Leadership Words to Describe You

Almost 2 years ago, the world lost a coaching legend. John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood. This coach had one losing season(his first year) in 40+ years of coaching. What was amazing about this leadership legend was that he set a precedent as a leader that is simply amazing. When former players are asked to describe John Wooden they roll out words like: "caring, driven, professional, organized, moral, gracious, honest, patient, loyal, demanding", and the list goes on and on-literally for a long while. When asked to describe words that would be complaints of this leader...you find few. These were players who didn't start, did not like the offense, and even then offered rare complaints. This is a mark of a true leader. 

YES-you will have critics. John Wooden did. You will also have those who don't agree with every opinion, suggestion, leadership move, or decision. However, to be able to have people you lead use the words that were used to describe John Wooden, would be quite the compliment. As you lead through life in different circles- PTA, city meetings, a church small group, your family, neighborhood association, business team, or employees think of the way you lead and the words described by the people you lead. 

The reason John Wooden is a legend and voted the Coach of the Century-wasn't all about winning, it was about his principles, character, faith, and leadership. John Wooden may have been old school but his lessons and example of leadership principles lived out are legendary and should be re-ushered in to the environments we find ourselves in. So, what are the words that describe your leadership abilities? I have one of John Wooden's leadership books sitting on a stand in my office.  It is a reminder to me that great leadership is reachable.  You may not have these qualities now, but it is never too late to start on the road of being a legendary leader with the people in your circles. It starts today, get on with it already.

At Least Offer Hope!

If you could give up an hour of your life to save a life, or at least offer hope, would you? I read a story about a group of people who saw the opportunity to save a life, and did everything in their power to try and help, but to no avail. The person in charge decided for whatever reason, it wasn't worth turning around. The result was two 16 year old kids dead at sea. The drama played out on the high seas this week, when a group of bird watchers on a cruise ship spotted a stranded boat in the middle of the ocean. These professionals had the right equipment and realized something wasn't right. They did everything they possibly could; but as I write this the captain of the ship is being investigated because he failed to live up to a code he accepted when he became a captain. Regulation 33 of the Int. Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS) Chapter V states in as many words states: the master of a ship must help if any sign of distress is assumed.

Of the 3 seen on the little boat at sea, only one survived an 18 year old kid, who was picked up almost a day later, 600+ miles from land. A sad story indeed.

There are many that show signs of distress we see or may come across. In reality, we could offer hope daily to a small portion of this world that is dying from a lack of it. I know I can't save everyone from everything; but we can offer hope. In this life opportunities will present themselves to help and give someone a glimpse there is a chance at living longer, being released from bondage, getting something to eat, or hearing about the love that Jesus offers. How about it? Some will be on your radar and some may pop up spontaneously, either way when the opportunity presents itself-we need to respond. If you feel the check in your spirit to help, don't expect the next person to help. At least offer the HOPE!

What's the Dream

Someone asked me last week, "what's the dream?" The question was pertaining to my life's dream. A couple years ago I was challenged to write 100 Dreams out on paper. I managed to split them into a number of categories and went from there. The inspiration came from reading Matthew Kelly's book, The Dream Manager. (A New York times bestseller) After the first 15 dreams were written out, I thought this may be a little harder than I thought. But for a dreamer, the dreams started coming quickly. I had dreams of physical accomplishments, family adventures, spiritual conquests, and vacations only seen on commercials and in magazines. Because I have thought this way, the answer to the question comes naturally. Although my life's dreams shift, shape, and some have been finished, I still dream. Some dreams have not been revealed, and for that I wait with anticipation. Dreaming is great, but when you can put something together to start turning dreams into reality, then you are moving in the right direction. So, what are your dreams? Have you even stopped to think about them? Is dreaming a priority in your life? What is stopping you from dreaming big? The term Big Hairy Audacious Goals(BHAGs) has been around since 1994's book, Built to Last, came on the scene. I would encourage you to take some time and think of those scary and crazy big dreams. You never know what can come out of a DREAM SESSION. Take action & plan something now. Turn off all distracting devices and electronics and get alone, and just dream.

