The Story Of A Great Leader Who Operates On A Small Platform

The Story Of A Great Leader Who Operates On A Small Platform

Thanksgiving Dinner

We celebrate leaders with large platforms.  We admire the big stage and their talent and giftedness which inspire us to accomplish things we never dreamed possible.  As a result, “celebrity” leaders are often put on a pedestal.
Some of the greatest leadership, however, is often done in secret and on smaller stages where few ever see it.  But those fortunate enough to come into the orbit of these incredible leaders are marked by their influence and the quality of their lives.
The Rocket Company holds our weekly meetings in a virtual office space called ROAM in Alpharetta, GA.  I appreciate ROAM’s friendly staff, vibe and the trendiness of their offices and work spaces.  But what I enjoy best is a gentleman named Keith who runs the coffee, refreshment, and kitchen area.  He is a great leader.
There is no better example of Keith’s leadership than earlier today, when completely unannounced, he and the rest of the ROAM staff thanked their customers by serving us Thanksgiving dinner.  I have never heard of a business doing this.  All in attendance were completely blown away and deeply grateful.  The incredible spread provided is shown above.
Thinking back on today’s lunch, I gleaned 9 things that make Keith such a great leader and respected member of the ROAM staff.

1. He Knows Your Name – Every Monday when I arrive he joyfully says, “Hey Brian.”  This shows value.
2. He Knows What You Like – Whenever I walk to the counter, he knows I am ordering a hot chocolate in a to-go-cup and gets the process started.
3. He Knows Your Story - Keith and I often discuss our favorite vacation spot which happens to be the same place.
4. He Performs His Responsibilities With Excellence – A few weeks back, he said, “Brian, try this muffin.  I just made them myself.  Let me heat it up for you.”  This is just over-the-top service.  By the way, the muffin tasted great.
5. He Is Approachable – Keith always has a smile on his face and is an absolute pleasure to interact with.
6. He Always Does A Little Extra – The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just a little extra.  During the summer I drink Gatorade.  I once went to purchase one when he said, “Do you want a cold one?  I’ve got cold drinks in the fridge behind the counter.”  He did not have to offer that.
7. He Cares About People – How many people think of serving their customers Thanksgiving dinner?
8. He Is Kind – The world is dying for leaders with kindness.  How many leaders have you ever met who were described as “kind”?  I would say few if any.  Keith is a wonderful picture of what kindness looks like.
9. He Brings A Sense Of Humanity To The Organization – The entire staff of ROAM is an absolute joy to interact with.  This then becomes an ideal opportunity to thank them for helping promote my book The 10 Indispensable Practices Of The 2-Minute Leader.  Keith is the icing on the cake.  He is a linchpin.  Keith puts the smiling face on the organization.

I deal with hundreds of people annually in a variety of tasks.  I know of no one in America who carries out their responsibilities with the excellence of Keith.
If you happen to be in North Atlanta, take the Windward Parkway exit on GA-400 and visit the ROAM offices.  It is there where you will find Keith.  If you want to know what excellence in leadership and kindness looks like, Keith will show you how it is done.

Ministry Leadership Is All About Serving Others

By Rick Warren

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photo credit: TheRevSteve

Jesus said in Matthew 20:26 & 28 (Living Bible), “Anyone wanting to be a leader among you must be your servant. And if you want to be right at the top, you must serve like a slave. Your attitude must be like My own. For I did not come to be served, but to serve.” Then Luke 22:26, “But among you the one who serves best will be your leader.”
These two verses are the foundation for Christian leadership. Jesus said the exact opposite of what the world says as what a real leader is. In the world, you build a pyramid and you climb to the top. But Jesus said, “No, he who serves best leads best.” Servanthood is leadership. The better you serve the more God raises you up to leadership.
Leadership is not a matter of getting people to serve your interests. Leadership is a matter of serving the best interests of others. Jesus said, If you want to be great, you learn to be the servant of all.
God is much more interested in why you do what you do than He is interested in what you do. Check out your heart on these:
SEVEN REASONS TO SERVE OTHERS…
1. We were created to serve others. 
Ephesians 2:10 says, “It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus. Long ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.” Even before you were born, God planned a life of service for you. One reason why so many people are miserable today is because they’ve missed the point of life. As I serve others, my own needs are met and as I give my life away, I find it. You were created for service. If you’re not serving somewhere, you’re missing out on the very reason you were created. That’s a mind-blower!

