This is a trick question. You will not find a perfect answer at the end of this post. Sorry, but so much of what determines success for you says something about what you see as most important. We can say we all agree on what is most important, but how we define it will differ. … Continue reading What’s the most important metric?
Does change take time?
Yes. The initial decision may take a moment. The realization that something has to give may be quick. The plan may seem like it was nothing to dream up. Everybody said, 'Yes!' But you know there is more to the story. You need to make time and space. Think of it like a spiral, not … Continue reading Does change take time?
Not everything works out
My recent trip to 2 communities did not go as planned. Miscommunication and different people out of the know meant the workshops were not a success. It does not mean I didn't get to meet with some amazing people and hear their stories. You might say it was an unplanned learning experience! If you want … Continue reading Not everything works out
On Purpose: What is your mission?
"We're on a mission from God!"The Blues Brothers Mission and purpose seem almost interchangeable. If you do a little research on your own you will find that many businesses and organisations use either term in some way to describe the essence of what they do. Cutting my teeth in leadership development back in the '90's, … Continue reading On Purpose: What is your mission?
Are you in control?
Do you trust me? Such a simple question, loaded with implications. If you feverishly watched the series The Last of Us like I did, you will remember this important line from our antihero, Joel. In the moment of crisis, he asks this of Ellie, and it is a key moment in the story to come. … Continue reading Are you in control?
The 5 Dysfunctions of Your Team
Are you feeling comfortable? Comfort is one of those things I cherish, not just in my home, but in everything I do. When I speak of care in work and team settings it always starts with ‘comfort’. If people are not comfortable, they will not share openly or function well, because there is always the … Continue reading The 5 Dysfunctions of Your Team
Advent reflections as you lead
So I am a little behind on this one, but as they say, better late than never! The Advent season started last Sunday, so I will post now, and another will follow within a few days. I originally sent this series as a 'Motivational Monday' email series to subscribers. I hope it blesses you as … Continue reading Advent reflections as you lead
Do you have a ‘BE’ list?
I developed a 'be' list a number of years ago. I realized how often I would reference expectations to my volunteers but did not have anything for them to go to throughout the year. An easy to remember, functional list of items we could all agree on and remind each other of in the moment. … Continue reading Do you have a ‘BE’ list?
Being and Doing
I had the opportunity to preach about Mary and Martha recently. A very familiar story about how 2 sisters respond to Jesus coming to their house for a visit. A friend asked how I would be presenting the story, and I simply texted: Martha bad, Mary good I was kidding of course. But I reflected … Continue reading Being and Doing
Authority and Responsibility work well together
A few years ago I posted about the idea of 'power and authority', shortly after Donald Trump became president: https://leadfreely.ca/2017/01/10/who-has-power-over-you/ That was an unfortunate time in world history, one which many people are trying to forget. There was plenty of conversations about the idea of holding power, having power, taking power, and also having authority. … Continue reading Authority and Responsibility work well together
Understand the Culture
Cultural context. Cultural adaptation. Cultural appropriation. Culture change. Culture is king. I have lost some of you already... If you are like me you get to hear some form of ideology on culture on a regular basis. If you are further like me, you also enjoy asking questions about culture; what it is, how it … Continue reading Understand the Culture
A True Care Experience
Gratitude is one of the greatest things you can share with the world! Starting your day with a list of items for which you are grateful boosts your energy and your attitude. So this post is an energy booster for you, because it is all about gratitude for this past week. I had the opportunity … Continue reading A True Care Experience