Monday Issue
A few days ago, I received the following email from my friend in Zambia. Read it and let me know what you think.
"More.."Flip flopping
Here in the United States, we are in what we call a Presidential election year. Which means candidates are out asking for our votes. We listen to their positions, evaluate their values and character and then we vote.
"More.."Accountability
This year, my grandsons received a number of toys for Christmas that needed batteries. That got me thinking about the wind-up toys we received. Turn a key and the thing takes off, winds down, and eventually stops.
"More..."Time To Get Rid of the Clutter
What do you do during the days between Christmas and New Year's? One thing I do is take a day and clean out my drawers and files, read all the stuff and sort through the clutter.
"More..."Positive Change in India
I am writing this while sitting in the Mumbai airport on my way home from an EQUIP Leadership Conference in Hyderabad, India earlier this month. This has been my 12th trip to India and I have seen great changes take place.
"More..."The Top Five Books of 2011
Read on to see which books I picked as the top five for 2011.
"More..."Question: Is it possible...
Is it possible to proclaim people are our most important asset when up to half of those who work for you want to leave?
"More...Lessons Learned From Steve Jobs
In all my travels in the last few weeks, the number one good being read is, "Steve Jobs." Yes, I was reading it as well! In fact I reread 4 chapters twice and one chapter 3 times.
"More..."Culture and Tradition
If you have been reading this blog for any time you know that one of the ministries I serve with is Heart for Lebanon. H4L's vision is to see lives changed and communities transformed.
"More..."Coaching is the Newest Word
You would be hard pressed to find a leader who does not know that a large part of their work is to coach their employees. Nor is hard to find evidence that organizations with the strongest leadership cultures are those that develop people at every level.
"More..."What Is A Mentor?
I believe a mentor is defined as a person who empowers another person by sharing their resources. A mentor does not have all the answers, but is one who cares.
"More..."Innovation: Where is the Leader?
The news has recently been about two innovative companies that are leading the way in doing things before we even know they could or should be done.
"More..."Defining Success
As leaders, we all try hard to be successful so we can move our organizations to significance. Recently, I was participating in an international workshop where the person before me gave his definition of success.
"More..."Building a Team Culture
Last week on the sidelines of my grandson's soccer game, I was intrigued how the coach got the team members to play better. My Grandson is number 11 and at 10 years of age, he is very good. (What else do you expect a grandfather to say?)
"More..."Theology vs. Leadership
I was recently involved in a conversation about leadership and Theology. My companion felt that there was no need for leadership development if you have sound theology.
"More.."It's Time to Start Thinking
Maybe I am more sensitive today because I have recently returned from Iraq having discussed, with 75 Pastors, the topic of thinking differently. In a Muslim culture reacting rather than thinking with Christian values is standard thinking.
"More.."Missions Has Changed
Earlier this month I was co-training the EQUIP Leadership process in Iraq. This is my second time in Iraq so my relationship with the leaders there is a little deeper and more personal than the first time.
"More..."To Leaders - Two Outcomes
I am writing this blog from Ammon, Jordan, where a headline in the Jordan Times reads, "Majority of young Jordanians see country on right track."
More...Extraordinary Leadership
What do Steve Jobs and Andy Stanley have in common? On Sunday, August 21, Andy Stanley stood before Northpoint Community Church and shared with some 18 thousand people that he was...
(More)Experiment - Get Balanced
I am writing this from the great nation of the Philippines and as i do, Gadhafi is out and a new government is being formed in and for the people of Libya.
More...It is time to be UNREASONABLE
August 16, 2011
Here in the USA we have been dealing with some very serious financial issues. These issues have international implications. You have seen our government at its worst, arguing and bickering over what each feels is right. Both or all have said teh otehr person or party is just not being reasonable.
More...Oh do I miss Oprah! - August 9, 2011
Now before you say anything, I did not watch her every day, maybe only 5-6 times a year. However I think I heard about something she did or said every day.
More...Today YOU can make a difference!
August 2, 2011
A few days ago while speaking at a church I came in contact with a man who has been out of work and looking for work for almost two years. He said, "What keeps me going, what adds value to my life, is that I volunteer one day a week serving the poorer people of my city, no matter what." That got me thinking...
(More)Everyone Needs a Barn! - July 26, 2011
For the last few weeks I have been helping my youngest son Rob build his new barn. His wife Katey loves horses, so it is time for a new barn! My son designed this barn and did most of the work himself. All I did was help out on nights and weekends. I loved helping him and I love to build things so I was right at home. I also realized as I was working that barns and organizations have something in common....
