It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
LEADERSHIP QUOTES
I'm going to spend a few weeks looking at some great quotes. Over the past few weeks we've looked at quotes from Genghis Khan, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ghandi, Steve Jobs, Avot de Rabbi Natan, Abraham Maslow and Stephen R. Covey. You can read these posts HERE.
The format for this season is the following:
#1) LEADERSHIP QUOTE: I'm going to share a quote with you. I'd like to encourage you to think about it, respond to it, process it. You can stop here, or go to Section 2.
#2) A LITTLE BIT DEEPER: I'm going to share a couple of thoughts that come to my mind when I think about the quote. Just a short reaction from me. You can stop here, or go to Section 3.
#3) DEEPER STILL: I'm going to share something I've found from someone else: A quote, some tips, a challenge, a thought....
#4) RUSS' LIST: I'll continue to share some links, ideas, books or products that I think some of you might benefit from.
Russ
LEADERSHIP QUOTE:
"If you can't state your position in eight words, you don't have a position." Seth Godin
What does this stir up? Either write me HERE or comment at the end of the blog post HERE.
A LITTLE BIT DEEPER:
I like reading Seth Godin's blog because he has the ability to say really good things in very few words.
When I saw the quote above from him, it caused me to stop and think.
How many times, instead of sharing a clear mission, vision, or position, I instead go to a "menu" of things I do, things I care about, and stories that back that up. I try to talk my way into and out of a simple question:
What is your Mission?
Can I say it in 8 words?
Tesla says it in 8 words: "To accelerate the worlds transition to sustainable energy."
Starbucks takes a few more words: "To inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time."
Google says: "To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."
Apple says it like this: "To bringing the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services."
Coca-Cola: "To Refresh the world. Make a difference."
Patagonia: "We're in business to save our home planet."
BMW: "To become the world's leading provider of premium products and premium services for individual mobility."
These short sentences from these big brands say a lot. I'm challenged and inspired to communicate what I do, what we do, better. What about you? What's your personal statement? What's your organizations statement? Do you agree with Godin's thought that a long statement doesn't work?
DEEPER STILL:
Jesus summed up the entire Law in Matthew 22 when He said, "You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind... And you shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Love God, Love Others.
Simplify your mission statement to focus on the most important things. Keep it simple so it's easy to remember, and then repeat it over and over again.
For some of us, we need to spend some time fleshing out what our mission, position and vision are.
This is important work! I recently led a couple through this conversation in a LifePlan, and the statement they worked on together really resonated with them, and with me. Do the work. Keep it simple.
Things I'm Reading, Listening To and Watching This Week:
Great guitar from Ottmar Liebert Essentials. Gina and I have seen him live and his music is incredible!
My friend Jim Burns has a new book out: Have Serious Fun. Jim shares 13 principles to make each day count. You can learn more about Jim at HomeWord. Be sure to check out the free resources they make available to leaders and families.
I listened to an interesting podcast last week, actually 4 episodes from The Holy Post entitled Jesus and John Wayne. It's a conversation between Skye Jethani and Kristin Kobes Du Mez on her book, "Jesus and John Wayne". Interesting things to think about as it looks at Evangelicalism in America.
OK. I use these everyday of my life: Systane Eye Drops. I just thought you should know.