Groups are susceptible to downward spirals. Momentum can move in either a positive or negative direction. Thoughts feed off other thoughts. Feelings feed off other feelings. Attitudes are contagious. In a group setting, all it takes is one person to infect the others with a critical spirit. Negativity is like pollution: it's easier to notice when you're visiting from out-of-town than when you live with it everyday. When a team gets stuck in the loop of a downward spiral, it's often easier to continue the slide than to reverse it. So, how do you stop a downward spiral? Incrementally. If you find yourself in a downward spiral, introduce something positive to your routine. One slight, positive adjustment alters the course of a meeting or a day. If you don't like the direction you're going, steer a different direction. Instantly. There are times when a negative environment must be confronted head-on.…
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On this first day of 2013, let me encourage you to live each day of this new year with intention and decisiveness. Choose to not be one of those people who drift through life like a pinball in a pinball machine -- bouncing from bumper to bumper, at the mercy of circumstances. One of my favorite Bible verses that describes living with purpose is Acts 13:36. The Apostle Paul is speaking in a synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. As he is building his case for the authenticity of Jesus as Messiah, he drops in this commentary regarding King David: "For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep." I love that verse! You only have one life in which to serve God's purpose -- and that is the life you are living now. We can build on the generations that preceded us; we can pave the way…
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Well, hello 2013. We're officially entering that time period where we will write the wrong date for about a week or two. Even typing 2013 seems odd. Today marks the end of one year; tomorrow begins a new one. At the stroke of midnight, the year will change. But will you? I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions (I've tried once or twice). Even though I don't make resolutions doesn't mean I just stumble into a new year unprepared. Instead of resolutions, I try to find reflections. I try to reflect on what went well during the previous year ... and what didn't. I try to find time to think deeply about who I am and who I want to be. I spend time going through my relationships. I dust-off my mission to see how closely I am still aligned with it. Reflecting is one of the many…
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According to Jim Collins ("Good to Great"), a Level Five leader is self-confident enough to set up their successors for success. This implies three very important things. First of all, it implies that the Level Five leader is most concerned with the health and success of their organization -- not just personal success. There are many men and women who have achieved personal success; a Level Five leader is interested in organizational success. A Level Five leader will put the needs and interests of the group before their own. Those who do not, do not become Level Five leaders. Secondly, a Level Five leader will not be threatened by other good leaders. Many organizations never benefit from the gifts and talents of their team because a leader is too insecure to let another person shine. A Level Five leader is competitive but the competition is not internal but external. Finally,…
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