Share the Excitement

Do you wake up in the morning so excited about the opportunities the new day brings? Does your heart beat a little faster when you think about the ministry of leadership that your position provides? Does the inspiration that you derive from the impact of your organization serve as incredible motivation for your life? If you identify with this kind of enthusiasm, then you have experienced the thrill of leadership.

But, part of the challenge of leadership is finding ways to share this enthusiasm with others in the organization. How does the leader, who is so excited about the future and what lies ahead, pass on this enthusiasm? As I have reflected on this huge, and yet vital task, I would suggest at least four methods. Each of these approaches must work together to accomplish a balance and comprehensive message to the organization.

First, the leader must consistently project a positive outlook. The organizational culture must ring with the bells of victory. Celebration for the small accomplishments and the huge ones should characterize the spirit of the company. Positivism should reflect both the present status as well as the future possibilities of the organization. Things are not always rosy and filled with silver linings, but as Annie always said, "you're never fully dressed without a smile." Cold water can squelch creativity, but optimistic encouragement can enable collaborative ideation that leads to excitement among the troops.

Second, a leader must communicate realistic explanations. Optimistic leaders are usually bubbling over with a mighty vision of incredible impact. The leader often sees the vision with the clarity of present reality even when it is still far away. At the same time the leader must be careful to give real-time explanations to keep the people informed and "in touch" with the actual data of the day. Positive dreams and inspiring movement toward the future need to be balanced with realistic explanations to realistic inquiries.

Third, a leader must be committed to honest responses of integrity. The positive spin of optimism must never deceive the stakeholders. Clarifying and pointing to the future are keys to helping other catch the vision, but misrepresenting the present can cause mistrust and anger. If the future looks bright but the present is filled with rough and rocky times, honest statements that paint a true picture of both can free the organization to dream and pray with power.

Fourth, a leader must create a challenging vision. A vision that can be easily accomplished is not much of a vision at all. However, a vision that is way out of the realm realistic possibility can actually serve as a discouragement to the company. But a well designed, strategically worded vision can provide statements that unify and inspire. An edgy balance between challenge and simplicity; between a major stretch and concrete plans; between total dependence and confident responsibility can energize leaders, board members, employees and other stakeholders to sacrifice and dedicate themselves to the transformation of the vision into reality.

If you are charged-up about the future and excited about where your organization is moving, then share your passion and allow others to join your adventure. Be positive, be real, be honest, be visionary! Leaders that are inspired can inspire others; leaders that are enthusiastic can motivate colleagues, leaders that are passionate communicate genuine integrity, and leaders with optimistic vision create unity. Share the excitement and enjoy the journey!

Excitement face found at http://enoughhatsforeveryone.blogspot.com/
Enthusiasm Ignites Greatness Graphic found at http://quotesweliveby.blogspot.com/2010/10/nothing-great-was-ever-achieved-without.html

Who is Coming?

You better watch out, you better not cry.....he's making a list and checking it twice.... he knows who's naughty and nice....Santa Claus is coming to town!

Growing up in the hills of West Virginia, Christmas was a magical time for me. Most years there was no need to dream of a white Christmas because our little town was blanketed with pure snow. I remember the joy of walking out in the snow and watching the big flakes fall from the sky. Night time was gorgeous as the streetlights put a glow around the cascading snowflakes that added to the winter wonderland effect.

Santa was such a central part of my growing up. Cookies and milk were always set out for him on the living room table close to the fireplace. My folks had very few gifts under the tree on Christmas eve and then on Christmas morning, all the gifts appeared like someone had delivered them overnight. My Christmas Eves were so filled with anticipation that sleep was disturbed several times during the night. I wasn't sure what a sugarplum was, but I was pretty sure that they were dancing in my head and keeping me awake.

