Resources, Motivation or Imagination?
A few months ago I was in a circle of thought leaders that included Skye Jethani, one of the editors at Christianity Today and author of a recent book called The Divine Commodity.
- How many events do we go to get "pumped up" and what kind of change has that brought to our collective leadership lives?
- How many resources has the collective church utilized that has led to only pre-packaged thinking and photocopied vision?
- Where and when will you as a leader engage your imagination and dream about what God may uniquely do through your life and ministry?
Here are two links you may enjoy if you resonate with this observation and related questions?
Can Do vs Called To
Andrew Patton of Covenant Presbyterian Church shared an exercise he is currently conducting with his staff. As they define the Vision Frame, they are revisiting staff structure based on their strategy (missional map). In order to "leverage existing strengths" on the team, Andrew is asking the staff to reflect every three hours. At the point of pause, each person makes a list of the things they have done in the last three hours and puts them into one of two columns- "can do" or "called to do." The the lists will inform staff team meeting over the next several weeks as the discern and refine how to best work together and move toward the sweet spot of their personal and corporate calling.
When are you successful?
Over the last three weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak and learn in many different environments, including the Exponential Conference and the Q Conference.
- By the end of the process was clarity created?
- 6 months after the process was vision communicated?
- 12 month after the process was vision integrated?
- 18 months after the process were challenges eliminated?
- 36 months after the process was growth demonstrated?
My Focus Journey
Over the last 12 months, I have experienced a dramatic increase of demand on my time. One of my mantras is “Focus expands.” Eight years ago I decided to focus my ministry on helping other leaders with vision and clarity. That work has expanded more than I ever planned or anticipated. Ironically, my own vision is being tested like never before. This challenge leads to a second mantra:“New levels bring new devils.” At each level of expansion, managing clarity and keeping focus is not just demanding, but ruthlessly so. Like an expedition up Everest, the air is thinner with every step you take.
I thought I would share some current learnings as I attempt to live out for myself what I do with clients. The next few posts will drill down on my recent fumbles and touchdown in the game of focus. Here is a summary of posts to come from my 2009 playbook:
#1: Apply the “Positive No”- this practice will lead to waves of return with a few drops of practice.
#2: Prioritize Values Even in the Core- most ministries never define their core. But when you do, there will be some level where you need to further hone how you think about the core.
#3: Get Outside Eyes on your Situation- Blind spots keep this basic practice out of reach for most leaders. Yet without outside eyes you will never leave “good” to get to “great.”
#4: Push “Combined Efforts”- Sometimes a leader is a near step away from a radically simpler solution. But you have got to think differently to find it.
#5: Map Attention Management- I can’t wait to share a 2 hour exercise that may dramatically change your life
#6: Find the Focus behind Greatness- By looking in the right place, you will find stories that increase your resolve for focus.
Beyond Wishful Thinking
Steve Bradley, one of Auxano’s navigators, posted a cool little story yesterday to illustrate the point that unique articulated vision is a powerfully attractive force. On the other hand, an unarticulated vision is simply wishful thinking.