Bell Bottoms, Empires, & the Decay of Responsibility

I have heard it said, "History Repeats Itself". I remember when my grandparents gave me their "retro" lamps from their living room circa 1971-and they were already cool for the 2nd time around. Both Bell-Bottoms(60-70s) & Tight pants(80s) came back already since their initial debut. Hollywood is reproducing all the cult classics and hits from the past 40 years-with new faces and new techniques. Same story, different dance.

So, yeah, do you remember the last great empire to fall? In recent years I have read reports of the great cities of America that are in decline. First one that comes to mind is Detroit. A once thriving metropolis that was built on an industry that crashed and looks more ghost town-like with factories sitting empty. Other cities built on industries that are dying soon follow. The last great empire to die...was Rome. I have visions of the great city of Rome- based on movies and pictures I have seen and the books I have read. The Roman Empire, was at one time, the greatest empire the world had ever seen. I came across an excerpt from the book THE DECLINE AND FALL OF ROME, by Edward Gibbon, written in 1788. In the book he highlights 5 reasons the Roman Empire withered & died:

1. The undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home.
2. Higher & higher taxes.
3. The mad craze for pleasure.
4. The building of great armaments, when the real enemy was within: AKA-the decay of individual responsibility.
5. The decay of religion; faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life, losing power to guide people.

So, read these once again out loud and instead of thinking Roman Empire, replace now with the title, The Decline & the Fall of the United States of America.

Wow, those 5 reasons, look as if Gibbon wrote this book about America and released it last week.

I have heard history repeats itself. The sad part is that all these 5 reasons mentioned above are a huge part of the contemporary culture of America. I'm proud to be from America, and I admit some of the above I have no control over. But there are a few, that I do and I have a voice. Bell bottoms were cool for me the 2nd time around, although I preferred the butterfly collared shirts way better. The fact is, I sure hope we can change the pattern up a little in America. That is the role of the citizen to use your voice. So, will you? or will you sit by and watch the Fall of the Great Empire known as the United States of America?

Ball's in our, the people's, court.

His Death Has Your Sins Covered Bro

It's been a long time since I set foot into a club, but I hear commercials all the time for them and the cover charge to get in. I'm reflecting right now on the ultimate cover charge that was paid for me. This week millions all over the world partake in cultural practices to re-live, remember, and rejoice for what Easter represents. The resurrection changes everything. It is the ultimate game changer in human history. Naturally I am a sinner. There is no way around it. I can't pretend, can't fake it, and can't even run from it. I'm broken, depraved, and a sinner...but the cross changes all that. It isn't the symbol of the cross, but rather the meaning of the cross. As Jesus laid on the cross and had his hands and feet nailed to the cross, I think of the blood and the sacrifice. I do! It means everything to me, and I have prepped my whole life's plan and have waged everything I have for people to know about the cross. It was on that cross every sin I have committed, will commit, or even think about, was nailed as Jesus said, No, No, I got this for you. I'm not alone, His death has your sins covered bro.

Let that sink in.

The cross is the game changer in human history and for me it is what I build my life on. I don't know where you are at, what you struggle with, or what may hold you down. Know this though, you can be forgiven, your sin was covered bro.

On the cross Jesus bore sin for all humanity-past, present, & future. Don't let sin hold you back, and don't let Satan keep you a prisoner. BE FREE-Christ's death on the cross was your ticket to freedom. So how can you be free? Recognize you are a sinner and ask to be forgiven; Believe Christ died and rose again; and commit to live a life for Christ. Finally tell someone. When you recognize the power of Christ; bro, life changes. It's not all perfect, but it is a rush and experience of freedom from your former life.

Easter is about the victory we find in Jesus upon His resurrection. That's right-in case you haven't heard, Jesus rose again. Can't make this stuff up. No other god has a story to tell like that, but then again Jesus wasn't just any god.

Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail

As a kid I heard a phrase, "Fail to plan, plan to fail." At the time it never made much sense to me. Now, I look back and see that although it didn't make sense to me then, it was instilled naturally. I'm a planner. I leave room for change, spontaneity, and surprises. Today, I set out a plan. A plan for something that isn't even set in stone, but something I want to set a goal toward. As I sat in a coffee shop listening to conversations around me, and a variety of coffee shop music selections buzz, I wrote out a plan. It consisted of order, conversations I want to have, learning new skills, and listening to what God's Word has to say.

