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Why All Great Leaders Need a “Truth Teller”

February 3, 2012 in Culture, General, Leadership with 17 Comments

As leaders, it can be difficult to find people who will give it to us straight. People who will help us address our “blind spots”. Like most cars, most leaders have blind spots – areas where we have trouble seeing clearly. Either we are too busy to identify our blind spots or pride stands in the way of us recognizing them. That’s why all great leaders need a truth teller.

A truth teller is a person who will communicate the last 10%. A person who will tell us the truth even when we don’t want to hear it. Do you have a truth teller you can turn to for feedback? If not, it’s important to know what to look for when selecting one.

Here are five traits of a reliable truth teller:

Moving Vision Beyond the Whiteboard

January 30, 2012 in Communications, Culture, General, Leadership with 0 Comments

Over the years I have been a part of amazing visioning sessions. The sessions with whiteboards, note pads, Mountain Dew and chocolates where people hunker down for hours crafting a compelling and concise vision statement. The vision is so catalytic; everybody walks away from the session excited and energized.

I hear statements – “This vision is huge.” Or, “This vision will create a mass movement.” Or, “If this vision becomes a reality, watch out.” Sadly, I found the vision rarely leaves the whiteboard. In many cases, the vision sticks to the whiteboard and not the hearts and minds of the people.

Why? Because, it is far easier to dream, than too execute. Most visions die a slow painful death on an old over-used whiteboard. You can see past visions fading away in the residue of dry erase marker stains.

Below are 4 ways to make your vision a reality and not a whiteboard nightmare.

3 Relevant Ways to Gain Influence

January 26, 2012 in Culture, General, Leadership with 5 Comments

Influence [in-floo-uhns] the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.

It’s what strong leaders want. Not salary or titles or promotions. Those benefits usually come with the package, but they’re not the driving force. Strong leaders want to make an impact. They want the opportunity to shape the culture and make major organizational decisions. They want to be in a position to positively affect people. They want to make a difference. All those capabilities come from having influence.

If you want to be a strong and effective leader, here are three easy ways to gain more influence:

Do You Really Believe What You Say You Believe?

December 19, 2011 in Communications, Culture, General, Leadership with 0 Comments

I have the great pleasure to work with large denominational churches in the Houston, Texas area. Due to a potential denominational shift in theology, a certain church was forced to evaluate what they believe. It sounds like a problem.

As I drove to the meeting, I thought, “This meeting will be divisive and energy zapping.” It was not. The church turned the situation into a growth opportunity. Guided by the Senior Pastor, a group of key staff members and elders dug into what they believe. The guiding question of the day, Do we really believe what we say we believe? The floor was open and the day was off.

At the end of the time the entire team exited the room with pure unity and excitement. Why?

Stopping and thinking reminds you of the power behind what you believe. Wow, if we REALLY believe that Christ is the Savior, what does that mean? If we REALLY believe that Jesus has overcome the world, what does that mean? If we really believe that we are called to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth, what does that look like?

Stopping and thinking reminds us we are all on the same team. The beauty of evaluating what you believe ensures the right people are on the team. This is a phenomenal time for those who do not believe what the majority believe to exit the team. This is okay as you want the right people believing the same thing on the team.

Stopping and thinking reminds us what we are ultimately called to do. Once a team of people shore up their beliefs they have a platform for making decisions in the future. The identified and team unifying beliefs help you understand what is important and what is to be dismissed. These beliefs shape your decision making in hiring staff, planning events, sermon planning, etc.

Do not shy away from revisiting your beliefs. Pull together key stakeholders annually and ask the question, Do we really believe what we say we believe? Do our beliefs guide our decisions and actions? Would outsiders agree that our actions match up with our beliefs?

Ultimately what you believe shapes your culture. Give your beliefs priority and attention.

All You Say is “NO”

December 15, 2011 in Communications, Culture, General, Leadership with 0 Comments

If you are in position of leadership, you more than likely hold the responsibility of saying “no”. If you are like me, you receive requests and ideas from team members that require an answer. Strong leaders understand the value of saying, “NO”. The idea, observation or request might be one of worth. But, does the answer to the request advance the mission of the organization? Running a healthy organization requires focused attention over a course of time.

If you say “yes” to every request, nothing is important.

I recently heard a fantastic leader say, “Do not tell me what you are doing, tell me what you are NOT doing.” As leaders we hold the responsibility of doing the right things, the right way at the right time. Simply put, it requires us to say “NO” appropriately.

If you are like me, you do not enjoy saying “No”. It is not fun and nobody wants to be known as the “guy who alwas says ‘no’”. Here are a couple of tips that will help you ease the blow when you tell a team member “NO”.

