1. Continually seek to learn and grow in your field. I picked up two books this weekend that are really challenging me about how I speak and communicate in large and small venues. I am coming on the 5th year anniversary of my first talk, but I have so much room to learn and grow that I refuse to let up.
2. Pursue impossible, crazy ideas. Three weeks ago, I announced that I was going to start working towards a crazy end. I mean the idea is nearly impossible. It is going to require an incredible amount of teamwork, unity, growth, and creativity. However, it is creating momentum and energy in a place where it had been waning.
3. Take responsibility for your attitude. I continue to see the difference between people who project the blame for their bad attitude onto other people and refuse to take responsibility for themselves. In this instance, it means the difference between surviving and thriving in a difficult environment.
4. Pursue the personal touch. Yes, technology continues to afford us resources for contact, communication, and updates that we never had before…however, a face-to-face conversation, a hug, a hand-written thank you note, or visit continue to gain value in a world dominated by SMS, Twitter, blogs, and Facebook.
5. Make people laugh. Again, content overwhelms us everyday. Projects and tasks at work. Concerns and crises at home. 24 hour news feeds via CNN or Digg. People need release points. Find ways to help people laugh – either at life or you. Being humorous will increase your connection to others and their openness to hear what you are trying to communicate.
6. Put your family first. Yes, I know you have projects waiting to be finished and books unread. You could spend another 5 hours at the office and still not be done. But, your family is the most important concern in your life next to your relationship with God. Your extra 5 hours will always mean more to your family than they will be to that pile of dirt you are trying to move at work.
7. Empower others. You cannot be a leader and do everything by yourself. Great leaders are always passing things off to others who have a greater strength or have a larger vision. Develop and empower others to live out their unique calling and dream. This is where I need the most growth. I hoard when I should be generous.
Just some random thoughts for a Sunday.
I think I’ve read this somewhere before…yes! The Five Minute Manager. Of course as we step onto the scales and promise ourselves that if where to loose 20 pounds we would feel great, attractive, and sleep better. What we forget to do is to loose the first pound and later on as we push back the Lazy Boy in full recliner loosing our belts we promise we will loose the 20 pounds later. Great points and right after I finish this ice cream, take a nap, and watch a movie I’ll start on the 8th point.
What I’m trying to say is I have to say is pick something…anything…or just go to the 8th point which is nothing.
Seven
Michael – I always appreciate your unique perspective on things. I just sat down and wrote some thoughts on a Sunday morning in a few free minutes I had. These were the things I was being challenged with in my own growth and development as a husband, pastor, and leader. What kind of ice cream do you like?
Scott – I admire your zealousness and true to fact that the best leaders are at the front of the troops during a charge. You are not an arm chair general, which over my life time I have learned that these are not leaders; but someone who delegates faith. I came to Crash almost a year ago looking for God and how you lead, led me to a new relationship that I never had before.
Keep punching out these lists they do have personal value and as some complain that they can’t read the “off” on a light switch in a dark room I’ll take your word it is there. Seven
P.S.: My writing must leave a distinctive thumb print and chocolate ice cream is my favorite.
ah chocolate. now what BRAND of chocolate? (or am I the only ice cream snob on here)…I love Ben and Jerry’s after spending a summer with them while in college…
Your writing does leave a distinctive thumbprint, as does your email address that you have to enter to be able to comment on the site…it smelled like you but the email sealed the deal.
It’s been awesome to walk with you my friend. Looking forward to some exciting days in the near future.
I’ll take a triple chip, double dipped, half scoop, quarter twist, single drip, half turn, half and half, Vente….don’t forget the coffee. So much for afternoon nap before class. Seven