1. Let's make it happen.
2. I got it.
3. How can we improve?
4. My fault.
5. I'm sorry.
6. Thank you!
7. Great job.
Seven Thoughts on Taking a Risk as a Leader
Stepping out. Risking. Taking a chance. It's what we do as leaders.
So why risk? Why do we as leaders step out and move into places of the "unknown" when we are in a comfortable niche and established as the dominant force?
Why change if things are going great for you?
Great question. So why do we risk and take courage as leaders? Had to think about my answer. Seven things stood out to me on the whole issue of taking a risk:
1. Entrepreneurs and Type A Leaders are never satisfied with the status quo and the "comfortable" niche. They can't stand to sit still. Their DNA won't allow it.
2. The power of Stewardship. Courageous leaders understand that what you are running or leading is temporary, and your responsibility is to steward it correctly because others are counting on you. If this requires changing or risking, then you need to step out and continue to push the envelope with what God has given you.
3. Adventure and the power of the pioneer. Many of us are wired to be pioneers. To go on an adventure. Pure and simple. The journey into the unknown actually beckons us. And excites us.
4. Due diligence suggests it's actually time to move. Do your homework, research, talk to people, and take very seriously the idea that you are risking. It's dumb to step out and change/take a risk if you haven't properly prepared and surveyed the landscape. But once you've done your homework and prepared, then go for it. Many people stifle the actual desire to step out because they spent too much time on due diligence. Risking and stepping out can be calculated, planned and strategic.
5. The power of purpose and calling. If God has called you to something in a new season, then you have to be willing to chase after it. Because of the internal pull of God's call. It's a responsibility and an imperative.
6. The power of Influence. Leaders lead. And Leaders influence. Being at the head of the pack means you many times end up in the unknown. Where there's no handbook, no guide, no roadmap. But being out in front is where leaders are comfortable, and out front is where leaders separate themselves from the rest.
7. The power of Change. Healthy things change. Change creates health, and health creates growth, and growth creates fruit. Without change it's difficult to actually create continual health in an individual, or an organization. Change is good.
7 Keys for Creating a Contagious Leadership Culture
As leaders, we are always looking for ways to create a "great corporate culture." Whether in a business, ministry, not for profit, or small start up, creating culture is key to a healthy and successful organization.
Tons of books have been written on this issue, and lots of speakers and consultants would consider their theories to be the answer. The reality is, most companies don't have great corporate culture, based on their employees responses and feedback. Creating the correct culture is a difficult task for any leader.
Organizations work hard over many years to establish a culture that fits their employees, and creates a great place to work.
In my opinion, there are several key ingredients to creating a great culture:
1. Be distinct. Your look/feel/ethos should be yours and yours alone. Make sure your brand, design, and team all are cohesive.
2. Be authentic. Create and live out your values because they are who you ARE, not because they are what or who you want to be, or who or what someone else wants you to be.
3. Believe in your product or offering. 100% belief that what you do is incredibly relevant and helpful and needed. It will drive your atmosphere and the way you make decisions, and create a strong bond with "one purpose" in mind.
4. Be attractive. Is your culture so vibrant and positive that your customers or audience is attracted by it? Do people outside of your walls talk about your culture? Do people want to join your team just to be part of what is happening?
5. Be your own customer. If you won't buy your product or service or offering, then why would you expect anyone else to? Does a focus group of your core customer require bringing in outsiders, or simply gathering the troops?
6. Be visionary. Be about something bigger than just you and your product and organization. A contagious culture requires a perspective and "end goal" that is broader, bigger and more substantial than the next widget you're creating.
7. Establish your style and embrace it. Similar to #1, but more specifically toward how you get things done. For example, when I was leading Catalyst, our ethos was "work hard and play hard." That was our style. We embraced it constantly. Figuring out HOW you accomplish things as a team will help give your team a style to embrace and build.
Young Influencers List, May Edition
Here you go, the May edition of the Young Influencers List. You can see all the past month's editions here.
1. Tara Russell- founder and CEO of Create Common Good, a social entrepreneurial venture using food to change lives, and co founded NightLight International.
2. Raechel Myers- Nashville based director and co-founder of She Reads Truth.
3. Chris Galanos- senior pastor of Experience Life Church in Lubbock, TX.
4. Derek Minor- singer, songwriter, producer, and hip hop artist.
5. Victor Ho- co-founder and CEO of Five Stars, a San Francisco based digital commerce company.
6. Marshawn Daniels- Atlanta based speaker, author, former Miss America contestant, and business owner.
7. Tim Terrentine- vice president of Southwest Michigan First in Kalamazoo, MI, and president of Kalamazoo regional Chamber of Commerce.
10 ways to create a Teamwork 101 environment
I love the book of Philippians in the New Testament. The entire book is one of Paul's greatest letters.
Specifically, chapter 2 is a gem. Paul lays out some strong language regarding teamwork and working together.
Verse 2-5: "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." (New American Standard)
These verses are not just related to your specific team, but also the "team" you work with in impacting your city, your region, country, and the global large C Church. So try these virtues on for size! In your organization, in your neighborhood, in your community, and across the global church.
1. Be like-minded.
2. Be loving.
3. Be united.
4. Be focused (on one purpose).
5. Be generous.
6. Be selfless.
7. Be humble.
8. Look out for others before yourself.
9. Have a great attitude.
10. Be Christ-like.
Teamwork 101.
A simple call to action from Paul but incredibly difficult to put into action.