2. It proves that we belong to Christ.
Romans 7:4 says, “You are part of the body of Christ and now you belong to Him in order that we might be useful in the service of God.” God says that the way you know you’re a part of the body of Christ is that you serve others. Serving is the proof of our identity as members of His family.
3. We serve God by serving others.
Serving others is the way to serve God. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men. It is the Lord you are serving.” No matter what you’re doing, who are you doing it for? You’re doing it for the Lord. Matthew 25:40 Jesus said, “What you have done for the humblest of My brothers you have done for Me.” He states it positively, “If you feed and cloth others, then you feed and clothe Me. If you haven’t fed and clothed others, you haven’t fed and clothed Me.” The greatest honor is to serve the Lord.
4. We owe God everything.
Romans 12:1 says, “Because of God’s great mercy to us, offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him.” The reason why I serve the Lord is because of what God has done for me – because of His mercy. When I think of what Jesus Christ has done for me, the sacrifice that He has made for me, there is no sacrifice that I can make for Him that will ever compare to what He’s done for me.
5. It’s the best use of our lives.
1 Corinthians 15:56 says, (Good News) “Keep busy in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever without value.” When I go home and play with my kids that’s as important a service as preparing a sermon. When I take out the garbage or do the dishes for Kay so she can go do something else, that’s just as significant service as when I’m speaking to crowds of leaders because it all counts in God’s eyes.
It is the best use of my life to serve other people. If I didn’t believe that, I’d get out of the pastorate and go make a million bucks somewhere. But what counts for eternity is giving your life away.

6. It makes life meaningful.
Jesus said in Mark 8:35, (Living Bible) “Only those who throw away their lives for My sake and the sake of the good news will ever know what it means to really live.” I don’t pity people who are up to their neck in service. I happen to know that those are the people who are most alive. If you’re not serving, you’re not living; you’re just existing. That’s why we want to move people into the core of a purpose driven church because Jesus says, “Only those people who are throwing their lives away for My sake and the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” It makes life meaningful.
7. Serving will be rewarded for eternity.
In John 12:26, Jesus said, “My Father will honor the ones who serve Me.” And in Matthew 25:21 He says, ”Well done good and faithful servants. You’ve been faithful in a few things. I’ll put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” This life is a test. You’re being tested and God is seeing what kind of faithfulness you have. You’re going to spend far more time on that side of eternity than you do in the years you’re here. How you spend your time here is going to determine what’s going to be done with you in the next life for eternity.
Someday I want to stand before Jesus Christ and I want to hear Him say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant. You were not perfect, but you did your best. You gave it your best shot. You tried to make your life count for Christ. You gave it away. You had mistakes and bloopers and did all kinds of things that were worthless, but you gave it your best shot” At that point, when Jesus says, “Well done thou good and faithful servant,” it will be worth it all.

20 Facts About Surviving Leadership Storms

20 Facts About Surviving Leadership Storms

There are storms of correction.  These are consequences of our poor decisions or mistakes.
However, there are also storms of perfection.  These are consequences of things leaders have no control over.  Changes in the market.  A department shutting down.  Medical reports.  Poor decisions by others.  The unexpected phone call which changes our lives.
Recently, Fellowship Bible Church senior pastor Crawford Loritts preached from Matthew 8:23-27.  This is the famous passage where Jesus said, “Peace.  Be still.” and the storm on the Sea of Galilee ceased.  Because storms are something we all periodically experience, Crawford’s message is something all leaders should listen to.  Here is a link here.
The following are 20 Facts About Surviving Leadership Storms I captured from his message.  There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of leaders who need to read this today.  These lessons are a gift and will help carry you through this difficult time.

