Review of "The E-Myth Manager"

What a book! We just finished reading Michael Gerber's "E-Myth Manager" as a staff, and I found it simply remarkable. If you haven't heard of the E-Myth, it is this: the myth that most people who start small businesses are entrepreneurs AND the fatal assumption that an individual who understands the technical work of a business can successfully run a business that does that technical work.

But the beauty of the work lies within its wisdom for organizations regardless of their size, mission, staff, and much more...these principles are foundational to transforming organizations. I was very skeptical of the "systems approach" to organizations especially churches but now see if is the most efficient and effective way to deliver on the promise we have been called to.

I took exhaustive notes, not because I'm so smart or geeky but because this book will be pulled off the shelf many times over the next few years. Below are 10 key concepts I found plus CLICK HERE to download all the notes for yourself if you want the "Cliff Notes" of the book.

1. "Management, as we have come to know it, is the product of many years of insanity based on the idea that to manage means to control everything around us. Something humans were never born to do."
2. "Most organizations are filled with empty missions today."
3. "You must create a system to that the Vision will be optimally realized. Systems and Strategies are critical"
4. "Actively live life, rather than let life live you. STOP living on autopilot."
5. "Once the FLAVOR of the organization is communicated clearly as well as the standards and character...tactical components reveal themselves."
6. "Make sure everyone in the organization understands how money works and how it doesn't."
7. "You do not organize PEOPLE...you organize WORK."
8. "Know the ONE thing it is you're committed to providing the people you serve and focus your energy entirely on the perfection of the ability to fulfill that commitment. PROMISE (what are we here to accomplish?) and PROCESS (what is the best way to fulfill it?)"
9. "A systems dependent organization is significantly more humane than a people-dependent one. In a people-dependent organization, when Fred stops producing, Fred's history. In a systems-dependent organization, Fred's not the problem, the system is."
10. "The people you look to hire should be people who recognize their weaknesses -- perhaps more than their strengths -- and truly express the desire to rise above them. People who are self-aware are generally also willing to assume full responsibility for the role they play within the organization.
    
    

How do you "pay" volunteers?

I work in a very volunteer intensive environment, and we always are looking for ways to show appreciation ("pay") our volunteers. Everyone has a currency they prefer, which motivates your volunteers the most? What's their currency? The first job of a leader is to define reality, and the last job of a leader is to say “Thank You.” How do volunteers experience “thank you” with the most impact?

1. Money
(small increments, gift cards, tokens of appreciation)
2. Private Praise
(specific, pull-you-aside-and-complement, letting them know their service was noticed)
3. Public Praise
(in front of the group, calling them out as the difference maker)
4. Access to their Up-line coordinator/staff
(above and beyond everyone else, they have the up-line’s ear)
5. Input
(their input heard – but they don’t necessarily need their idea to be executed)
6. Knowledge
(they like to be kept in the loop on the inner dialogue)
7. Significance
(they like to be told how your efforts make a difference…the “why” is the motivator for them)
8. Excellence
(they have to be part of something special, an organization that is better than the rest)
9. Flexibility of Schedule
(like to know they are so valuable we are willing to accommodate their schedule)
10. Time Off
(their personal cycle is such that they work hard then hiatus after completion of a goal).
11. Give more work to me
(They are driven by feeling needed).

CNN "Heroes" was truly great TV

How many times have you watched the news and thought, "Why is it that all we hear about is death, dying, doom and gloom? Isn't there something out there bringing hope and meaning to people's lives that could be reported on from time to time?" It was these questions that awoke what I believe to be my calling to enter into the media and creative fields...to possibly be a catalyst for change. And it was this presentation by CNN on Thanksgiving that brought a broad smile to my face called "Heroes :: Ordinary people, Extraordinary impact."

I only had a chance to watch about 30 minutes of this profoundly inspiring "Oscars of Charity and Kindness". Wow...amazing stories from ordinary people doing something to make a difference in people's lives all around this world. I teared up several times and kept smiling ear to ear...media at its best. John Legend's "If Your Out There" was the icing on the cake to close the celebration.

Yes...I love the actual Oscar's but in the end aren't they simply Hollywood patting itself on its back? This presentation provided more fuel to an already burning fire in many people's hearts to look beyond themselves. And as a follower of Jesus it helped me regain so often what I lose in the blur of life...the hope and sustainable change offering love to others brings.

