Life is a Team Sport

I agree with Putman, Church is a team sport. So is marriage. So is parenting. Yada. Yada. Yada.

The road was long this morning. David and I planned a mid-week big run. He was on vacation and I was just feeling stupid. He did not show. I agree 4:45 a.m. is a bit early. My big run turned into 1/2 of a big run. Alone is just not the same.

When David and I run, we laugh. We make up funny things. We talk about grandchildren. We talk about how the race is a metaphor for life and a relationship with God. The journey is way too long to go solo. The trail is too dangerous and dark.

You can have all kinds of people around you, but you can still be going solo. You can be an extrovert and be running by yourself. Sometimes it feels easier and safer, but it's not. Phone a friend today.

Recovery - The Last Race

David (son-in-law) and I set personal distance running records Saturday morning. If you are a serious runner you would not be impressed. If you are not, you probably would be. I did learn some things beyond running.

Adrenalin can get you through the race, but recovery is a big deal. We felt euphoria when we got close enough to know we would finish nine miles. Wow, we made it! Then, reality. How will my body respond the following 48 hours? I was in less control of that than finishing the race.

As I hang out with leaders, and lead a little myself, I have seen this principle many times. Leaders short sell the effect of post race trauma. They focus so well on the mountain, the goal, the finish line, that they tend to destroy themselves and the people around them to get there.

This is more profound than you think. I did better than I thought 48 hours after Saturday. Why? I don't want to take too much credit, but I ran with after shock in mind. Shoes, hydration, stretching, carb replacement, post race meal, and a little medication were all key issues. I thought beyond the finish line. Because of that and God's grace (no kidding), I will race again.

As a leader, don't treat every race like it is the last one. You will last longer, you will win more, and there will be more joy in the journey!

Nothing Normal - Overhearing

Last week was not an average week in my journey. Anytime I can connect with Leadership Network in Dallas, I come away with change in my pocket. Anytime I can hang out with Neal, Chris, Bryan, Jay, Ryan, well . . . you have those kind of people, you know what I mean.

Environments. I believe leaders look for places not information. The vast majority of our learning and growth is informal. I overhear most of what I need. How did Jesus do it? As people did life with Him they overheard His everyday conversations.

Overhearing is safer. I don't have to admit I am struggling when I overhear something that helps me. I may act like I am not listening, but I am. So, if I am around the right people I can ask questions. I confess struggles. I overhear. Sounds like a win/win! For you Bible readers, check out Psalm chapter 1.

From Dallas - Handy Men

No matter how smart we get we still thrive best in informal relationships and in groups. I know we live in the information age but the real question is, so what?

I am surrounded by people in Dallas who are trying to figure something out. Sometimes I disengage and watch, simply to learn how to figure things out. I may not need to figure out the issues they do. But I am always up against some kind of wall. What are my options? Which one is best? What does God want me to do? Know what I mean?

I admire men handy men. Personally, when looking at a wall to paint or a room to remodel I feel overwhelmed. I feel no different than if I were assigned to perform brain surgery on you. Handy men observe, think, talk with other people, consider options, and make choices. Wow.

Dream Beyond the Backside

We had seen the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial before. We learned more of the story this time. Described as the world's largest piece of sculpture, the details of the story and the work are amazing. The project took 55 years to finish. World War I stopped the progress for 37 years.

Dreamers and get er' done types all were a part of making Stone Mountain a famous place. A different thing gets both people out of bed each day. Decide who you are and get some opposites around you. Don't be satisfied working with people who are just like you. Don't take the safe way out. Dream beyond the backside of the horse! See the whole picture.

The Energizer Bunny has a Battery

The Leadership Secrets of the Energizer Bunny could keep going . . . and going . . . and going. There are plenty more places to go and people to see. Friday is a good place to wrap up. BTW if Maxwell was right when he said, leadership is influence, then EB is the man, uh, er . . . maybe EB is the bunny! Right?

