14
Jul
09
1st Vlog Update
13
Jul
09
My Leadership Principles #2
#2 ALWAYS BE PREPARED
Prepared To Be In Public: Sounds weird but if we are leaders then we kind of have to be different than everyone else. If we are truly leading then people are watching us which means we can’t be careless with the way we live our life. People watch our every move, our body language, facial expressions, attitude, the way we respond to situations, the way we walk into a room. I’ve learned that as much as I prepare for other things I have to prepare to be around people.
Prepared To Speak: Leaders have to filter out the fluff and really say something worth listening to. Have you ever had people on the edge of their seat waiting for you to speak? It’s a great feeling but it takes work. When I speak at a leadership meeting or a church service or even a one-on-one meeting I am usually very very prepared. This has taken years of effort and discipline but it keeps me from aimlessly trying to make sense. My observation is that most people aren’t willing to put in the time to be great communicators or they aren’t teachable enough to learn. Those few that prepare are the ones who everyone wants to listen to.
Prepared To Be Home: Just like we prepare to be in public even more so we should be prepared to be at home. This is hard because usually we drain all of our energy during the work hours. A lot of the time I fail at this because by the time I get home I am so mentally exhausted I can’t make any sense trying to answer my wife’s questions. Reality is that influencing and leading our families is WAY more important than influencing and leading anyone else. I’m working hard on this! I’ve been thinking about how much more leaders should bring energy, creativity, focus, and warmth to their families.
Prepared For The Future: Leaders raise up successors because they know they won’t always be the innovative young leader. Leaders take care of their finances because they know that at any time anything can happen. Our economy is a good example. Great leaders aren’t worried right now because they were prepared. Leaders take care of their health because they are prepared to be old. It happens to 100% of the population.
06
Jul
09
My Leadership Principles: #1
#1 Speak First
Have you ever paid attention to who speaks to who first? When you see someone you know do you wait for them to greet you? Do you usually do the greeting? Do you ignore people? My opinion is that leaders should speak first. Followers wait to be spoken to. I understand this because I used to be a follower. And even now that I see myself as a leader I forget that this simple principle is so important. So I’ve been training myself to always speak to people first.
When leaders wait to be spoken to it:
- Seems like insecurity. We can’t be intimidated by other people. We are leaders.
- Seems like we don’t care about people. Our number one mission is people!
- Seems passive. Leaders are active in social settings. We shouldn’t wait for people to come to us.
- It just doesn’t seem right. Leaders should be set environments.
Speak first. I’m working hard on this. It’s just a good leadership principle to live by.
05
Jul
09
Mac’s Birthday Party Recap
Thanks to Jared Bridges for this video!
04
Jul
09
Can’t Believe It!!!!
Not until Monday but his party is today. Fun times. I love this kid!
30
Jun
09
Random Update
- Turned 28 on Tuesday. Gettin old.
- The vision of NLC is about to EXPLODE. You will see.
- Thinking about doing some college ministry roundtables for pastors in Arkansas who want to start college ministries.
- I have a REALLY good feeling about the strategy and vision for Elevation this year.
- Garrett Matsuyama is one of the best leaders I know.
- My parents bought me a 9mm handgun for my bday. Packin heat now.
- Had a great trip to Guts Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma with Rick Bezet. Incredible church. Learned a lot.
27
Jun
09
My First Fathers Day
Ashley and Mac surprised me on Fathers Day. Mac painted me a painting and a shirt and then Ashley put pictures of the whole thing in an album for me. (Photography by Cecilia Lambert) What a great day! They are the best.
23
Jun
09
Kenya Pics
22
Jun
09
Random Update
- Ashley and Mac hooked me up big time yesterday for Fathers Day. Pics to come soon.
- I’m reading The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
- People think that because I work with college students that I’m still in college. I’m flattered but I’m almost 28.
- I’m working on being more patient. It’s hard.
- Planning for Elevation in the fall semester is going better than expected. Get ready get ready get ready.
- It’s HOT in Arkansas!!!!!!
15
Jun
09
Big Mac
He’s getting big!