1. Order and predictability can be great barriers to a growing faith.
2. High control people leave a legacy of doubt and fear.
3. He (Jesus) did not want them (the disciples) to trust in what they have grown accustomed to (fisherman on the Sea of Galilee).  Your resource is not your source.
4. Following Jesus means weathering some storms.
5. The storm came BECAUSE they obeyed the Lord.
6. The storm was beyond their ability.
7. Jesus was resting comfortably in the will of the Father.
8. Jesus permitted your storm.  If you don’t accept this you will be angry, bitter, and frustrated.  If you don’t accept this, you will assign yourself to a bitterness and resentment that will destroy you and those around you.
9. Defeat your fear with faith.
10. The problem was fear, not the storm.
11. Fear is idolatry.  It drives us to seize control.
12. God doesn’t withhold blessings from those whose faith is small.
13. Your storm is never over till God says it’s over.
14. Just because you’re in a storm, the storm doesn’t have to be in you.  Circumstances don’t control your response.
15. Hold onto: A. The Word of God and its promises. B. Prayer C. Community D. Worship.
16. Storms don’t last forever.
17. Storms are transformative.
18. Storms destroy: A. Any other source of significance. B. Any other source of satisfaction. C. Any other source of security.
19. Storms call us to focus on Who really matters.
20. All storms pass.

If you are going through a storm, let us know and this community of leaders will pray for you until the storm passes.

The Top 10 Leadership Posts I Read The Week Of November 11th

The Top 10 Leadership Posts I Read The Week Of November 11th

You will absolutely love this week’s list of top leadership posts.  Every article will will take you and your ministry to a higher level.  Issues are addressed.  Solutions are provided.  Momentum is reversed from negative to positive.  People and systems are made better.  Check them out and tell me what you think.
The following are the Top 10 Leadership Posts I Read The Week Of November 11th:

1. Dear Church, 11 Signs You’re Burning Out Your Staff by Jon Acuff
2. Early Warning Signs Your Church Is In Trouble by Paul Alexander
3. 5 Steps For Getting Your Mojo Back When Dealing With Rejection by Mary DeMuth
4. 12 Leaders Share Their Biggest Management Pet Peeves by Alison Griswold at www.BusniessInsider.com
5. What The Church Can Learn From Chick-Fil-A by David Mathis at www.DesiringGod.com
6. Turning Failure Into Success by Thomas McDaniels
7. 10 Ways To Connect With Young Adults Beside Changing The Music by Tony Morgan
8. 5 Healthy Ways To Handle A Difficult Volunteer by Carey Nieuwhof
9. 10 Ways Pastors Can Escape The Ministry Stress Zombie Zone by Charles Stone
10. How To Collect Stories And Illustrations For Your Talks Or Sermons by Bobby Williams

Well that is my Top 10.  What other great posts did you read this week?