I'm sure re-runs will be airing for the next week or two so make sure you DVR it and enjoy.

Bond vs. Bond

Pierce Brosnan versus Daniel Craig...who will win?

What if Starbucks marketed like a Church?

Top 10 Irritating Phrases

Researchers from Oxford University compiled a list of overused, cliched, misused, and simply annoying phrases...see how guilty you are:

#1: At the end of the day

#2: Fairly unique

#3: I personally (I'm guilty...the ultimate postmodern beginning to a sentence in order to maintain the 'politically correct' discourse.)

#4: At this moment in time

#5: With all due respect

#6: Absolutely (Currently I overuse this big time)

#7: It's a nightmare

#8: Shouldn't of

#9: 24/7 (This saying should be put out of its misery sooner than later)

#10: It's not rocket science

What is it to believe?

"To believe is to commit. In the area of intellectual learning I commit myself mentally, and reject anything not related to that belief. In the realm of personal belief I commit myself morally to my convictions and refuse to compromise."

- Oswald Chambers

Our passion for politics and Jesus

Here's a quote from a good friend this morning:

"I wonder if Christians who voted/loved Obama are as excited and enthusiastic about Jesus (and tell other people about him as passionately). Imagine the change in the world if that were (universally) the case ..."

Catalyst Conference 2008 :: Jim Collins

• "If we only have GREAT businesses in our country we're only going to be prosperous. Greatness is not from the cards we're dealt...it's a choice and discipline." (Jim Collins, author 'Good to Great')

• "It takes time to get where you want to go...get the momentum going...turn the flywheel. Starbucks only had 5 stores in its first 13 years." (Jim Collins)

• "The great fall for most organizations is OVERREACHING. Seduced by our own success...hubris." (Jim Collins)

• "The right WHO = the right WHAT. The right WHO prepares you and your organization for everything you'll encounter, especially in turmoil." (Jim Collins)

• "Leaders of the 'Good to Great' organizations were HUMBLE. Humility defined by absolute passion for the misson and vision of the organization, not themselves. If it's about you...nothing truly great will happen." (Jim Collins)

• "Make your NOT TO DO list as robust as your TO DO list." (Jim Collins)

• "Every generation needs to develop its own practices to exemplify the values that cut across generations." (Jim Collins)

Here are 5 things Jim asked everyone to do when we get home:
1. How many key seats are on the bus for your organization? How can you get to 100%?
2. Build a personal board of directors...people who push, young people who would be in your face
3. Take intentional quiet time...nothing scheduled, no electronics
4. Ask questions versus statements
5. Ask yourself...are you ready to endure the pain to become a Level 5 leader?

• "Have an Annual top 3 to do and a top 3 not to do." (Jim Collins)

• "The moment you have to tightly manage someone, most likely you made a hiring mistake. The key is leading...not managing." (Jim Collins)

Catalyst Conference 2008 :: Andy Stanley and Moral Authority

Catalyst (noun) an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.

A catalyst of learning, worship, social action, growth, leadership and action...that about sums up the Catalyst Conference experience for me. It is an intense 48 hours to say the least. A lineup that ran the spectrum from influential church leaders to marketing gurus. It was amazing to sit at their feet and absorb.

Over the next few days I'm going to post some of the top points I heard from the conference. They're amazing snippets from amazing thinkers...take some time to read them.
_________

• "Moral authority is when your creed and deed are aligned. Compromising this will jeopardize any influence you have and that's all of us mostly have...influence. We can't make people do things. So make sure your PUBLIC and PRIVATE moral authority are aligned." (Andy Stanley)

• "Everyone has sad stories of being mistreated, underpaid, stabbed in the back, etc but Jesus' example helps us move past this...there is NO excuse for bitter, angry church leaders. If we allow bitterness and anger then we lose moral authority. RESOLVE YOUR JUNK! The boldest step you'll take is to get on your knees and release your junk to God." (Andy Stanley)

• "In your family if you can't speak with moral authority...it's done! Don't sacrifice the position NO one else can fill (father or mother) for a position at work many people can fill." (Andy Stanley)

My sons are now HIP-HOP stars!

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Barney Frank has a new butthole!