Who judges your work?
I learned a long time ago that I either tend to listen to no one’s criticism or everyone’s criticism. So, I began to make an unofficial list of people who will speak open and honestly with me. They are the ones for whose opinion I ask. I still struggle to take it if they give it without asking, but at least I am able to weed out the fickle. On this Humpday I found Seth’s insight freeing.
Seth’s Blog: Who judges your work?
Who judges your work?
Here’s the mistake we make in high school:
We let anyone, just anyone, judge our work (and by extension, judge us.)
Sue, the airheaded but long-legged girl in Spanish class gets the right to judge our appearance.
Bill, the bitter former-poet English teacher gets the power to tell us if we’re good at writing.
And on and on.
The cheerleaders are deputized as the Supreme Court of social popularity, and the gym teacher forever has dibs on whether or not we’re macho enough to make it in the world. These are patterns we sign up for, and they last forever (or until we tell them to go away).
In high school, some people learn to ship, they learn to do work that matters and most of all, they learn to ignore the critics they can never possibly please. The ability to choose who judges your work–the people who will make it better, use it and reward you–is the key building block in becoming an artist in whatever you do.
Reflections from Kevin Sterner @ Story 09
There is a difference between being convincing and being compelling. You can be convinced that you need to diet and exercise, but you can still choose not to do it. If you are compelled to do it, then it will happen.
Is your church a “Me Monster” or are you a “Moon Walker?”
Is your church telling a compelling story in the marketplace that no one can top?
Excellence has stopping power.
Story has stopping power.
Everyone has a Brand Identity. It is what is making your first impression.
Story Sequencing
1. Brand Identity (Introduces)
2. Brand Experience (Investigate): Are you exceeding expectations?
3. Brand Association (Internalize): Are you truthful? Are you trustworthy? Are you temporary?
Brochures are a “Pre-experience” not just ink and paper.
You can’t tell effective stories if you don’t document effective stories.
For more from Kevin check out www.brandpoet.com
Keys to Reaching the Next Generation – Top Four
CFCC’s Brad Abare and Phil Cooke were interviewed for an hour by Conversant Life.
The best part of the interview can be summarized by their Top Four Keys to Reaching the Next Generation for Jesus Christ. It’s not an exhaustive list, and they were answering questions on the fly, but like most leaders in the church they were already thinking about these things and I felt like these four things were spot on.
Keys to Reaching the Next Generation
- Vision + Culture = You must have a vision and you need to create a culture of transformation within your church. (I don’t know of another church who has done this better than Quest)
- Monologue →Dialogue: We need to move from Monologue to Dialogue in how we interact with the congregation in all of our gatherings (YouVersion)
- Lions and Tigers and BEARS…Instead of passing on our faith, the torch, responsibilities we need to carry it (bear it) with them. Mentoring will be essential.
- T r a n s p a r e n c y – In the internet age there is no hiding what you own, buy, sell, or do so don’t try to hide. Leaders must be comfortable with sharing their personal struggles. (Just ask Tiger Woods)