Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Results Coaching
I attended a coaching course two weeks ago and was reminded of a few factors in helping others grow.
The presenter was incredibly affirming and positive. Soliciting response from the participants, he always replied with enthusiasm to their comments and questions - "Absolutely!" "Yes!" "Brilliant!"
It reminded me that I could be more positive in affirming others, which opens them up and gives them more confidence, ultimately making them more receptive to learning (when they are coming from a place of confidence and trust instead of fear and suspicion, which leads to criticism.)
A great quote he shared, "Ideas are like children - we like our own the best" illustrates the heart of coaching, which is helping people discover. Asking the questions that will prompt clarification of their own ideas, that makes a great coach.
The presenter was incredibly affirming and positive. Soliciting response from the participants, he always replied with enthusiasm to their comments and questions - "Absolutely!" "Yes!" "Brilliant!"
It reminded me that I could be more positive in affirming others, which opens them up and gives them more confidence, ultimately making them more receptive to learning (when they are coming from a place of confidence and trust instead of fear and suspicion, which leads to criticism.)
A great quote he shared, "Ideas are like children - we like our own the best" illustrates the heart of coaching, which is helping people discover. Asking the questions that will prompt clarification of their own ideas, that makes a great coach.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Revolution in faith
George Barna has conducted research for the past several years on people's attitudes towards church. In his new book, Revolution, he details how people are redefining church.
"We found that while some people leave the local church and fall away from God altogether, there is a much larger segment of Americans who are currently leaving churches precisely because they want more of God in their life but cannot get what they need from a local church. They have decided to get serious about their faith by piecing together a more robust faith experience."
Why are people frustrated with the church, and what can church leaders learn from it?
"We found that while some people leave the local church and fall away from God altogether, there is a much larger segment of Americans who are currently leaving churches precisely because they want more of God in their life but cannot get what they need from a local church. They have decided to get serious about their faith by piecing together a more robust faith experience."
Why are people frustrated with the church, and what can church leaders learn from it?
Monday, October 03, 2005
Focused Power
I was reading today about Paul's life, and thinking of his statements about his focus.
On one hand, he is incredibly focused in Philippians 3 about straining with all his energy to become all that Christ wants him to be. On the other hand, in 1 Corinthians 1 and Romans 15 he talks about his calling to preach the Gospel to those who haven't heard, and not build on others' foundations. Passionate about both being and doing.
A focused life is incredibly powerful when it combines both these aspects - both purpose and productivity.
Purpose is essential to lead to a focused life, but without a way to channel into productivity, it will not make any impact. Unique roles and effective methods and vision for achievement are important for making a kingdom contribution, but if not anchored in purpose, they can end up being personal ambition and glory.
It is when purpose and productivity are wed that a person is able to see the power of a focused life.
On one hand, he is incredibly focused in Philippians 3 about straining with all his energy to become all that Christ wants him to be. On the other hand, in 1 Corinthians 1 and Romans 15 he talks about his calling to preach the Gospel to those who haven't heard, and not build on others' foundations. Passionate about both being and doing.
A focused life is incredibly powerful when it combines both these aspects - both purpose and productivity.
Purpose is essential to lead to a focused life, but without a way to channel into productivity, it will not make any impact. Unique roles and effective methods and vision for achievement are important for making a kingdom contribution, but if not anchored in purpose, they can end up being personal ambition and glory.
It is when purpose and productivity are wed that a person is able to see the power of a focused life.