Tip #1 – Communicate you are “for them”

From the get go, make sure the team member feels valued and heard. Communicate in a very personal and meaningful way.

Tip #2 – Provide them with good options

I found providing team members presented with options, are fine with the decision. This is an opportunity to reinforce point #1. Be creative and think through how you can help the team member receive what they want while not compromising the mission of organization.

Tip #3 – Take a posture of “yes”

Instead of immediately saying “no”, I try presenting a state of approachability by listening and fully understanding the need before supplying an answer. This is a great way of showing the team member you are open to ideas and changes. Who knows, maybe they have a great idea that becomes one of your core ways of achieving your mission?

This can be a relational deal as well. You will hold the title of “The No Guy” ff your attitude and posture communicates “don’t cross me” or “it’s my way or the highway” or “I am the boss”. Don’t be this person.

As a leader, how do you balance the requests of team members?

5 Inexplicable Ways Your Culture is Impacted

December 13, 2011 in Culture, General, Leadership with 0 Comments

Healthy leaders create healthy cultures. Healthy cultures attract healthy people and are highly productive. Leaders possess the opportunity to create culture.

Before a culture is created or recreated, it is important to understand what influences and impacts cultures. Below you will find 5 Inexplicable Ways Culture is Impacted by Andy Stanley of North Point Church.
The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast – 11/4/2011

Leaders shape the organizational culture whether they intend to or not
1. Nobody impacts the culture more than the leader.
2. What if we like our culture? Find out why you like your culture and put a fence around it and protect at all costs.
Time in erodes awareness of
1. The longer a leader is in a culture the least aware they are of the state of culture.
2. Create ways to gauge the state of your culture.
3. North Point distributes questionnaires new employees after three months of work to receive input on their perception of culture (fresh ears, fresh eyes).
Healthy cultures attract and keep healthy people
1. Unhealthy people are very comfortable in unhealthy environments.
2. If you transform an unhealthy into a healthy culture, the unhealthy people will leave.
3. Indicators of Unhealthy Culture – Drama, self-focused and discontentment.
The culture of an organization impacts the long-term impact of an organization
1. Your productivity is directly tied to your culture.
2. Cultures tear down silos and foster collaboration.
3. Unhealthy cultures are “top-down” and full of “red tape”. ”Top down” leadership SLOWS down productivity.
Unhealthy cultures are slow to adapt to change
1. Generally focused inwardly.
2. Unhealthy people resist change.

How do you create and protect your organizational culture?

2 Ways to Influence Senior Leaders

December 12, 2011 in Culture, General, Leadership with 0 Comments

I sense more than ever the “exchange of the baton” between senior leaders and younger leaders. But, I sense young leaders trying harder and harder to capture the attention and respect of senior leaders the wrong way. I have learned the hard way in attempting this feat of impressing and influencing senior leaders.

After years of church leadership, I found two ways to best influence senior church leaders. Frankly these are two insanely easy ways to positively influence those you follow.

#1 – Present the WHY

As I attend certain conferences, I hear lingering conversations, “Why does my Senior Pastor not Tweet?” ”How does my Senior Pastor not value live streaming?” ”Why is my Senior Pastor slow and outdated?”

I submit another option. Instead of pleading these questions to other like-minded young leaders, why not present to your senior leaders the WHY?

Take the time to research and gather data. Here are some tips in providing the WHY to your senior leaders -

Grab A Camera – Press record and capture the WHY on camera. Interview real people on the subject you are presenting. Show senior leaders the need actually exist. The message resonates much deeper when it comes from the lips of the end user.
Research Online – More than likely Google can prove your point. Simply search your “argument” and find proven data that supports your point.

#2 – Show the HOW

I’ve heard several times, “Tim, thank you for your research but how do we make what you are recommending a reality?” It is not enough to present the WHY. If you want action it is crucial you present the HOW. In your research find ways to present a solution to the problem. Senior Leaders rapidly receive inquiries on what is wrong. You can be influential by solving the problem. At the end of the day, who wants to be known as the person who constantly presents problems with no solutions?

Do you want to influence senior leaders? Do a great job a defining the WHY and provide ways to accomplish the WHY. Go!

How do you believe senior leaders are influenced? Senior Leaders, how are you impressed? Young Leaders, how do you influence leaders?

How Pastors Go The Distance

December 6, 2011 in Culture, General, Leadership with 6 Comments

Pastors quit too soon. Many of them quit because of moral failure, anger, discouragement and other reasons. I am learning more and more about going the distance and not quitting. My learnings stem from my marathon training. This March I will run my first marathon.