I try not to assume faith in Christ on TOL. I don't want drop in readers to think they are crashing a private party. It is good practice not to assume faith in the people that cross my path. I am not sure how good I am at it but I am better than I used to be.

All that to say that the last leadership secret from the Energizer Bunny is a faith secret. Leaders without faith in Christ still lead and lead quite effectively. Let's be honest here. Don't forget, however, the good to great principle. What or who can take you to the next level?

Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.

Charles Spurgeon (British preacher from 1800's) made the previous statement. EB's secret is his battery. He has power that is beyond him. He can run faster, focus better, and accomplish more because of the gift of power. He did not deserve it, did not even know it existed, and probably did not think he needed until someone gave it to him. In fact, would it be safe to say, EB's battery defines him?

Once you claim you are a leader and a Christ follower you raise your own bar. People expect more. You are saying, 'my leadership will be distinct, my choices will be informed and empowered by God Himself, and my values will driven by an eternal perspective'.

For EB, it is all about the battery. His secret is, there is no secret. What is it all about for you?

The Energizer Bunny is No Lone Ranger - Leadership Secrets III

He made it to the top five! Who would have thunk it (as my dad used to say)? Was it his own brilliance? Was it his giftedness? Not at all. EB could not have listened to everybody, but he did listen intently to somebody.

Could you imagine a young Energizer Bunny with a resume'? Where would he go? What was he qualified to do/be? What was he thinking? One day a pinhead from Energizer saw something in EB (before he was EB). So, should EB listen? What made this pinhead any different?

The environment of an effective leader includes people. In fact, I like to be around effective leaders because I will find around them, effective leaders, young and old. Visionaries. People, regardless of age that are passionate about learning, growing and making a difference. The ear of effective leaders belongs to somebody (usually more than one). He is very particular about who that 'somebody' is.

The leader, who is Christian has given his life away to Jesus Christ. Included in the package deal is his ear. That, is the beginning of wisdom. To whom are you listening? Is any recalibration needed?

Sad Day! IOP is history. Not dramatic. Are vacations supposed to be? That means it was a good one, right?

Leadership Secrets of EB - Doc Rivers' Shirt

USA Today reported this morning that Doc Rivers' (Coach of World Champion Boston Celtics) Gatorade-soaked shirt was bought by an anonymous bidder for $55,000. Just what I always wanted, a Gatorade-soaked shirt. I really don't want Doc's. I want my own.

When the Energizer Bunny was just a kid, I wonder what he wanted? What was his dream? How much can a stuffed pink bunny want out of life? Again, since EB was unable for comment, I am left to imagine what his journey to fame must have looked like.

I did three secrets yesterday. Today, only one. Nothing new or profound here. Hopefully a reminder. Effective leaders do certain things. No matter where you meet them and what their particular assignment looks like, they are similar. Normally the best do not aspire to be great, but they are focused on doing great.

Effective leaders are focused leaders. Because of that, they are not always easy to be around. My agendas and ideas are not very important to them, unless it is where they are going. EB may have had all kind of opportunities to chase the dreams and plans of others. No matter the offer, he just kept going . . . and going.

Last full day at IOP. All good. Beautiful.

Leadership Secrets of the Energizer Bunny

I can't remember who coined the term BFO or Blazing Flash of the Obvious. BFO applies here to the Energizer Bunny. He did not respond to my request for a blog interview. His agent said he was busy spinning around and banging his drum. This is a rare case of what got him to the top will likely keep him there.

Here are a few of his secrets:
1) Consistency - As with missionary to India, William Carey, you could say about EB, he is a plodder.

2) Metacognition - Impressed by my new word? I heard it from someone at WRC last week. Thanks Lindsay. Awareness of self, ability to set goals and learn, etc . . .

3) Intuitive - Are leaders made or born? Likely a bit of both, but EB simply maximized his opportunities. Will you today? Or are you just on the way to someplace else? I will unpack this more.