We had a great sled riding hill within walking distance of our house and all the neighborhood kids would gather at the hill for great hours of fun. I was not king of the hill, but I got such a kick out of flying down that hill with snow flying in my face. But it was on this hill of excitement, that I got the news that stabbed deep into my heart. As we were sharing about the excitement of Christmas morning, one of the older boys laughed at me and declared the nonexistence of Santa. I wanted to punch him in the worst way, but his size and age was quite a deterrent. Instead I took my sled and ran home. I went inside to see my dad. I don't remember if I asked my mom first or not, but I remember talking with my dad. When I asked him the question of whether there was a Santa or not, I remember the sadness that came upon his face. He gave me the very grown-up explanation that the spirit of Santa is giving and that as we give gifts to one another it is all done in the same way that Santa would give if he were real. I hated to hear the truth and his explanation sure didn't satisfy my desire to believe.

It was over a decade later that I realized that Christmas Eve needed to be approached with great anticipation. That the restless night should again become part of my thinking. That the Coming was still going to be a reality. The cookies could be placed beside the fireplace to enjoy in the morning, because Santa was NOT coming, but I was going to celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world. The greatest gift - God Himself, Emmanuel, was sent to us to provide a way of reconciliation and peace and redemption. Under the tree were nice gifts of earthly value that expressed the love we have for one another; but on the tree Jesus died that God might give us eternal gifts of heavenly value. Santa came with excitement and packages with my name on them. Jesus came with illumination and salvation because he knows me by name.

I still love to walk in the snow (but I hate to drive in it). It has been a while since I went sled riding, but even as an adult, flying down the hill brought a thrill to my heart. I thoroughly enjoy watching my kids and grandchildren open up their presents. And when I was 20 years old, I made such an incredible transfer of Christmas excitement from the pretend mission of Santa to the reality of Christ's plan - from the make-believe gift-giver to the wonderful Giver of peace and grace; from Santa to salvation; from Frosty the Snowman to Jesus, God's only Son; from Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer to the reality of the manager. A Christmas celebration based on Jolly Old Saint Nick excited my heart and mind as a boy, but a Christmas based on the reality of the Incarnation satisfies my soul everyday.


Santa picture found at http://triangulations.wordpress.com/2010/11/24/fighting-dragons-santa/

Football Leaderhip

In the midst of college football bowl games, there will be incredible plays that will change the direction, momentum and ultimate results of the games. The fake punt, the halfback pass to the wide receiver (or maybe even to the quarterback), the double reverse, the blocked field goal attempt, or the Hail Mary desperation bomb - these are the kind of highlights that are played over and over in order to relive the excitement of the bowls. And who makes these plays happen? The head coach, the offensive coordinator, the quarterback, the defensive line could all be the correct answer depending on the situation. In the final analysis, however, the leader makes it happen.

When I sit back in my armchair and watch the big game on TV, those game-changing plays just scream leadership. I see four particular aspects of leadership that jump out out me when I sit in front of my Panasonic. First, on the gridiron, leadership might be seen in the form of the idea maker. Someone on the sideline or in the booth sees a crack in the opposing team's armor. A strategic plan develops to take advantage of the opponent's weakness. The play is called and communicated to the quarterback who directs the team in the huddle. The ball is snapped and momentum is about to change!

A second form of leadership come in the form of the executor of the details. The quarterback is the CEO on the field. The exchange of the ball from the center to the quarterback begins a change reaction that, if executed cleanly and precisely, can change the outcome of the entire game. Talented players are important; but the execution of the details transforms talent into victory. Talent without execution is only talent.

Third, leadership on the field can be seen in the skill of the expert. Some running backs have extraordinary expertise. When number 23 is out of the game, his back up (#34) enters the game. The same play, on which number 23 gained 43 yards, nets on two yards for #34. The offensive line made similar blocks, the hole opened up in identical ways, but the expertise of #23 allowed him to hit the hole with greater speed, better balance, and superior agility. The leadership of the expert cannot be underestimated.

Finally, the leader is often the one who seizes the opportunity. Being the right person and the right place at the right time can completely change the course of the game. The tipped pass that falls in the hands of a secondary receiver for a touchdown... the interception that ends a drive to take the lead.... the fumble recovery on the two yard line... not only was the player at the right place and the right time, but he seized the opportunity, stepped into the spotlight and responded with greatness.

