Old School vs. New School

Have you noticed a shift in leadership models? I have started reading Jeremy Kubicek's "Leadership Is Dead." (I've actually stopped in order to allow a companion to catch up so we can exchange impressions...) Kubicek makes the case for a shift in leadership models. It has influenced my thinking on my own leadership style and has heightened my awareness to the leadership models around me.

One distinction I've noticed is that "Old Schoolers" tend to measure success in tangibles: the "bottom line", people and widgets. Not to dismiss the value of these metrics, but I sense that "New Schoolers" don't land on the same page. They tend to measure success by intangibles: Was the process effective? Were there any "hiccups"? Did the people have a good experience?

So how about you? Are you "Old School" or "New School"? Do you agree or disagree?

Do you have a story to tell?

As you are working on your Love List, there's going to come a time that you will begin to craft the story of how this list came into existence.  Here's a GREAT model to follow...

Nancy Duarte's talk at TEDx East from Duarte Design on Vimeo.

How's the Love List coming?

Chip Crane is the leader I mentioned in my last post who's story prompted me to begin writing my Love List.  I asked him to share his Love List and how the list came into existence...


I was in a hotel room in San Fran on a Sunday afternoon. I was in a leadership position with good income, meaning I was "comfortable" by material standards. However, I wanted my life to be used to make a SIGNIFICANT impact on others both inside and outside of my sphere of influence, so I prayed. 


"God, what did you build me for? Give me my purpose. Show me Your heart." He then had me write my love list, then my gifts/talents, then see if my life experiences supported that and finally if that would be of value to the world. Of course all these aligned.


My love list was:
1. Outdoor activities (climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, etc.)
2. Leading others
3. Teaching
4. There are more, but the top 3 are just that - the top three.


MY gifts/talents and experience supported each of those. In that I had been doing the outdoor activities for 20+ years, I had lead others for 19+ years and I had been teaching college courses for years (continuing education to be specific). As well I had received some of the worlds best leadership training (see the http://www.highestgols.com/index_files/About_us.htm for details.)
As I looked over this list and considered all the resources and training I had received, the idea of an outdoor leadership school was the next step.


Thanks Chip!


Keep working on that list! Life is too short to watch others live in their "sweet spot."

Love List

I recently had lunch with a gentleman for the purposes of hearing the story of his "Low Profit" start-up.  Part of his story involves his response to something he read in "Wild at Heart"  by John Ortberg. Out of what he read, he was compelled to pull out a pad of paper and a pen and begin making a list of all the things he loved and loved to do.  This list was the catalyst to his new start-up, an outdoor leadership experience.


What stuck with me the most was this concept of a "Love List." Sitting down and writing out a list of the things you love to do and then begin to ask the Lord to lead you to or open up the opportunity to do all of those things in a way that honors Him and quite possibly will allow you to support your life and/or family.


So, what does your Love List look like?  (I'm still working on mine.  Will post here soon.)  I'd love to see your list! Please post in the comment section.

Too Good Not to Share!

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." 


W. H. Murray

Are you "smoking what you're selling?"

My friend, Jay Hardwick shared this on his blog (jayhardwick.com) and I felt compelled to do the same.  It's a mystery to me who actually pays attention to my ramblings and I suspect that many are random viewers.  That being said, I have to believe this is for someone...maybe you.


I was struck by Jesus' emphasis on "believing" as I recently worked through the book of John with the S.O.A.P. method (previous post.) Take a look.  It's time to know and show what you believe.


Do We Really Believe What We're Saying? from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

Grabbing the Handles

A good friend of mine, Brent Crowe (http://www.brentcrowe.com) shared this recently...


If you're looking for ways to connect with your teenager or any teenager, here are three "handles" you need to use:



1) Evolution is the norm.  In other words, change is the only constant in their lives.

2) Entertainment is their medium.  Put another way: they are very visual.  They need a visual hook on which they can hang all of the information they receive.

3) Experience in their community.  They long for connection more than answers.



Good stuff!

Don't Wait to be a Hero!

My SOAP verse for John 6...

Dwayne Morris - SOAP John 6 from First Baptist North Spartanburg on Vimeo.

SOAP Bible Study Method

Here's something I've been a part of creating...Give it a try!

S.O.A.P. Training Session from First Baptist North Spartanburg on Vimeo.