(More)Organizational Excellence - July 19, 2011
A few weeks back I was leading a conversational workshop for the National Religious Broadcasters. Our topic was how to have excellence in ministry today....
(More)What you focus on - expands! - July 12, 2011
When you hear this, your mind is prone to say, no way. It is a truth that just does not sound right - but it is! Have you ever play the game Redbug while driving with children?...
(More)Everyone Loves a Parade! - July 5, 2011
I grew up in a great town called Wyckoff, New Jersey, here in the USA. As I recall, holidays like July 4th, I would leave the house about 10pm on the 3rd to help my dad deliver milk and milk products to a hundred homes or so. The deal was we had to hurry to be done and back home by 7am or as close as possible because we had a parade to go to...
(More)Entitled...So Who? - June 28, 2011
A few weeks ago I was at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta in line to board an international flight. I struck up a conversation with the man behind me only to find out that this man felt he was entitled to...well, never mind what he said, it was not nice!
More...What is your "one thing"?
June 21, 2011
This past weekend my wife and I went to our son's home in Franklin, TN to see our granddaughter, grandson, daughter in law, son and then celebrate Father's Day. The order here is important to notice. My son had the idea, as crazy as it sounds, to spend part of a day on the golf course...
(More)An End to Extreme Poverty?
June 14, 2011
I write this blog from Fish Hoek, South Africa. Awhile back I was speaking to the President of a ministry, and in conversation he looked at me and said, ¨oh well, the poor will always be with us, right?¨ This unsettled me.
More...Charles de Gaulle - June 7, 2011
I am writing this from Paris, France. When you fly into France you tend to land at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. I think one out of every four streets here in Paris has something to do with Charles de Gaulle and many have his name on it - Charles de Gaulle is everywhere and still loved!
More...Memorial Day - Let's Remember!
May 30, 2011
My grandfather, Harold Greenwood, loved Decoration Day! If there ever was a flag waving American he was the one. He was born in England and fought in the war to win all wars. I can remember him getting upset if people did not celebrate this day with total patriotism.
More...Have you Heard This? "Well, back in the good ol' days..." - May 24, 2011
Well, the truth is, those days were not that good! Life was hard! I can remember learning to drive a stick shift. There were no automatic transmissions. I had to learn to drive with a column stick! That takes a lot of coordination, you really have to do three things at once.
More...It's Boating Time! - May 17, 2011
I am so excited! It is almost time to put the boat in the lake and dust off the skies! I love being around the water and boats. In fact, the story is told, I never visit a place with water nearby without catching a boat ride or taking a walk, or getting some ice cream by the water. Not far from the truth.
More...To Measure or Not to Measure?
May 10, 2011
This is an age old debate for the ministry world. Just so you know, I believe we can and must measure everything and that everything can be measured in the ministry world, in fact, it is our stewardship duty to do so.
More...Who am I? - May 3, 2011
As you read this blog I am in Hyderabad, India and will soon be in Surfer's Paradise, Australia to speak at a conference. However, a few weeks ago, while in Toronto, I was talking to a man about his future and I encouraged him to take Gallup's StrengthsFinder. He said "No way, unless you take it with me." It had been some time since I had done that so I agreed - best decision he made for me that day. I would encourage you in every stage of life to take it.
More...Lead Like Jesus - April 26, 2011
As I looked back over the life of Jesus after what we celebrated this past Sunday - Resurrection Sunday, it is obvious to me that Jesus was a leader who was humble, God-dependent, and a team player. He was a servant of God who shepherded and developed others. He also equipped and empowered others to accomplish one specific vision from God.
More...Pack Up & Go - April 19, 2011
I am writing this blog from the great city of Toronto, Canada. I am here by the invitation of EQUIP Leadership Canada to train and encourage their new Partners and National Trainers. They have brought together 24 people from all over Canada, from all walks of life, who have influence in 42 different nations....
(More)One Great Breakfast - April 12, 2011
It all started when my brother Larry called and thought it would be a great idea to do a grandfather-grandson breakfast, after all, it is not often we are all in town at the same time...
(More)A Big Announcement - April 5, 2011
It is with great excitement that I want you all to know that Lily, our first granddaughter, arrived on March 24, 2011. Lily weighed 7.2 pounds and was 19 inches, much bigger that the doctors expected. She is such a precious gift, created in a wonderful way by God and given to our oldest son, his wife, and us. She has already...
(More..)The Leadership Element in Management
March 29, 2011
Recently I was doing a Q&A session with a wonderful ministry in South Africa called
Living Hope. There were a number of great questions, but one in particular seemed to start a longer discussion. It had been awhile since I had heard this question, but it is a question that needs to be discussed again today...