In football, or in the office, leadership can often be seen in the form of the idea maker, the skillful executive of the idea, the expert skill of the superstar, and the one who sees the opportunities to serve the team and seizes the moment. Innovation and ideation, creative application and attention to detail, dedication toward perfection, and a passionate drive with intentionality are all essential elements to effective leadership. Watch for these elements on the sideline, in the huddle, in the workplace, in your life.

OSU picture found at http://www.sinclairclarion.com/home/tag/state/

Leadership Is Expressed In Influence

Who has influenced you over the years? That question might have immediately brought several faces to your mind. Some of those faces might have appeared with smiles and bright eyes as you remember the cheers of encouragement, the words of motivation and inspiration directing you toward the stars, and the challenges of a mentor pushing you toward doors of opportunity and greatness; but some of the faces that flashed before your mind might be etched with critical voices that impacted you with negativism and harshness. Influence can come in several varieties and its impact can leave healing or wounds, excitement or contempt, loving respect or great disdain.

My hope with this posting is to focus on the positive. If the initial question brought up some bad memories or faces that you would not like to think about much longer, I would like to give you permission to set those faces aside for another day. Today, I would like to focus on those positive people in life that have helped us to grow and mature in wisdom and action. So take some time to put some faces back in a gallery for another day, and add some individuals to this moment of remembering positive influences, exemplary behavior, role models lived out before you, and informal and formal mentors. Take as much time as you need. Grab a pen and pad of paper and jots some names down as they come to mind......

Ready to continue? If yes, let's go. If not take some more time to reflect.

Some of you may have a long list, as many people have invested in your life over the years. Some of you may have a shorter list but the people's names on your pad of paper (or in your minds eye) have overwhelmed you with support and encouragement. What is so amazing is how unique your list is to you. Some people on your list may have made the list of dozens, scores, and even hundreds of others. Influential people most often impact lots of individuals down through life. Others on your list may have influenced you in a way that is uniquely special.

If a coach is on your list, take a little time to reminiscence about the team, the fun of the sport, and the lessons learned through athletics. If a teacher made your group of influencers, try to recall the classroom, the things that made him/her so special and set him/her apart for the many other instructors you had over the years. Maybe a pastor or a Youth Group sponsor comes to mind. Take a few minutes and contemplate what brought them to your mind and gave them such a place of honor in your life. If a grandparent is smiling at you, reflect on her/his character qualities that impacted your life. If a peer or friend ranks high in your memories of positive impact, try to describe the kindred spirit that bound you together. Take some time and mentally recreate some of the moments of great impact in your life. Smile a little bit today and see some special faces and special places that inspired you - and hopefully still inspire you in this moment.

After you have spent a some time reflecting, I would urge your to do two things. First, consider writing a short note/email/text of appreciation to those who have poured themselves into you. There is no greater reward for an influencer than to know that they had an impact. Even if they will not remember you, they will be so encouraged to know of their ministry to you. One of my people of impact was my third grade teacher. I lost contact with her as a boy (she had moved away from my home town), but as an adult, with a little investigation, I found her and called her up. She did not remember me, but she seemed so grateful that I made the effort to thank her.

If they are no longer alive, consider communicating with someone else in their family - they would be thrilled to know of the impact that their father/mother/son/daughter had in your life. I remember the first time in my life that someone outside of the family told me that my father was such a great guy. I was only a small boy, but I remember how proud I was to be my dad' s son.

The second thing that I would like to suggest is yet another reflection time. Only this time, consider how many people would include your name on their list. We all might be surprised by the number of lists that would contain our names. Several people on my list (which is pretty small, by the way) would have no idea that they would be included. A few were, what I call, a secret mentor. I choose to emulate them, learn from them, and be mentored by them even though they had no idea. People may be watching you, too. If this reflection time leaves you a little wanting, there is still plenty of time and lots of opportunity to influence. Reach out.... encourage..... become someone's cheerleader, or coach, or confidant, or good friend. Live your life like someone is watching (because they are!)