1. Run at a healthy pace – In my first race I jumped out the gate and sprinted too early. I was exhausted five miles in on a ten mile race. No more energy. Nothing.

In leadership you must have boundaries. Boundaries protect you from going too hard, too fast. Protect your time, your body, your family.

2. Run with no excess baggage – In running you want to eliminate all unnecessary weight. Early in my training I did not have the proper equipment. I ran in heavy shoes, cotton shirts and large basketball shorts. Unnecessary baggage and weight.

I switched to feather light running shoes and dri-fit clothing. Instantly I was lighter and faster. The same is true in leadership. You cannot lead in a effective manner with excess baggage. Leave behind anger, addictions, bad habits, guilt and toxic people.

3. Run with a team – It is easy to go on short runs on your own. As time goes on and runs increase to ten, fifteen, twenty miles it is essential to run with a team. Team running provides encouragement and support to press on and finish strong.

In leadership it is vital to be surrounded by a great team. Great teams provide the necessary accountability, support and encouragement to be the best leader. To go the distance you need a solid marriage (if married), teammates, and mentors.

4. Run with frequent re-fueling – I remember my first long run like it was yesterday. I was clueless. I laced up the running shoes and ran. No strategy or preparation. I ran a course with no water fountains and I did not bring along water. Bad mistake.

In running it is imperative to stay hydrated. Most experts recommend you rehydrate every two miles. The same is true in leadership. Leaders must refuel. You are not build too go hard and fast all the time!

Find what refuels you. For me, spending unhurried time with God, running and going on dates with Meagan provide new energy.

How do you go the distance? What refuels you?
Excerpts from Jeff Wells – Senior Pastor of WoodsEdge Community Church

8 Keys to A Great Church Website

December 2, 2011 in Communications, Culture, Marketing, Social, Strategy, Technology with 8 Comments

With over 500 million registered websites on the WWW, you can definitely find a slew of horrifically designed websites. Unfortunately many of those websites are faith-based organizations. With new technology available we have unlimited ways to communicate and connect to potential audiences. The website you form could be and should be your number one communication tool. With that rant over, here are 8 keys to have a great website. Get after it!

1) Don’t be cheap

It is extremely difficult to build an effective website with not spending money. Sure, you can find a template and make it work (if you are skilled), but your church is not a template. If you are going to bust your budget, bust it here.

2) Take your time

Slow down and take a deep breath. Before you embark on creating a website, set aside a day or two to think, research and meet with people to understand what the website needs to look like and offer.

3) Use experienced and proven professionals

I am all for volunteers and lay people using their skills and talents to impact the church, but this is not the place for their volunteerism. Again, your website is one of, if not the most important communication tool you possess. Use people who know what they are doing and provide great work. Contact Me if you are interested in my group providing website design and development services.

4) Tell your story

Communicate, communicate and communicate your story. Communicate who you are, what you do, why you do it and where you are going. Tell stories with video, word and photos that communicate your culture and uniqueness.

5) Relevant content and design layout

People are visiting your website on purpose. Take time to think through what your audience wants to receive when visiting your website. Make sure to use words that are familiar with non-church attendees. Use Adults, Children, Students, Volunteer instead of Community, Zoola Land, Xtreme X and Engage. Please keep your content and design layout simple and provide people what they want within one click of the mouse.

Tip: You already know this, but make sure you have Google Analytics tied into your website for tracking. Thank you to Google, for making it easy to know what content is relevant and should be featured.

6) Be known

The worst thing in the world is to have beautiful website and receive no visits. If search engines don’t know you, nobody will. Take some time and explore your options. They are unlimited, from search engine optimization campaigns to Google ads to Facebook ads to blogging to email newsletters. Optimizing your website and managing ad campaign is insanely time consuming. This is another area where hiring experienced and proven professionals are a plus.

7) Socially connected

With social media moving at a rapid growth pace, your website must be connected to the movement. Make it easy for people who visit your website to connect with you socially. But please make sure that well designed and high-resolution social icons are used in designed. Enough with highly pixilated and over sized icons.

8 People click on videos

It’s amazing how a video can inspire people more than words. Don’t get me wrong, words are great as I am typing them right now. But, in our digital age people like clicking on videos. i.e. – YouTube. If you cannot produce a ton of videos then make sure you do one great church overview video. This overview video must include the vision and mission of church and should include information on age specific ministries and what your church is doing to bring hope to world.

In summary, your website is one of the most important communication tools you have. Take your time, think, don’t be cheap and make sure people know about your website and receive what they are looking for as soon as possible.

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