One Of The Greatest Gifts You Can Give A Young Leader

One Of The Greatest Gifts You Can Give A Young Leader

Recently I heard a person discuss how much they loved reading biographies of successful people.  One of his observations was how rare it is to read biographies of these same successful people’s children.
His premise was successful people do not want their children to struggle like they did growing up.  Therefore, they provide for them as many “blessings” and “advantages” as possible.  What they unknowingly do, however, is rob them of one of the greatest gifts you can give a young leader – the gift of struggle.
I thought about that as I read about the 2009 and 2010 NFL draft classes of the USC Trojans.
In the 2009 NFL Draft, the following are the top 5 USC selections:
Mark Sanchez - New York Jets, Round 1, No. 5 overall
Brian Cushing -Houston Texans, Round 1, No. 15 overall
Clay Matthews - Green Bay Packers, Round 1, No. 26 overall
Rey Maualuga - Cincinnati Bengals, Round 2, No. 38 overall
Fili Moala - Indianapolis Colts, Round 2, No. 56 overall
In the 2010 NFL Draft, the following are the top 5 USC selections:
Taylor Mays - San Francisco 49ers, Round 2, No. 49 overall
Charles Brown - New Orleans Saints, 2nd round, No. 64 overall
Damian Williams - Tennessee Titans, 3rd round, No. 77 overall
Kevin Thomas - Indianapolis Colts, 3rd round, No. 94 overall
Everson Griffen - Minnesota Vikings, 4th round, No. 100 overall
One huge question jumps at you – What happened? These were equally heralded recruits developed in a similar culture of success by the same head coach and many of the same positional coaches. In addition, they had the advantage of learning under that amazing 2009 draft class.
The answer – The Greatest Enemy to Future Success is Past Success.
Here’s why:

1. The Gift of Struggle - Once again, the sacrifices made by the previous generation do not have to be made but the current one. It is a biblical principle that struggle is neccesary for strength.
2. Entitlement - Because struggle does not have to take place on the same level, a sense of entitlement is embedded into their DNA. I am sure many of the players listed, whose talent and measureables were much better than players drafted before them, assumed “We’re USC” and “I’m a 5-star recruit” would be enough. It was not.
3. Increased Competition - When the bar of excellence is established, as it was from Carson Palmer to Mark Sanchez, others will reach that same standard. The 1992 USA men’s basketball team won the Gold Medal by an average of 44 points per game. The 2004 USA team won the Bronze.
4. Leadership Transitions - Assistant Coaches have earned the right to have additional responsibility. Norm Chow, Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, and Nick Holt all moved on for better opportunities. John Maxwell teaches those closest to leader determine that leader’s success. It is easier to re-load players than it is other leaders.

Are you allowing your children and those on your team to experience the gift of struggle?

10 Things Church Volunteers Wished Their Pastor Knew About Them

10 Things Church Volunteers Wished Their Pastor Knew About Them

What are the volunteers serving in your church thinking?  What are their hopes, dreams, and needs?  During the last 26 years, I have had to privilege of serving on two church staffs but the vast majority of my time has been as a volunteer.
To assist pastors and church leaders in better connecting with those who have made the strategic choice to leverage their marginal time and talent to serve others, the following are 10 Things Volunteers Wished Their Pastor Knew About Them.

1. We desperately want to make a difference with our one and only life.  Everyone wants to live a life of significance.  We have decided the best place for that to take place is our local church.
2. Our time is valuable so be organized and tell us what to do.  We live very busy lives.  When we show up to serve, please have us something important to do and be well-organized.
3. We want to serve in context of community.  People begin serving at a church for two reasons.  First, to do something significant.  Second, we are looking for friends.  Pastors and church leaders need to always build a time of community into every volunteer effort.
4. Our opinion matters.  We make important organizational decisions in the marketplace every day of our lives.  We build teams and leverage resources.  We are also at Ground Zero in regard to what is happening at the church.  Smart pastors seek out and value our thoughts and insights.  Don’t marginalize us.
5. We want influence, not position.  It is a common misconception that if you give someone a title, it will please them.  Titles are not bad things but they fail in comparison to influence.
6. We want our efforts to be an integral part of making the church’s vision a reality.  Volunteers want to know what they are doing makes a difference in the overall scheme of things and is not just a busy task.
7. We want to grow spiritually. The core desire of our hearts is to be connected with the heart of God.
8. All we want is for someone to say “Thank you. You made a difference today.”  Everyone wants to be told they are pretty. A simple expression of genuine thanks deepens the relationship with the church and inspires our continued efforts.
9. We want you to ask us to serve.  The #1 reason a person joins a cause or team is because someone asks them.  There are dozens, maybe hundreds of qualified volunteers at your church who would love to serve if someone would just ask them.
10. We want the freedom to take a break when we need one.  This is critical.  There are seasons in your life when you are just tired or have little margin.  There must be a freedom to take a break for a season.  If not, when a volunteer leaves a ministry position, they often leave the church as well because they feel they have no other options.