More on the way. Isle of Palms is great. Stay tuned.

I Spin Around and Bang My Drum!

Leadership is a subject that gets plenty of attention. I wonder if Jesus would have gone to a leadership seminar or read a Maxwell book? We may never know. I guess I had better feed the hungry leader animal in us and go with a winning subject. Readership completes me.

And now . . . the shame on you, bad dog, no, get off the couch, don't do that there, get outside, part! Who would not want to be on the most famous living people list? Oh, don't get humble on me. Remember, fame means you achieved something extraordinary. I don't want to be Rick Warren, but I would like to be the Rick Warren of my world (My confession to Ray Brock).

Mike and Mike (ESPN Radio) talked about a famous Americans list Friday. You could guess some, although I would have never guessed that Michael Jordon was #1. You will never guess who beat Oprah and Obama on this particular list.

I spilled my coffee, dropped my cell phone in mid-conversation, lost my highlighter in the floor board, and choked on my fiber bar when I heard who #5 was. The Energizer Bunny was considered one of the five most famous people in America.

As hard as I try to be famous, a stuffed bunny who works for a battery company, just being who he is, becomes famous. Let's face it TOL readers. Without a big break from Energizer where would this bunny be? He would be laying in a glass box at a cheap arcade waiting for the dreaded steel claw. Wow, that's gotta hurt.

Does he know he is famous? Does his parents know? Do they care? Where does he go from here? Does he have aspirations? I doubt it.

Does PETSA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Stuffed Animals pronounced "pizza") know? I am calling them. They would not be happy about the long, boring, hours of unpaid work. Banging his drum, spinning in circles, and giving his all, this bunny gets shut up in the dark at the end of the day. Abuse!

I am outraged by the whole deal. Here I am banging my drum, spinning in circles, and giving my all for what? What can I learn from the apparent fame of the Energizer Bunny? I think you can see we have potential here, so I will pick up Leadership Secrets of the Energizer Bunny tomorrow.

Isle of Palms for a few days with the Yvette, Anna, and Abby. We are already having fun. I try not to let expectations ruin vacations. A slow line at Subway in Orangeburg and thunderstorms in Mt. Pleasant didn't even throw us off.

Cracking the Leadership Code - Evil Twin 2

Could it be? My evil twin leader values being followed to higher levels over helping people around him to a higher level. I understand him, oh how I understand him, you know . . . the big ugly, my evil twin leader.

When I am followed somewhere I get all the Gatorade. Me. My favorite subject. When I lift others higher they get all the Gatorade. Shoot, I like Gatorade. All over my head and on my clothes, I love them smell of cool, purple Gatorade. I want to be the hero! Oh wait, not me, my evil twin leader.

We can lead people through manipulation, paychecks, intimidation or positional authority. Most leaders depend on those tools too often. If you lead with an iron hand you are admired by most. However, you and your followers are all underachieving. If you are serving God, He gets the short end of the stick when you force people to follow.

This is one of my newly discovered favorite quotes from Coaching for Performance:

You can make a man run, but you can't make a man run fast!

The longest distance known to man is the few inches between his head and his heart. His head will tell him he had better do something. You and he get the minimum out of that deal. Lead the hearts of people. Think about what that would look like. Coach more. Attempt to help move fences in their minds. Clear the fog. Watch them soar . . . along with Kingdom impact. The Gatorade is great for the moment but over time all you have is sticky skin and purple clothes.

Helping Others Pass You - My Evil Twin

How strange would it be? Tiger Woods pulls Rocco Mediate aside and says, dude, let me help you. We may face a playoff in a major again. I know that is what you want. I want to teach you how to beat me.

I am not talking about concession here. I am talking about teaching others to be better than you at something. Sounds strange?