(More)The Hands of Feet of Christ in Japan
March 25, 2011
Here is an update from a ministry partner and friend who is on the front lines of relief in Japan! Please contact me for more information about how you can help their relief efforts! (
More...)
Back to Stable Ground - March 22, 2011
I was flying to Nepal, reading the International Financial Times, when I ran across an article that was talking about the banking crisis in the USA. Then I just blurted about, "You've got to be kidding!" The man next to me look shocked! I was shocked; I was totally shocked by what I read!
(More...)Can you imagine this? - March 17, 2011
No one paid much attention to it! In fact, some people were questioning the value of the strict rules, but then the 8.9 earthquake hit Japan, followed by a tsunami that was so strong it moved an island and changed the axes of the earth. Thankfully though, the nation of Japan was ready for the earthquake...
(More)A New Style of Leadership? (Part 2)
March 15, 2011
Last week we talked about what seems to be a new way to develop respect and trust for leaders, a new way to show character and integrity. These are the foundational pillars for anyone who leads. We discussed how this is now happening through social media. In regards to the Middle East...
(More)A New Style of Leadership? (Part 1)
March 8, 2011
The young crowds are still pushing for a change in North Africa and in the Middle East. Even in some nations where they have "won" they are still out in the streets. They have accomplished a lot with a new style or form of leadership. The momentum for change is growing and to me what is fascinating is....
(More)Partnership - Really! - March 1, 2011
There are a lot of people talking about partnerships today. If we are not careful it will end up being a meaningless word like worship and leadership. A true partnership is not...
(More)Special Weekend - February 22, 2011
For a number of years now my two sons, brother, and my brother-in-law go snowmobiling over President's Day weekend. We all are presidents of our own organizations, so it is fitting I guess! We all look forward to...
(More)To Make Disciples - February 15, 2011
As I work with churches, ministries and Christian leaders and workers all over the world, I have been asking myself over the past two years these questions, "What would it look like if the Church really equipped their people to do the work of the ministry?....
(More)What? Group Leadership?
February 8, 2011
Egypt may be changing the world more than you think. As I write this, the protestors are still in the streets of Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak is still in power, and the question remains, "What is next?".
(More...)Empowering Partnerships in Africa February 1, 2011
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank I write this blog from the wonderful nation of Kenya. On this trip...
(More...)Special: Crisis in the Middle East - January 31, 2011
As I write this I am just leaving Rome on my way to China. I have 14 days to go on this 33 day international trip. I have just spent a week working with believers who live and work in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq...
(More)Non-Profit Trends to Watch in 2011 - January 25, 2011
I write to your from Beirut, Lebanon, my first stop on an eight nation trip. Working with non-profits worldwide I see some trends forming for non-profits that transcend cultural and national boundaries.
More...Generous Giving - January 18, 2011
I have believe, encouraged, coached and counseled that the principle of generosity is one of the most overlooked topics in Christian organizations today!
(More...)Making 2011 the Year to THRIVE - January 11, 2011
Over the last two years the world has been in hunker down mode. The non-profit world as well. In reality, all areas of life have been in this mind-set which has forced all of us to change...
(More)Special Blog: Nonprofits & Their Tax Status - January 7, 2011
This article hit the news two days after Christmas: "Cash-Strapped Boston Going After Nonprofits" .....
Top 10 Books of 2010 - January 4, 2011
I am often asked for a list of books that I am reading and what I would recommend for growing leaders, so here is my "Top 10" list for 2010.
Welcome to 2011! - January 1, 2011
365 fresh days or 8,760 unused hours are ahead of us. 2010 is history, that chapter is closed. If you are still holding on to something, right now may be the time to move past it...
(More)Lessons from 2010 - December 28, 2010
Well 2010 is almost history! It is very hard to believe you and I spent 365 days or 8,706 hours in 2010. For me, as I look back over 2010 some of those hours were wasted, some were wisely invested, and a few of them were used to make me better. Better in two ways...
(More)The Ultimate - December 21, 2010
What a valuable week! In just a few days we will celebrate Christmas. That is probably nothing new, however think about this question at this special season of the year...
(More)People-Centric - December 14, 2010
I am writing this blog from the great city of Chennai, India. This trip concludes my fourth year of biannual trips to India, for a total of 12 trips to India in the last seven years. The past four years though I have focused on development 52 Christian leaders who are now the master leadership trainers for EQUIP in every state in India...