30 Leadership Quotes From Malcolm Gladwell’s Book David And Goliath

30 Leadership Quotes From Malcolm Gladwell’s Book David And Goliath

This past weekend I completed Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book David And Goliath.  Gladwell gives us a different perspective into how our “weaknesses” and “shortcomings” may actually be our greatest strength.
I cannot recommend this book enough.  It is a masterpiece and should be on the reading list all leaders.  You can order your copy by clicking here or on the image above.
To give you a glimpse into the its content, the following are 3o leadership quotes that will stretch your thinking.

1. Much of what we consider valuable in our world arises out of these kinds of lopsided conflicts, because the act of facing overwhelming odds produces greatness and beauty.
2. Power can come in other forms as well – in breaking rules, in substituting speed and surprise for strength.
3. The very thing that gave the giant his size was also the source of his greatest weakness…The powerful and the strong are not always what they seem.
4. Why do we automatically assume that someone who is smaller or poorer or less skilled is necessarily at a disadvantage?
5. The whole Redwood City (girls basketball team) philosophy was based on a willingness to try harder than anyone else.
6. When an underdog fought like David, he usually won.  But most underdogs don’t fight like David,
7. (Basketball coach Rick) Pitino has achieved extraordinary things with a fraction of the talent of his competitors.
8. To play by David’s rules you have to be desperate.
9. Why should he (Pitino) care what the world of basketball thought of him?…that gave him the freedom to try things no one else even dreamt of.
10. 77% of Americans think that it makes more sense to use taxpayer money to lower class sizes than to raise teachers’ salaries.
11. Any fool can spend money.  But to earn it and save it and defer gratification – then you learn to value it differently.
12. “It’s much harder than anybody believes to bring up kids in a wealthy environment…People are ruined by challenged economic times.  But they’re ruined by wealth as well because they lose their ambition and they lose their pride and they lose their sense of self-worth.  It’s difficult at both ends of the spectrum.
13. More money stops making people happier at a family income of around seventy-five thousands dollars a year.
14. Wealth contains the seeds of its own destruction.
15. If you are a student – particularly a poor student – what you need is to have people around you asking the same questions…class-size reduction “steals away the peers that struggling students can learn from.”
16. Small Ponds are welcoming places for those on the inside.  They have all the support that comes from community and friendship.
17. We form our impressions not globally, by placing ourselves in the broadest possible context, but locally – by comparing ourselves to people “in the same boat as ourselves.”
18. Citizens in happy countries have higher suicide rates than citizens of unhappy countries, because they look at the smiling faces around them and the contrast is too great.
19. The Big Pond takes really bright students and demoralizes them…It’s the Little Pond that maximizes your chances to do whatever you want.
20. An extraordinary high number of successful entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
21. “Capitalization Learning” – we get good at something by building on the strengths we are naturally given…”Compensation Learning” – what is learned out of necessity is inevitably more powerful than learning that comes easily.
22. An innovator who has brilliant ideas but lacks the discipline and persistence to carry them out is merely a dreamer.
23. A radical and transformative thought goes nowhere without the willingness to challenge convention.
24. Learning how to deal with the possibility of failure is really good preparation for a career in the business world.
25. Corpses do not run about spreading panic.
26. Sixty-seven percent of the prime ministers surveyed lost a parent before the age of sixteen.
27. Courage is not something that you already have…Courage is what you earn when you’ve been through the tough times and you discover they aren’t so tough after all.
28. African-Americans have spent a few hundred years learning how to cope with being outgunned and overmatched.
29. Fundamental to our analysis is the assumption that the population, as individuals or groups, behaves “rationally”.
30. There comes a point where the best-intentioned application of power and authority begins to backfire.

Are you challenged in your thinking yet?  Then pick up this book.  You will be a better leader after reading it.