Picture found at http://hearttoheart.wordpress.com/2007/12/29/remembering-my-first-mentor-sr-carol/

Lessons From Third Grade

Billy came to school on the first day of third grade. It was a new school to Billy; his family had moved from out-of-state over the summer. Billy had put on his new school clothes and arrived a bit early for his first exposure to the new learning environment. He arrived with lots of excitement.... but even more apprehension. Billy was a friendly outgoing young lad, but the large hallways and unfamiliar surroundings made him feel uncomfortable.

Entering the classroom, Billy meet the friendly face of his teacher. The teacher showed him a desk with his name on it, and she invited him to try it out. Billy took a seat and looked around the room. There was a lot of color on the walls, a big welcome sign up front and a large bulletin board filled with paper balloons and smiley faces.

He had barely gotten comfortable in his desk when other students began to arrive. He immediately noticed their happy faces and enthusiasm. They all hugged the teacher, who seemed to know all their names. As the other children entered the room, they quickly began sharing with one another - small groups were formed spontaneously. Billy, however, was not part of reunion.

As the bell rang out, officially beginning the school day, the teacher quieted the class and directed all the students to their desks. Billy received some raised eyebrows from John, seated on his left and Karen, on his right. He smiled at them and got two token grins from his classmates. The teacher began class by introducing the new student - Billy! In that moment of awkwardness, Billy realized that he was the odd man out; that friendships would have to be made from scratch; that relationships of trust would take time to build; that loneliness was to be expected until he could demonstrate his loyalty, ability, and worth.

These third grade feelings are experienced over and over again throughout life. With every new position, every new neighborhood, every new church, and every new social group, comes the need to build relationships of trust, to establish bonds of shared experiences, and to demonstrate acts of integrity. The tests of consistency, compassion, and perseverance must be passed in order to obtain the goal of acceptance and respect. There are no short cuts to trust and confidence. Time is such a key - joint adversity and group challenges can quicken these relationships of reliability, but trust is not easily granted nor gained.

Billy was welcomed by the teacher, but his classmates were much more reticent. The one who hires you or promotes may be excited, but your peers may have great doubts and fears concerning your ability and title. The classroom had signs of welcome and bright colors calling his name, but the others students did not offer hugs and high fives. The organization may put up a welcome banner and repaint the office, but trust and respect are more that posters on the walls. Employees are looking for the gift, not the pretty paper and the bow on the box. The people cry out, "Talk to me and show me your character. Walk in my shoes and show me your compassion. Get to know me and demonstrate your loyalty. Make yourself known and demonstrate your humility."

What happens when trust is demanded too early - when Billy has not had time to build relationships and to demonstrate his integrity? These are the times of awkwardness, and tension and doubt. These are the moments in third grade when friendships are made or broken; small steps of trust enable larger ones to be made; and a failure to demonstrate authenticity results in a reputation that is difficult shake. These times in the life of adults are often the crucibles of leadership that define ongoing effectiveness; that establish a confidence and support for future decision making; and that, if mishandled, can cripple the authority needed to move forward.

As leaders, we should be sensitive to opportunities to build and establish trust. Effective leaders quickly begin to deposit elements of trustworthiness, golden nuggets of honesty, and valuable expressions of faithfulness into the bank of relationships. Once an account has been established and sufficient trust and respect is on hand, a leader can successfully and effectively ask for others to follow his/her direction. If the bank account is adequately funded, the leader can ask for confidence in difficult economic times. If the account is new or depleted, doubt and mistrust may follow.

The first day at a new school and a new position within an organization have a lot in common. Time and consistency are important keys to building relationships that lead to respect and trust. Billy, build wisely and make the most of every opportunity to demonstrate truthfulness and faithfulness and integrity.

Graphic found out http://www.welch.cr.k12.de.us

Words are Powerful

The words of a leader are powerful. Some leaders like to bark out demands; others pontificate with impressive vocabularies and smooth syntax; others make their point in quiet personal conversations; while still others engage their cohorts in dialog & an exchange of ideas. But regardless of methodology, good leaders speak powerful words.

