Too often, delegation is mislabeled as “empowerment”. It is an easy mistake likely made more often than we each realize. Delegation and empowerment can seem very similar, especially for the naturally task-oriented leader. But considering both their components and outcomes, it is clear that the two are drastically different. Delegation = Responsibility […]
Category: Leadership
Excuse me, are you making an excuse?
The problem with our own excuses is that we very much want to believe them. They begin with something that we are afraid to do. Then we rationalize inaction by falsifying barriers that either do not exist or should not be determinants. “I cannot start project B because ____________ hasn’t finished project A.” “I cannot approach that situation with […]
Making Waves
Some people are wave makers. They are not afraid to disrupt the status quo and fight for serious change. Others are wave riders. They may lack the knowledge, influence, or courage to initiate change. But as soon as someone gets it started, they’re ready to jump on. Don’t try counting the number of wave riders […]
VISION[is more than a]STATEMENT
If you began developing your vision by drafting a single statement, you probably undershot it. Vision is so much more than a sentence. It paints an image of what your organization desires for the future, providing the passion and heart for everything you do. Energized by its vision, a healthy organization passionately pursues that thing it cares […]
Raising numbers from the dead
Last week’s post focused on the importance of Micro-Measuring. Without specific and accurate metrics, leaders cannot coach and reward appropriately. Yet while measurements are invaluable to an organization, they are often resisted because they seem “cold”, “uncaring”, or “dead”. And it’s entirely understandable. Numbers may sound impressive but they rarely evoke significant emotion. This is […]
Learning how to count.
There is a little joke I often make regarding church leaders” reporting of weekly attendance and other numerical data: “Pastors can”t count but they sure can add!” It amazes me how many churches choose to leave even the most basic of results untracked. The fear of micro-managing leads senior pastors to ask vague questions that […]
Defining innovation. And actually using it.
Every organization runs on three basic resources: 1. Money 2. Time 3. People . Any obstacle encountered can be directly traced to a lack of one of those three. Thus, the three frequently become road blocks to the development and implementation of incredible ideas. I cannot count the number of times I have seen great […]
Mirror, mirror on the wall
If you want to understand the culture of your organization you don’t have to look far. Cultural cues are taken from the top. The behavior a leader models is assumed to be desired. And what team members assume as desirable they choose to adopt. As adopted behaviors are shared and repeated over time, they naturally […]
Leave the script! (How MLK, Jr. shared his dream)
“I have a dream.” Four of history’s most memorable words were never actually meant to be said. MLK, Jr. spent most of his speech reading from his notes until a good friend and touring gospel singer spoke to him from behind the podium, “Tell them about the dream, Martin.” At this point, the speaker noticeably broke […]
“No way! We’re from there, too!”
If you have ever been on vacation and randomly met a stranger from your hometown, you have experienced the immediate connection made when two individuals discover a unique similarity. If you were to meet this same person on any normal day in your city, there would be nothing special about it. Everyone around you is […]