where I have saved the email. I prefer to use Google Desktop to search my Outlook files (I use only a few folders and let Google find the documents) instead of using the Outlook search function.

The journey to an effective capture system that is designed for your personal needs begins with a strong desire to capture and execute on your commitments followed by some experimentation. Grab a stack of index cards and see how the flow feels. Take a peek at the 37 Solutions applications and play around with the free versions. Learn a little more about the capabilities of your laptop, handheld or desktop. Keep revising it until it feels right. Capture the commitment!

The Demographics of Unemployment

"At a time when the American economy is trending down and the unemployment rate is ticking up, one out of every seven U.S. workers fear they will be laid off in the next 12 months, according to a recent Pew Social and Demographic Trends survey."

As the economy hits a rough spot, the worry of being "laid off" will escalate in coming months. The worry of losing one's source of income coupled with the financial stress encountered during a down-turn will cause additional pressure on the stability of the family in the U.S.

Those families that do encounter unemployment will require additional short-term support to get them through this trying period. Additional spiritual support should be targeted on males as they enter a period of depression and lowered self-confidence during times of unemployment. A higher tendency to avoid church community contact due to the personal shame men exhibit during unemployment is a significant problem. Men's ministry pastors should be proactive in seeking out unemployed males for personal counseling as well as creating events such as weekly lunches for unemployed men to come together with other men to network for job opportunities as well as receive encouragement.

Courtesy of Trend Ping

The Lay Leader & Porn

Ironically, porn is a controversial topic in many churches. A father told me recently that he discovered his son had issues with viewing porn. Not knowing how best to handle his addiction, the father approached his son's youth pastor. The pastor quickly directed him to a counselor indicating porn was not a topic that the church felt comfortable dealing with. The father was stunned to hear that such a widespread problem was being ignored by his church.

Many churches are hesitant to tackle this important topic. Pastor's are torn between knowing many in their congregation struggle with the issue and yet the culture of their church is not open enough to discuss it in the proper light it deserves.

I believe that lay leaders of the church should come to the support of the pastor in a methodical manner such that the issue can be addressed in more than a fleeting manner. Laity should take on the difficult conversations with church leadership that believes porn is not a subject to be discussed in the church. Laity is the bridge to which important, life crushing issues, should be brought out in a loving light of support.

Marriages and families are literally being destroyed everyday in our midst and most sit by watching it deteriorate the fabric of our church and community. My challenge to church laity is to stand by your pastor and bring light to this growing spiritual disease.

For an example of a loving and complete treatment of the topic, here is a link to a message entitled Pure in a Porn World brought by Pastor Chuck Land in Houston, that I believe to be a great example of how this topic can be lovingly handled. Take the challenge lay leaders to bring change in your church!