One of the easiest ways to discern a leader in a group of people is to observe who is listened to - not who talks the most - but which person draws the attention of others when he/she speaks. There is often a distinction between appointed leadership, which sometimes comes with a title, and genuine leadership, which comes because the leader earns it. The leader gains the ear of others by the way he/she treats people, by the passion he/she has for life, by the personal integrity he/she demonstrates day after day, by the reputation of honesty, transparency and humility that surrounds him/her, and by the forgiveness, mercy and understanding that greets those who have tried but failed at a task. The words of a leader are powerful.

Encouragement offered to a struggling employee can increase his/her determination and effort to a higher level. Recognition of a job well done and praise for a second-mile sacrifice can result in a deepened loyalty and greater job satisfaction. A tactful rebuke and a loving challenge can communicate collaboration and respect. A written note of appreciation, a voice mail of edification, and a card filled with thought of thanksgiving can all promote a culture of value and community. The words of a leader are powerful.

Criticism without solution is discouraging. A bad report shared behind the back without opportunity for defense is like a dagger of betrayal. Sarcastic retorts and snide comments just out of earshot of the true recipient divides the heart of an organization. Verbal explosions from the inner office, tirades of wrath from the king, and expressions of disappoint in presence of the group all rip apart the fibers that hold a team together. The words of a leader are powerful indeed.

Words are more than syllables; they are more than intelligible phrases; they are more than complete thoughts. Words are instruments for inspiration. Words are lyrics to magnificent choruses. Words are weapons of peace and swords of faith. Words are the bread we need for daily existence. Words are chocolate deserts that sooth the soul. Words are safety nets. Words are wings that allow others to fly. The words of a leader are powerful.

Careless words can lead to destruction. Cruel words can kill. Harsh words can cripple. Ugly words bring regret. Angry words produce anger.

The words of a leader can bring life or ruin it. Positive results or negative consequences are often the fruit of the same seed - words. We all use words - its how we use them that makes the difference.

Powerful Words graphic found at http://www.freshersworld.com

Quit After Day 28!

If you happen to watch survivor this week you will not be surprised to see this posting on perseverance. In the first time in 21 seasons of Survivor, two contestants quit on the same day. And it is not on the third day or the tenth day, but on day 28! Before they left the game, they were one of only 8 players left standing. With less than two weeks before the final tribal council, the two contestants decide to walk away. As a loyal Survivor fan, this is simply unacceptable.

I was not a fan of either of the young women who decided to have their torches extinguished, but the lack of character and perseverance was so disappointing. One of the two, in my opinion, did not have a chance to win - I think she would have gone to the final three because the strongest players would have seen her as no threat to win. She played the game as a villian and failed to demonstrate much integrity throughout the time on the island. The other, however, fit the role of a potential winner. She was quiet, flew under the radar most of the time, and towed the company line when it came to voting. When it gets down to the final three, the jury typically votes for the player who played with the most kindness and was least offensive. She was a good candidate for that scenario. But, no matter, they both eliminated themselves because they could not persevere to the end.I think that time, good food and a dry place to sleep will quickly bring regret to the two deserters of the game.

There are lots of lessons to be gleaned from this episode. There were enough illustrations for a week of sermons on selfishness, humanism and individualism. Lots of thoughts about fortitude, mental and physical weakness, and the power of discouragement. It is a good episode to review in light of the concept of temptation. In our moments of weakness, we can find ourselves at the point of despair, when in reality, it has only been raining for a few hours.

But for me, I walked away from the episode shaking my head, wondering about the lessons of perseverance. Sometimes the differences between poor leadership and effective leadership can be best seen in the context of perseverance. When the circumstances look grim and the details of life are not supporting my vision, it is easy to consider the option of folding up the tent.... of taking your marbles and going home... of closing your book and taking a nap. The call of taking the easy way out and the temptation of avoiding responsibility, often has alarming appeal to my intellect. It is easy for me to criticize the survivor game players, but I have never been in their shoes. For all I know, I might have bailed before the first week was over. But I have walked in my own shoes and I am pretty convinced that we all have been faced with the notion of giving up and walking away toward the easy life at the Ponderosa.

