Process = Results

Often I believe that people are finding the exact results they should expect.

Many leadership and church organization books talk about how the results you are getting are a result of what you've chosen to do.  Wanting different results requires you to change some things.  While that isn't always statistically relevant advice, I have found it to generally be wise advice.

Unfortunately, this leaves me finding myself in many meetings wondering why someone would be upset that their goal for the meeting isn't being accomplished.

For example:  if someone calls a meeting, invites a substantial number of people, the same ones that were at the last 3 or 4 meetings, and then complains or wonders...why aren't decisions getting made quickly, this group seems to be dragging its feet just like in the last 4 meetings.

Lead the same way, by the same person, with the same agenda, getting the exact same discussion, they are surprised that somehow their goals don't magically get met.  I want to just tell them...these are the exact results you should be expecting.  They won't change until part of the process does.

Instead, i'll put the next meeting date on my calendar and doodle on my notepad as I hear the same discussion echo in my head.

Shirt Envy

I bought 3 new shirts today.

I told one of my co-workers it was his fault.  Sitting across from me in staff meeting I looked at our Junior High Pastor and thought "I like that shirt."

This was apparently one of the most applicable thoughts I had during the meeting as I went to three different stores (2 on lunchbreak, 1 after work) looking at new shirts because of my shirt envy.

I found 3 (1 on lunchbreak, 2 after work) that caught my fancy enough to buy.

There was a fourth that I liked, but didn't know if it was worth it's non-sale price so I sent a picture of me trying it on to Jenny (smartphones rock) to get her opinion...as a result, I didn't end up getting that one.

Glad to get her opinion before she knew the price, because knowing the price she would definitely have said no.

Without Checks and Balances

There aren't many things I find more frightening that people who are put in positions of authority but have no checks and balances in place.

Unfortunately, I keep hearing stories of pastors who have managed to find themselves in that position.  Some I know sought it, but others I am guessing just let accountablilty fall to the back burner.  They weren't trying to put themselves in an unheatlhy lifestyle, but stumbled into it without notice, and then refused to change things.

I'd be a horrible leader if left to my own devices.  Temptations may not always win, but with only my own power to rely on, I'm sure I'd give in at some point.

I hope to always find myself and my leadership to be one which has plenty of people who can influence what goes on, and that I've never placed myself above the need of help.

Another Weekend Away

Tomorrow will be a long day as Thursday's generally are for me.

This one will be especially long though because when it is done I'll be making the drive up to a camp for our Men's Retreat.  I'll be teaching some of the time on Saturday (about family values passed on by the men in the Old Testament), which means I get to go for free.

I'll also get in 36 holes of golf and maybe some paintball or trap shooting.

Should be an enjoyable weekend away.

Season Finale

I tend to really look forward to season finale episodes of shows, but then don't know what to do  the week after when my "normal" t.v. watching routine is all shaken up.

Anyone have any advice for this difficult transition time of life?