(More)WikiLeaks - December 7, 2010
I write this special blog from New Delhi, India. I was thinking of not writing my thoughts on this but then again it really bothers me, how about you? In the last week WikiLeaks has became a household word. Papers that were "confidential" are now very public...
(More)You're Good for Another Year
November 30, 2010
"You're good for another year my friend...." my doctor said at the end of my annual physical last week. There is a proven link between a yearly physical and a longer, more productive life, just as there is a proven link between an organization's health and its performance....
(More)Thankful - November 24, 2010
I have been waiting for this week all year - I love my turkey! We live in a fast pace, hurry up, I need it now society, we want everything now. With a 24 hour news cycle that focuses on the negative (since for some reason the positive it not news) it is easy to forget just how blessed we are.
(More)Your Life is a Process-November 16, 2010
Looking back on my life, the word "process" was not even in my vocabulary. It is now, in fact, I believe it is a view of life that is vital if we are going to fulfill our purpose. Process has taught me to live my life more intentionally and openly and it has led to more success. Once I understood the role that process plays, it gave me an eagle eye perspective on my life.
(More)What is Missing? - November 9, 2010
The last few weeks have been heart-wrenching, emotional, and yes, made me reevaluate as well as question a number of beliefs in my life. Being in both Iraq and Haiti in a two week period was a privilege I will never forget.
(More)Crises in Haiti - November 2, 2010
As I write this I am in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: You have read and seen the destruction from the earthquake in Haiti in January. I am here now in the midst of the latest two crises this country has seen in the last 9 months. Both of the latest crises are a result of not paying attention to the importance of leadership development.
(More)Who is #1? - October 26, 2010
Not America! America ranks #11 in Newsweek's list of the 100 best countries in the world, we did not even make the top 10! What is going on? The Newsweek headline read, "We're No. 11". Our President said, "We should not even settle for #2".....
(More)Stop the Rhetoric! - October 19, 2010
There have been so many unique privileges in my life that I never would have dreamed I would be able to experience. However last week was beyond my wildest dreams. Being part of these two events has changed me significantly and deepened my worldview.
(More)The Law of Reflection - October 12, 2010
A week or so ago I was reading a science book with my oldest grandson that he picked up at his school's library. I was learning and so was he as we looked and read about some incredible aspects of science. Then I turned the page and saw "The Law of Reflection."
(More)The List! - October 5, 2010
You have read about it by now I am sure, I am talking about "The Top Fastest Growing" and "The Top 10 Largest Churches in America" lists. CONGRATULATIONS to each leader and every member. It takes everyone working together to make these lists. However....
(More)The BIG Question! - September 28, 2010
Here is the BIG question: Why do we spend endless time, effort and energy recruiting, training, coaching, mentoring, managing and ultimately paying our employees and then refuse to use their input?
(More)Thoughts from Poland - September 21, 2010
I am writing this while drinking some Starbucks coffee in Warsaw, Poland. Not that I love coffee all that much but I collect Starbucks City Mugs from all over teh world, so I had to stop by Starbucks to pick a new one up in Poland. There mugs are a reminder to me of what God is doing around the world...
(more)Gaining Respect - September 14, 2010
We all want it, but it is hard to earn and easy to lose. Maybe you are thinking, "that is why I just demand it." But there are other, more fruitful, ways long term to earn respect from the people around you. Leaders are people who thinking ahead of others, while keeping focused on today...
(more)To Change your Organization, Look to the Outside - September 7, 2010
Today I want to share with you a blog from my good friend Phil Cooke. "There's a reason most companies and non-profits look for outside help when it comes to making a major change. It's simply very difficult and often impossible to spawn new thinking in-house.....
(more)Today Demands New Think
August 31, 2010
Teams are still being used; however in this new day collaboration takes on a new meaning! Yes, it still means you have to have the right people on a team, and it also still does not guarantee success. The most effective, high-performing celebration...
(more)The Power of a Story - August 24, 2010
Once in awhile I go to the movies with my wife. My favorites are the ones based on a true story, such as "Invictus" or "The Blind Side". These movies do a few things to me during the movie that I might not be aware of. These movies pull me into the story in a compelling way...
(more)Embrace the Day! - August 17, 2010
It may seem cliche to tell someone, "everything has changed." However we must accept today's reality that everything has changed! Even though we hear this, see this, and know it to be true, living it out in the context of everyday life can prove to be much harder than we think.