In times of difficulty and stress in the real world, people look to the strong for encouragement; the team huddles around the stability of the leader; the organization rallies behind consistency and diligence. It can be called bravery and courage... it can be labeled confidence and faith... it can be inscribed as fortitude and guts... but whatever you call it, perseverance in the midst of the storm produces character and strength. It is fairly easy to lead with the sun is shinning and smiles are on the faces of the stakeholders. But when the giants begin to enter the land and the dark clouds of the monsoons appear on the horizon, leadership takes on a whole different meaning.

And yet, the crises of life often present the opportunities to lead. The financial crunch, the poor decisions of others, or the abandonment of faithful followers can all be the conduit for transformational leadership. It is out of the ashes of failure that great leaders can emerge. Warren Bennis (2002), in his book, Geeks and Geezers, talks about the crucibles of leadership. Challenges and discouragements abound, but our responses to them are the key to victory. Bennis says, "the ability to find meaning and strength in adversity distinguishes leaders from nonleaders. When terrible things happen....leaders find purpose and resolve" (p. 108).

This week's episode of Survivor irritated me, but I hope that my perseverance in the crucible of leadership will have a better ending. I pray that I might find purpose and resolve when the crucible arrives.

Bennis, W and Thomas, R.J. (2002). Geeks & geezers: How era, values, and defining moments shape leaders. Boston: Harvard Business School Publishing.

Rain photo found at http://blogs.eveningsun.com/mull/2008/05/rain_rain_didnt_go_away_now_we.html

Have Patience

December 24, 1960 was one of the longest days of my life. It was Christmas Eve and I was 10 years old. The anticipation and excitement of opening presents on the biggest day of the year was more than I could stand. The thought of going to sleep sounded good - "just close your eyes and Christmas will be here before you know it!" I closed my eyes but my brain refused to shut down; instead it began to race and jump and go into a routine of mental gymnastics like I had never experience before. After tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, I glanced at the clock beside my bed.... 15 minutes. My long struggle with trying to enter dreamland had only lasted 15 minutes before I had surrendered in frustration.

I tried calling out to mom and dad. They didn't even pop their heads in with sympathy and soft voices of assurance. I just heard faint voices from the living room, "Go to sleep, Dave - it's late and you will want to get up early." Little did I know that mom was finishing up the knitted sweater for my big sister and dad was trying to get tab "A" into slot "C", playing the role of one of the famous toy makers of the season. I remember waking up several time during the night and going into my parents room to ask if it was time to get up. My mom was not too excited when my initial inquiry flashed 2:30 am on the alarm clock! 4:15 am was not a good wake-up time to suggest to my groggy dad. But at 6:30, when I woke my sister and asked her to go into the master bedroom and announce the birthday of Jesus, mom and dad gave us the green light to head toward the tree with the flashing lights.

The patience of a 10 year old is as long as the hair on a bald man. And yet, patience is a character quality that must be learned in life. Road rage is a scary thing when adult men and women lose their patience while driving deadly weapons of mass destruction. Angry words are spoken to our precious children when they don't get ready fast enough. Acts of frustration often bubble-up when we are asked to wait - whether it be in a checkout line at the grocery, or being put on hold during a phone call, or sitting longer than usual in the waiting room at the doctor's office. Maybe there is a connection between being called a "patient" and having a seat in the "waiting room."

Timing is everything is certain aspects of life. Knowing when and how to wait is often just as important as knowing when and how to act. Patience can save us from embarrassment and the consequences of incorrect assumptions. Waiting for the right time can maximize the actions of a leader in bringing inspiration and motivation to the team. Decisive action balanced with wise patience can bring a high level of effectiveness to a leader's ministry.

But.... patience is so hard! I want to run the race at my pace; I want to move ahead even when barriers warn me of dangerous curves; I want to pass the ball even when my receiver is not ready; I want to vote even though there is debate and indecision around the table. And the core of the problem is that I WANT.... selfishness can raise its ugly head in the midst of impatience. One needs to have a healthy self-confidence, but even a greater self-denial as one relies upon God's hand of direction and guidance.