I am reading a new book on coaching. Coaching for Performance by John Whitmore is a classic, often recommended book by coaching rock stars. First written in the early 90's, the human potential theme will spook some readers. Context, however, is everything, so for me, there is much to learn. On working with people Whitmore makes the following statement:

One of the best things we do for them is to assist them to surpass us.

Why do we shy away from this idea? How would this value help you take people to a higher level? I have a twin who is an evil leader. My dark side can often be seen through my desire to control people. There is another way my evil leadership twin shows up. My twin shows through a desire to maintain the belief of people around me that I am superior to them. A bit uncomfortable with this? Me too.

Listen to the old Apostle, Paul:

For now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord (I Thes. 3:8)

You think Paul worried about people surpassing him? Don't think so. Look at the people around you differently today. God has placed you there for a reason. The reason is likely for the people who are physically positioned closest to you. Teach them how to beat you.

Brush Off Your Bottom III - Give Jesus Your Ugly Ear

I would love for Barna, Stetzer, or Rainer to give this research project a try. When on a losing streak and faced with three options: quit; look in the mirror; or brush off your bottom and go another round; what is the most common response?

I mentioned this week I thought heroes always pick number three and wimps always pick number one. So what is the right answer? Life is so much simpler with one answer. I don't think there is a universal answer to this question. Context is everything.

Some are obvious: don't quit on your marriage, don't quit on your kids, don't quit loving your neighbors . . . Hey, and don't let me scare you, I do believe there are issues in life where there is only one answer for everyone in every circumstance.

Here is one universal answer when on a losing streak: give Jesus your ear. You may have heard somewhere, sometime (depending on your background) give Jesus your heart, give Jesus your life; give Jesus your checkbook (uh, make that out to me, btw); give Jesus your family . . . but, what about your ear? He has customized instructions for you on how to respond.

My ears are so ugly. Shaped funny with man hair growing out of them, I would probably look better in ear muffs on a hot S.C. day. Why is Jesus even interested in such an awful thing? Here is why . . . when Jesus has your ear, He has all of you. Whoever you listen to owns you.

Here is an example: Then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the door post. An his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently (The Bible: Numbers 21:6, NAS). Just can't get this word out of my head, or my ear. Piercing anyone?

What a weekend! Horse show starring Anna tonight. Yvette's parents are coming . . . 8K Trail Run Saturday, WRC http://www.willowridgechurch.org/ Sunday, Mother's Day, exciting new church in Spartanburg, Sunday night, movement makers Monday.

Brush Off Your Bottom II

Let's review our options:

1) Quit
2) Look in the Mirror
3) Brush off our bottoms and go another round

Why are things so difficult? Why do I keep losing? All three options are legit, at times. Number two should continually happen if you are healthy. Some gaze way too long and too often, but a quick glance is always appropriate.

Heroes always pick number three. Heroes are often wrong. Wimps always pick number one. Lather, rinse, repeat . . . there is no simple formula for picking the right answer.

Now, what is God saying? If you are not sure, how can you find out? What is your next step? What (or whom) has robbed you of hope? How will you address this?

Great day yesterday at Myrtle Beach with movement makers. Did not set foot in one outlet . . . Not even for my government mandated 20 minute break in the morning or the afternoon. Impressive, huh? My first 8K is coming Saturday. David and I are pumped!

Brush Off Your Bottom

In life, you're going to get knocked down sometimes. No one is successful all the time. Learn to brush off your bottom, spit on your palms and say, I think I'll go another round. Then you will be a winner.

The balence is not always simple. 1) When do you quit? 2) When do you look in the mirror and say, why do I keep losing? . . . or in a more famous statement, Lord, is it I? 3) When do you brush off your bottom?

Sometimes in TOL my purpose is to wonder about the answers but not give them. In other words, I seldom actually know them. I act smug and say, Oh weedhopper, the wisdom of the ages is for you to discover on your own. I don't know the answer to today's question.

For today, let's pick the easy one. I'll have a number three please, and hold the mayo. Are you on a losing streak? Follow George Forman's advice. He won the world heavyweight boxing championship at age 45.

