More Insights from Preparing for Arrow Leadership, Res. 2

One of the more impactful reads for preparing for the January Arrow Leadership residential was "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey. I read it about 12 years ago, and re-reading it brought some insights out that I had forgotten. It also affirmed some practices that I've integrated into my life and leadership, possibly because of reading the book the first time! I'd highly recommend it as a personal development book, or to use in mentoring others.

Here are some more insights from my preparation:
5. What is maturity? Both Covey and Bobb Beihl had sections that commented on what maturity was, and they complemented each other.

• Beihl: "Maturity is putting process between opportunity and decision." When we're immature, we often make rash and uninformed decisions to our detriment.  Learning to ask good questions that draw out relevant information leads to better decision making.
• Covey: "Maturity includes both courage and consideration of others." Those who are immature can be bold and stand firm for their convictions, but don't take into account the feelings and needs of other people. They might get the job done, but hurt people in the process. Those who are mature are more in tune with the people side of things.  In ministry, it's all about people. Ministry takes place in relationship.

6. Leading change is a process, not an event. In his article on Leading Change, John Kotter spells out eight steps to effective leading the process of change in an organization. My favorite day at the Arrow Residential was the day on leading change, led by Jennifer Parr. One of the powerful things she taught was that going through change is similar to a person going through the grieving process.  Identifying how people are responding to change can help in leading them through those changes in a healthy way.

7. What is my inner motivation? Beihl says that there are 8 basic motivations that people are driven by. They represent needs that are hard-wired into us and cause us to do what we do.  Usually one motivation rises above the rest.  Not that the others aren't important to us, but that the need is already met in our life (for instance, the need to be loved may not drive you to accomplish, but it's still important to you.)  Here are the motivations:

• To be loved
• Significance - to make a contribution in the world
• To be admired
• To be recognized
• To be appreciated
• Security
• To be respected
• To be accepted by the group

Reflecting on those motivations, I'd have to say that Significance is the one that drives me. It's at the core of why I felt that God was leading me to move to San Diego and be the small group pastor at The Rock Church. There is potential here to impact 10's of thousands of people in their discipleship through small group ministry.  Not only to attenders a the main campus, but as we launch 15 satellite campuses across San Diego County in the next 10 years, the foundation that I can help lay this year will set the pattern for each of those campuses in years to come.

How's your level of motivation? Do you get up in the morning excited to fulfill God's purposes for your life?

Lessons from Arrow Leadership

I went to the 2nd residential for Arrow Leadership last month.  This one was in Carefree, AZ, near Phoenix. I've never spent time in the desert, and never appreciated cactus before, but my perspective has changed!

Saguaro Cactus - grows about 1" per year. We saw many that must have been 100's of years old!
Our spiritual growth is often more like a Saguaro than a Bamboo plant - slow & steady,
but producing something significant in God's kingdom!

As I prepared for the class, I had the opportunity to read several books and a number of articles.  Here are some insights gained from the preparation:

1. Keep focused in life with a planning rhythm - take time away (Bob Beihl, "Focusing by Asking")

• To find balance in your life, begin by defining your ideal year & then put it on the calendar: first schedule your vacation, then set at least 1 measurable priority in each of the seven basic areas of life: (1) family & marriage, (2) financial, (3) personal growth, (4) physical, (5) professional, (6) social, and (7) spiritual. 
• Take 2-3 days annually to plan the year in advance - set goals & calendar for all of your key roles. Ask yourself the question: "What is really important?"
• Schedule 2 1/2% of your time to focus by taking 1/2 day per month to review goals and schedule & re-prioritize

2. Plan weekly, not daily (Covey, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People") - after implementing annual 2-3 days & monthly 1/2 day, then plan each week in advance, putting the priority activities in each key role of your life onto the calendar (big rocks first!).

3. Use 5 key questions in meetings with those who report to me (Beihl)

• Q1 - What decisions do you need from me?
• Q2 - What problems are you facing?
• Q3 - What plans are you making that we haven't discussed?
• Q4 - What progress have you made that I need to be aware of?
• Q5 - How are you doing personally? (Scale of 1-10)

4. Physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health are all interconnected. ("Making of a Corporate Athlete) - If I'm worn out physically, or not keeping in shape, I'm not going to be as strong in the other areas. Bill Hybels shared the same idea with the fuel gauges analogy. Intentionally pursue health and growth in all four areas and you'll find an increase in well-being and performance in life.

More observations to come! Which of these four observations hits home with you right now? What will you address to make a difference in your life, family, and ministry?

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (2 Thess 1:11-12)