(more)iY Generation - August 10, 2010
I've experienced them...and I know you have too! Frustrations with connecting and involving the next generation is something countless organizations have asked me about. Often times our efforts to connect with the next generation are poor attempts that result in a larger gap of separation and misunderstanding. So, what is the secret? (more)
Atlanta Traffic! - August 2, 2010
I grew up not far from New York City (full story in Chapter one of my book, "Leadership in Blue Jeans") and lived more many years between NYC and PHildelphia so I am very familiar with city traffic. However, Atlanta traffic is one of a kind. (more)
I Want More - July 27, 2010
Northpoint Community Church just finished a 3-part series this week on "More" that got my thinking. More, a four-letter word that can get us in trouble or push us in a positive direction is a word we learn the meaning of early in life. (And you need it if you want to read more of this blog...) (more)
Summer Thunderstorms and Leaders! July 20, 2010
In these hot, humid days in Atlanta, one can expect some good afternoon thunderstorms! They come up quickly, are loud, shoot a lot of lightning, hit and cause damage to a few unprotected places, and then fade away. Last week, we had such a storm with wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, a lot of lightning. In fact two houses in a neighboring area that were unprotected burned. Summer thunderstorms and leaders have a few things in common... (more)
Haiti...Headed for Catastrophe! - WHY? July 14, 2010
We're headed for a catastrophe..." comments a French aid worker in regards to the bleak future for Haiti. This is just one comment about Haiti six months after the earthquake that devastated one of the poorest countries in the world. Another comment after six months of waiting: "Since January 12th I've never received any aid..." said Ernest Leo who lost his wife and oldest daughter in the earthquake. Meanwhile he is trying to take care of his youngest daughter who lost her right arm from being caught under the rubble for two days. He remarks, "Ever since this dramatic event it's like life has no meaning anymore. Nothing has changed in six months." (more)
Great Leaders - July 8, 2010
If you compiled a list of really great leaders of the 20th century, who would be on it? Who would your top 5 or 6 be? I would say, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Billy Graham, and Martin Luther King, Jr., would be on my list for sure. [more]
Independence and Responsibility
July 4, 2010
Over the weekend two words were used over and over again: independence and freedom. Two great words that go together like water and wet. These two words are what the founders of America were willing to die for. It was the basic principle that The United States of America and other nations have been founded upon. However, after watching another news cast, reading the paper, and listening to others, the question I have is, "what has happened?" [more]
Let CocaCola Lead Us - June 29, 2010
Early this year, Bob Zoellick, president of the World Bank, declared, "2009 saw the end of what was known as 'the third world'". Could he be right? Have the people, that separate section of humanity that is poor and aid-dependent, reached new heights?
[more]Red Bar Person, Blue Bar Person
On a recent trip, Edward Chan shared about the Red Bar Person and the Blue Bar Person. I loved it and wanted to share it with you.
[more]Question Yourself
With just 3 weeks left in the first half of 2010, it's time to question yourself. Every day we ask a lot of questions however, are you asking the right question? Here is the question: "Why do you do what you do?
[more]
Philosophy of Ministry
We have often heard, "Our philosophy of ministry is..." and they fill in the blank. Ministry philosophies that have deep meaning incorporate three things: values, vision, and vehicles (just to keep the "v" going) or the process that allows us to realize the ministry vision.
[more]Summer Reality
I might be biased coming out of the business world, however, I am a firm believer that the business world needs the church and the church needs the business world! Both can offer each other a lot.
[more]7 Days in India
I have just spent 7 days in India training 54 Master Leadership Trainers, one from every state in India and a couple of extras for the larger states. This is very exciting because after 3 years of training these men and women with the EQUIP Million Leader Mandate curriculum, they are doing 98% of the training themselves.
[more]A New Kind of Leader
For some time know I have been processing what I see happening in our world with public leaders. This has really come to light since the public financial collapse of 2008. It seems to me that each day these public leaders on every level are not leading, not moving people to a better life; they are looking out for themselves. Even the news media talks far more about the “political fall out” than the issues. An example would be all during the Health Care issue the news was almost 100% political not what the bill does or not does do.
[more]Partnerships
If we are ever going to make a significant difference in the world it will be through partnership. A real partnership begins when two or more individuals commit to give up some of their independence in order to unite to accomplish a shared vision or goal. Unity is not the absence of differences; it is the respect and coordination of differences.
[more]Haiti - Aid is Not Enough
When you have one of the poorest countries in the world, with a very corrupt nation, mix in the worst national disaster to hit that nation in 200 years; you have a mind-blowing disaster. Rightly so, nations, organization, and faith-based groups are stepping up and responding in force with all kinds of aid. In phase one it is time to provide aid and think forward. [more]
