If you follow this blog, you know that a month ago I finally let my wife buy me an iPod for my birthday. I had been holding out for two years because every week there was a new rumor that Apple was only weeks away from launching a wide-screen iPod. The iPhone launched and I thought surely they won’t release a new iPod anytime soon that will compete with their new phone. I took the risk, got my iPod, and I think you know what happened. Steve Jobs announced the new wide-screen iPod (iPod Touch) one month later.
The point? I took a risk. Did it go the way I would have hoped? No. But that’s okay, I still have a nice iPod.
Growing leaders learn to take risks. Not stupid risks, like jeopardizing your entire annual budget on a lame idea that you haven’t talked to your pastor about. I am talking about an apparent risk. Sure, some people might think you’re losing your brain, but you realize it’s a lot more sane than sticking with the status quo.
If the IRS did not give us a deadline to do our taxes by I’m convinced no one would do them. Even if you file for an extension you still have a final deadline (October 15th for you last minute people) I think you have to set a deadline for growth. One of my favorite ways to promote growth and change is to have you and others get out a piece of paper and number it to 3. Now write down 3 things you know you need to improve in. Now look at a plan to make those three areas reality. Set a deadline to get it done and have someone hold you accountable to make it happen. If you’ll do this on a regular basis you will grow as well as your team. So my question for you what 3 things do you need to improve in? Now get to work!
Here’s a fun way to give away two quiet seat prizes in Kid’s Church. Put each prize in a paper grocery bag before the kids arrive. Announce that at the end you will reward one boy and one girl each a mystery bag prize. Here’s the catch… the winners get to choose to show off their prize or keep it a mystery!
This morning in my Kid’s Church, the girl winner decided to keep it a surprise and the boy decided to show his prize off to the class. After church, Madison (the girl winner) had a ton of kids ask, “what’s in the bag?” She wouldn’t tell. I love it!
This is a fun new way to give away prizes. Remember, come up with lots of different ways of doing the same thing.