BTW, this weekend I place 61st in the Riverfest 5K. Two goals not met were: 1) finish in the top third (missed by two spots) 2) set a new personal record (26.13 was my time missed by 4 seconds). One goal I did meet: I beat frogman. I need to pick out a new nemisis.

Liberty University Final - Unapologetic

No doubt, Jerry Falwell's vision is all over Liberty University. Included was a really ugly bald spot he had constructed into Chandler's Mountain (4000 tons of rock arranged in the letters LU). Lynchburg residents were not happy about it, but Jerry never seemed to be overly concerned about what people thought.

Spending a few days at Liberty will result in months of debrief for me. The environment around LU was one of abandonment and risk for the gospel. As I addressed a class of young champions I reminded them not to take the environment for granted. I have never experienced anything like it.

I spent a few days in the environment with experienced champions like Dave Early, Jonathan Falwell, Ergun Caner, David Wheeler, and Ed Stetzer (Liberty Alum). I learned how reckless they were for the cause of Christ. I also realized that I spend a lot of time in my environments apologizing for and qualifying what I think, believe, and do.

I have blogged before that it is not automatically a virtue to not care what people think. I stand by those blogs in their context. But that does not mean that we have to spend precious time and energy apologizing for the right things we think, believe, and do. Jerry did issue apologies in his day, but not many. He invested his energy in dreaming, wildly, about changing the world. He gets a seat, forever, by those who have.

From Liberty U - What was He all About?

With Dustin http://www.midtowncolumbia.com/ the next three days in Lynchburg. Liberty U and Dr. Falwell's vision for excellence and innovation is often overlooked. The Moral Majority era along with Teletubies placed him in a certain stereotype that he could never overcome. Falwell's positive influence on the lives of millions is the story behind the story.

We have quickly become experts at things we are not that good at, like connecting with culture and influencing people. How many times do we say about ourselves, when will we Christians be known for what we are for vs. what we are against? No doubt, when you read Wikapedia's http://www.wikapedia.org/ version of Jerry Falwell, the writers (whoever they are) find controversy the sexy part of the Falwell legacy.

I think there is a greater danger than being known for what we are against. The greater danger is to lead meaningless, passionless lives. We offend no one in exchange for influencing no one.

As I sit within 2 miles of Liberty U's campus, I think of the incredible God story. The God story that will never go away even though Jerry has been in heaven since May 15, 2007. I think of the thousands of Champions who have passed and will pass through Liberty and help change the world.

Jerry may have had regrets at the end of his life. I hope not many. Let it be said of me Lord, I had too much passion, too much drive, instead of What was he really all about?

It May Be All About You - After All

Ryan Leaf was one of the biggest disappointments in the history of professional sports. Neal and I reviewed his case a few minutes yesterday through the miracle (yes, I am that old) of the Internet.

Leaf became famous, fast, as a college junior at Washington State University. I remember seeing him play in the Rose Bowl in 1998. I was amazed at his arm strength and quick release. The big debate was over who would be a better pro, Payton Manning or Ryan Leaf. Leaf was chosen second, after Manning, in the 1998 NFL draft, by the San Diego Chargers. He threw 14 touchdown passes and 36 interceptions in 25 NFL games. He is now quarterbacks and golf coach at West Texas State University.

Sometimes the purpose of our lives is to serve as a warning for others. I read that somewhere once. On my bad days, I think, at least I can be a warning. Point here: self-maintenance and practice is more important than game time. Our guilt-driven, out of balance lives are really ego driven, my thrill comes in front of the crowd, and that is all that matters. That applies to me (although I do not have a strong arm or quick release) and you, more than Ryan Leaf. Who we are happens in private. How we "perform" on game day begins in secret places.

Columbia and Aiken yesterday. Joel Rainey, Richard Swift, and Neal McGlohon were among the movement makers I hung out with. We were not in front of any crowds, but that is a pretty elite group of players (you know what I mean).