A couple of passages from the New Testament come to mind: Hebrews 12:1 "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" and then 12:2 "Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." I need to run with great perseverance AND with my eyes fixed on Jesus. Sometimes I run hard, but my eyes are on myself or on some self-centered goal. Another powerful verse is Galatians 5:25. After Paul has just affirm that patience is a vital part of the Christian experience (v.22), he says, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us stay in step with the Spirit." As I run the race I need to develop the ability to focus on the urgency of staying in step with the Spirit. I must not lag behind, nor run ahead. I must not miss the open doors of opportunity because I am not ready, but I must not try to open doors before God has unlocked them. I must be ready to run and yet patient enough to wait on the Lord's timing.

The next time traffic has you backed up and your irritation level begins to rise, take a deep breathe and bask in the possibility of developing patience!

December 24 picture from http://www.saidaonline.com

Motivation and Urgency - The Need to Know

I have had some wonderful opportunities to teach in recent weeks. I have been a guest lecturer for three weeks in a senior Bible class to high school students in a Christian school; I have facilitated a 5-week on-site college course in management to adult students in an undergraduate program; I have dialogued with a dozen doctoral students online as they have worked through an 11-week practicum on leadership; and I have lead a group of Christian school teachers through a six hour workshop on Inductive Bible Study at a regional convention. The various settings that education takes these days is nothing short of incredible.

The change in venues, the difference in student interest and maturity, the contrast of engagement levels, and the depth of content were a great challenge to me. The similarities of the experiences were interesting as well.... every group desired input and relationship.... every group of learners has a need for affirmation and encouragement... all of the students regardless of age, intellectual depth, educational background, or gender desired to succeed. In a society where the basic needs of life are met on a consistent basis, the power of intrinsic motivation is powerful indeed.

One of the keys to effective teaching is the same key to effective leadership and that is the ability to communicate the need for knowledge. If the student realizes the importance of the information being taught, he/she will be so enthusiastic to learn. The converse is true as well. If a student does not see the relevance of the material being covered in class, then all the antennae go down, the attention folds up, and the blank stares begin to form on the faces of the bodies in the desks. This is true of the workplace as well. If the employees sense the need and the urgency to understand the mission and program of the company, then they will become highly effective workers. The cornerstone of this kind of intrinsic motivation is the concept of urgency.

A great teaching technique is called the anticipatory set. The anticipatory set is the setting of the context before the critical information is shared. It often comes in the form of a story or illustration that takes real life situations and demonstrates the importance of knowing the information to be shared. My pastor is an expert in the use of the anticipatory set. He begins his teaching with a current event, or a story from his past, or a funny illustration that pulls you into his world. By the time he is done with his opening statement, I am on the edge of my seat waiting for him to tell me how it all relates to my life.

So with leadership.... our mission, our vision, our message must communicate the urgency of our purpose for existing. The passion of our organization should constantly be on the tip of tongues. There should be an excitement about what we do. If we expect others to follow after the mission of the institution, we must be demonstrating the urgency of our product/service. Inspiration is a necessary ingredient for motivation. Who wants to go to work for mundane organization that has little to no impact on life when you can be involved in an exciting ministry that will change the face of society? Who desires to sign up for a opportunity to peal potatoes when they can take an amazing race in becoming a world changer?

Urgency is a key factor. Intrinsic motivation kicks into high gear when we believe that we are about great work. If we are mixing cement all day long, we can become very tired, bored and discourages. But if we are part of a team of masons building a hospital that will save lives and produce a cure for cancer, then we are about a great work that must be done and it must be done now!

The sense of doing something significant is so important to me. I think that is why I enjoy teaching..... and leadership. Both of these activities have the potential to change lives. Both of these activities can build, edify, develop, and mold the mind, hearts and souls of others. To see passion move from one heart to another is an awesome experience...to observe the contagious aspect of communication when people begin to share a vision for the future, or an enthusiasm for a cause, or kindred mindset for a philosophy is a life-changing event. Teachers get to see it often in their classrooms as the light bulbs of reality begin to illuminate the students' thinking. Effective leaders get to see it as well, when others begin to share the excitement of the work, the mission of the organization and the big-picture goals of impact and influence.