"Influence is a local phenomenon"
Josh's graduation speaker... May 12, 2012 Northwestern University, Orange City, IA
How do you rock your world for the "common good"?
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Definition of Spoiled...
"She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy."
Ezekiel 16:49
Ezekiel 16:49
Control vs. Leadership
Trying to "control" people is a bad thing. First of all it doesn't work. Second you are signing up for everyone to hate you... passionately. Those who rule with an iron hand, order others around, and demand things are difficult people. Controllers do not listen to or seek input from their subordinates. The order is issued without any thought or consideration as to what the subordinates viewpoint on the project might be. Controllers either find themselves embroiled in conflict or simply feared. If you are a controlling person... 1.) admit it and 2.) fix it.
Leadership is a very different style. A leader sets things up for success and then steps back and lets things happen. People have the freedom to participate or not. By giving people the option of participation it allows people to take ownership of the project. It also allows for input which may result in an improved project.
Here are some examples:
Family control: Mom (or Dad) set up a family gathering and demand that everyone will be there at the time and place they have chosen. There are no excused absences. People are made to feel guilty if they do not participate. No one really wants to come and ultimately the family withdraws from each other.
Family Leadership: Mom (or Dad) float an idea for a gathering to all. Input as to times, dates, and activities are taken note of. After considering every one's thoughts. Mom and Dad set a time and date and invite all who can make it. It is optional and their are no emotional penalties to not attending. Plans are made to ensure that a "good time can be had by all". Things are planned so that there are various options (food and activities) so people do not find themselves forced into food and activities that they hate. Leaders also set boundaries for family members if needed. A wise leader will choose these battles carefully. Family members find themselves wanting to gather because it was so much fun.
Controlling boss: The boss orders his employees to do things his way. Employees have no input as to how to approach the project and are severely criticized if they do not produce the desired results. The boss micromanages and interferes with the employees work thus slowing things down.
Leadership boss: The boss outlines the project that needs to be done and the timeline for completion. The boss takes volunteers for each piece of the task. If their are no volunteers the boss is then in the position to assign tasks. Input is taken, materials are made available, and employees are asked to accomplish the task. The boss is there to supervise, problem solve, and help as needed. If employees refuse to work (their option) then the boss (his option) may fire the employee. Employees take pride and ownership of the project and great things happen.
What are your thoughts on leadership?
Leadership is a very different style. A leader sets things up for success and then steps back and lets things happen. People have the freedom to participate or not. By giving people the option of participation it allows people to take ownership of the project. It also allows for input which may result in an improved project.
Here are some examples:
Family control: Mom (or Dad) set up a family gathering and demand that everyone will be there at the time and place they have chosen. There are no excused absences. People are made to feel guilty if they do not participate. No one really wants to come and ultimately the family withdraws from each other.
Family Leadership: Mom (or Dad) float an idea for a gathering to all. Input as to times, dates, and activities are taken note of. After considering every one's thoughts. Mom and Dad set a time and date and invite all who can make it. It is optional and their are no emotional penalties to not attending. Plans are made to ensure that a "good time can be had by all". Things are planned so that there are various options (food and activities) so people do not find themselves forced into food and activities that they hate. Leaders also set boundaries for family members if needed. A wise leader will choose these battles carefully. Family members find themselves wanting to gather because it was so much fun.
Controlling boss: The boss orders his employees to do things his way. Employees have no input as to how to approach the project and are severely criticized if they do not produce the desired results. The boss micromanages and interferes with the employees work thus slowing things down.
Leadership boss: The boss outlines the project that needs to be done and the timeline for completion. The boss takes volunteers for each piece of the task. If their are no volunteers the boss is then in the position to assign tasks. Input is taken, materials are made available, and employees are asked to accomplish the task. The boss is there to supervise, problem solve, and help as needed. If employees refuse to work (their option) then the boss (his option) may fire the employee. Employees take pride and ownership of the project and great things happen.
What are your thoughts on leadership?
Monday, April 16, 2012
Things we can all agree on...
Capture the Spirit.... American ideals we can all agree on...
Respect
Courage
Loyalty
Graciousness
Determination
Honesty
Reliability
Americans should apply these ideals to all our political discussions.
What American ideals would you add to this list?
Respect
Courage
Loyalty
Graciousness
Determination
Honesty
Reliability
Americans should apply these ideals to all our political discussions.
What American ideals would you add to this list?
Dissatisfaction vs. complaining...
There is a difference.
Chronic complaining makes you unhappy and negative. Nothing changes.
Some dissatisfaction with your life motivates you to press forward make changes. Things get better.
Your thoughts?
Chronic complaining makes you unhappy and negative. Nothing changes.
Some dissatisfaction with your life motivates you to press forward make changes. Things get better.
Your thoughts?
How to ...get a job.
1. Be a contributor. The sign says "Help wanted" not "Get your paycheck here".
2. Be nice. Look good, smell good, and display a good sportsmanship attitude.
3. Don't have a stupid e-mail address. Be extremely careful about what you post on Facebook. I know of several people that did not get the job because of what was on Facebook.
4. Listen to advice and get some help with your resume or interview skills.
5. Google "interview questions". Think over your answers before you go in for a face to face interview. What will you say when asked "why do you want to work here"? or what is your greatest strength or weakness?
6. Don't whine or complain about anything... especially your old job or boss.
7. Don't be a trouble maker. Employers have enough to worry about.
8. Be willing to learn, retrain, and try something new.
9. Determine what your assets are and then market them to the company that needs those skills. If you don't know what your strengths are get some input from someone who is wise and knows you well.
10. Take a minimum wage, part-time, or temporary position. This is likely a dress rehearsal for a more permanent position.
11. Apply lots of places.
2. Be nice. Look good, smell good, and display a good sportsmanship attitude.
3. Don't have a stupid e-mail address. Be extremely careful about what you post on Facebook. I know of several people that did not get the job because of what was on Facebook.
4. Listen to advice and get some help with your resume or interview skills.
5. Google "interview questions". Think over your answers before you go in for a face to face interview. What will you say when asked "why do you want to work here"? or what is your greatest strength or weakness?
6. Don't whine or complain about anything... especially your old job or boss.
7. Don't be a trouble maker. Employers have enough to worry about.
8. Be willing to learn, retrain, and try something new.
9. Determine what your assets are and then market them to the company that needs those skills. If you don't know what your strengths are get some input from someone who is wise and knows you well.
10. Take a minimum wage, part-time, or temporary position. This is likely a dress rehearsal for a more permanent position.
11. Apply lots of places.
Friday, March 9, 2012
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