From Tennessee - Club vs. Church

Reggie McNeal always bemoaned the fact that the church often demonstrated a club mentality. I understand what he meant. No question the 50 year-old South Holston Ruritan Club faces challenges in the future.

Some churches, however, would benefit from the South Holston Ruritan approach. For other churches, a club mentality would be a step up. Here are my observations of the club mentality:

1. Humble Leaders - I witnessed the outgoing president's last meeting and the installation of a new one. They presented the former president a lapel pin and a basket of fruit for his one year of volunteer service. He seemed genuinely grateful. The new president stammered as he looked at the floor of the platform. He said, uh, I will do my best, that is all I can promise. Uh, you guys are going to need to help me and when I mess up, tell me. Neither of these guys demonstrated my greatest strength, false humility. They meant it.

Jim Collins, in Good to Great, said the leadership in Great organizations demonstrated two traits. One of them is professional humility. Percept, the demographers for World Headquarters, estimated that 80% of South Carolineans, prefer the style of leadership that, works with them on deciding what to do and helps them do it. In comparison, roughly 4% preferred a leader who tells them what to do.

You can start an argument about the need for strong leadership. You might add that biblical leadership is uncompromising and bold if you want. First, however, you might consider the model of a healthy, balanced, in tune with the Father-type leader, like er . . . uh . . . Jesus. Oh, maybe that's not fair to play the Jesus card. Paul? We see elements of strength and even a prophetic vein in their leadership. We also see humble, servant leaders.

Much of what we give to churches under the guise of strong leadership is flesh. Leaders think we are being strong, when we actually lead like we would without Christ. Selfish, self-promoting, uncaring, and manipulative are not the ways of Jesus. A club mentality may help here. At least the club mentality demonstrated in the last two presidents at the South Holston Ruritan . . .

Live Christmas Jazz in E-town last night with Randy (b-i-l) and Debbie (beloved sister). Rick Simerly is a Jazz legend in East Tennessee. Eat your heart out Steve Carmel Frappichino Scudder. Great pictures and a long, hard walk/run around the lake was also happening. Fun abounds. Merry Christmas!

Open Doors, Open Windows

You can cut your risk of break-ins at your home by thirty percent! That is no over promise. Lock you doors, lock your windows. A recent study revealed that 30% of all home burglaries come by invitation, through unlocked doors and windows.

My down fall as a leader may be what you will never see. Could it be moral? Yep. Sure as we sit here by our computers, mine could be moral. Jesus and I, have been tempted in ALL points, just like you. Difference is Jesus has a better track record than me. Still an embarrassing thought, isn't it?

Even a greater threat to my work in the vineyards is underachieving. You may never see that. I may underachieve because of the parts of my life that I leave wide open. My greatest personal threat is to not try very hard, and not know it.

Often the evaluation of our own efforts is based on what people say. Other times we evaluate our efforts based on how tired we feel when we are down to our boxer briefs at night. Who was it that said, An unexamined life is not worth living? I don't remember. The 30 day rule is if we can find out who did, feel free to quote me.

Let's see, the point, er . . . uh, check your doors and windows. Have a neighbor check them, too. You can really be passionate about not being burglarized. But if you don't check your windows and doors, often, you are not trying very hard. Get it?

Senesi gets five year pen! At world headquarters yesterday, I along with many of my friends were recognized before the board for SCBC tenure. Mine was five years. Five years and three months to be exact. Talked about your upsets -- there was a greater chance for Appy State to beat Michigan in Ann Arbor than for me to stay here for 5.3 years. For the first six months, I didn't think I would be back the following Monday. But, we have talked about that, haven't we? Thought God was calling me here to work through me. He showed me, soon upon my arrival, He called me here to work in me. Kind of like a dentist visit that needed to happen. Ouch! I am better now. Thanks God for 5.3!