When you are in a rut, sometimes the best thing to do is get a day to yourself. This is what my day consisted of. I did just this-by hanging by myself and planning. As a coach it was my life plan day. It was me removing myself from current reality to aim for future reality. We all need a day like this. So, think about it. What do you want to do, that you are not? What do you need to set in motion to get you moving? Are you protecting and guarding your time to dream?

That is it friends, go for it. Find a place and plan, or you you may just fail.

Classy Move-Making Memories

I'm not that into baseball. (Yes, I am an American.) I played one year as a kid. I enjoy going to games, but hate watching them on television. I know call me crazy.

Today a story caught my attention, that I almost forgot about. Last July, the nation was left replaying the image of a dad, trying to catch a ball at a Texas Ranger baseball game, only to fall to his death. That alone is sad. The saddest part is it happened with his young son, right there, hoping to get the souvenir from dad.

I'm grateful for having a dad that was a part of my childhood, youth, and even adulthood. My dad made sure I experienced every thing a little sports fanatic kid could. Football, soccer, basketball, baseball, etc... I went to a ton of games with my dad. My dad and I are close. I talk to him a lot, ask a lot of questions, listen, and watch how he handles life situations. I am lucky to have this relationship in my life.

What was supposed to be a night of fun, turned into a horrific memory this kid lives with forever.

Today, The Texas Rangers organization, unveiled a bronze statue outside the home plate entrance at the Rangers ballpark. They didn't have to do this. But they unveiled an image that hundreds of thousands experience every year in the US- a kid and his dad hitting the game with lasting memories. It was a classy move by the Rangers and it brings a few thoughts to my mind regarding Father/Son relationships:

• Dad's take advantage of the time given to raise your boys.
• Make a Memory with your kids. (They don't have to be expensive!)
• Call your kid or dad today.
• Whether you like something or not, let your kid experience the joys of childhood.
• Appreciate the moments you have, they will be gone before you know it.
• Be Spontaneous.

When you see something classy, like this move by the Rangers...Stop...Appreciate... Remember...and then do something incredible to make an impression.

What Defines YOU?

I had the opportunity to read through a bunch of profiles of people today. The trick was they all had just a few words to promote themselves. What was interesting is that they were all different. Some people were well known, while others were not. In some circles people had rock star status to be followed by someone that none of us know by name or face. Some took advantage of their minor celebrity status and spoke about what they were passionate about family, career, likes, and reason for stardom. Some didn't say much about them, but were promoting something much bigger than themselves. I found myself in a place asking, "what would I say in a limited time that would describe me?" Would it be my future dreams, something humorous, maybe my past accomplishments, my family & friends, my faith, words used to describe me by others, a cause I'm all about or, possibly something to make me look like I'm suave. So, I am posed with a question that we must all answer...WHAT DEFINES YOU? For each of us it may be different, however, we must face the reality because for some it is a sad state of affairs of what they find their personal identity, value, popularity, and definition in. So, as you walk away from this blog today, jot it down: What or Who defines you-and are you ok with that, or does it need to be tweaked? What I do know is this: YOU be YOU!

Prisoner-You can be FREE!

I have never been handcuffed, but I have watched someone get handcuffed. I have never been held captive, but I have read horror stories of hostages. I have never been told I have a life threatening disease. There are events in life that literally paralyze us. News, tragedy, or maybe a Doctor's report that we weren't expecting. Every day I walk by people though who are chained. They are handcuffed by something holding them back from experiencing life to the full. Maybe you find yourself in a place of loneliness, maybe it a disease just diagnosed-and questions loom, a feeling of no worth, a dead end job, depression, health that is sucking you dry, financial issues that seem so steep, maybe it is lack of family support, or possibly selfishness, or an emptiness in one's life that drags them to a place of udder despair. Friend, I have experienced highs and lows, life and death, good news and bad news. I know what it is like to be told that there is something wrong that could effect everything you ever dreamed for. I also know this...THERE IS POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS. When life seems to suck everything out of you in a moment's notice, I want to remind you that there is one name that will set you FREE. His name is JESUS. Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, right now, someone is praying for you! Praying that every chain holding you back (or maybe holding someone close to you back) from experiencing a new freedom, or being set free. I have never been in prison behind bars, but I have felt like unexpected news held me prisoner. It is in times like this that calling on Jesus is totally worth it. Every chain holding you back, everything holding you captive, can and will be broken in the Name of Jesus. Desperate for a breakthrough? See for yourself. J-E-S-U-S. That is it. Say it and see what happens next. FREEDOM- experience it.

First Impressions & The Back Door

In the church world there are two terms that no leader wants to hear. They are: A.) "people exiting out the back door of the church" & B.) "fell through or falling through the cracks". Basically these thoughts are dreadful to hear because it means the 'church' has done a bad job of not catching people who are walking through the front doors and are missing getting them to get involved in most cases. Most people respond best to a personal invite or a face to face conversation.

When GUESTS arrive on campus they will only take 3 minutes to decide their 1st impressions. People who exit out the back door are those who have stuck around for a while trying to connect(and in some cases maybe not trying) and then leave because they feel no connection keeping them here. People exit out the back door for various reasons. There are a few ways to shut the back door and there are books that have ways to help avoid them. I think it is pretty simple though: The best way to shut the back door is for people to connect in relationship with those they may not know. I'm not talking about strangers walking in and trying to connect, I'm saying people who call the church their home should be the one's reaching out connecting. The back door will be shut when people reach out and make people feel welcome, whether they know them or not. In the context of small groups it may come from a leader who follows up with an e-mail or personal phone call to someone who may be interested in joining a group. I've had some people say, I never heard from a small group. I interpret this two ways: I screwed up, or the small group leader I sent them too never made contact.

Either way, it is bad news. For those that are guests, it may be just the way somebody connects with them as they walk through the door. I know this, some people exit out the back for all the wrong reasons and some because frankly-they have no desire to connect. But when I hear someone has exited it is a sad state of mind. So, that being said, what are you doing to help prevent the back door from being left open and people exiting? Are you being friendly? Starting conversations with people you may not know? Inviting people to connect in small groups circles. Let's work on stopping people from falling through the cracks. It is the best thing we can do as a family.

Living a Creative Life

I think one of the biggest killer, if not the greatest killer, in life is lack of creativity. We all have it. As a matter of fact-kids seem to have a ridiculous amount of it-remember when you once did? I could play with Hot Wheel cars & GI Joes for hours in my backyard. Creativity is a big and scary word for most people, because they don't think they have it! Fact is, we have all had it from day one! Where we not created in God's image? Is He not the Creator of creativity. In case you missed it, Genesis 1 is a great place to pick up and see some of God's best work in creativity to date! I recently read an article on creativity, and thought how appropriate some of the simple disciplines can be acquired by our leadership to make life greater! Carlos Whitaker, a creative coach, and artist uses 3 words to spurn creativity. Here are his words, and my thoughts on them:

INNOVATE- Something new doesn't mean cool. Most of the things we see today are a re-vamped version of something from the passed anyway. Innovation can come in simple yet subtle changes to current practices or routines. Study in a different place. Take a new route to work. Order a different drink at your coffeehouse. Try and branch out or stretch your mind.

EXPLORE- Set a scheduled time to break what you are currently working on and log ideas on paper as they come to you. This may be regarding scripture, an activity, a life adventure, or even a personal growth plan. Make it a habit to explore when thinking about family, play, life, work, and friends. This will help filter your ideas and you will come up with lists of ideas, as opposed to coming up with ideas with another 10 people trying to shoot down spontaneous ones.

DISTURB & DISRUPT- It can be hard to disturb and disrupt Christ followers who are so set on routine. What if you messed the whole routine of life up. What if you ventured out and ate somewhere unique to you, sing karaoke at a bar, or split normal schedule up. Disturb and disrupting life is part of the creative process. You want your life to look different then disturb and disrupt. Old ideas are so 2011, so this year as you embark on 2012-come up with new ways to utilize your time, energy, love, and prep for life.
Creativity is a God-given gift that most people are unaware they possess. I think that creativity is the way to go and make life exciting, unpredictable, and a magnet for growth in all ways possible.
Take some time and make creativity a part of the process when thinking about dreams, goals, and people around you. If not, you will become boring, stale, and will mold over and rot away.