New Podcast Episode

This podcast was fun to record. Stephen and I discuss some crazy ministry experiences. It was a fun way to end the summer.

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dontpanic/episodes/2017-08-12T06_47_21-07_00

Leadership Without Easy Answers, written in 1998 by Harvard instructor and businessman, Ronald Heifetz, served as a landmark resource in the emerging field of leadership studies. This text proved influential in the study of transformational leadership and laid a foundation for others to expand on his theories.

Central to his philosophy is the conviction that leadership is an activity as opposed to a position or trait. Heifetz rejects the notion of the "Great Man," who relies on his innate ability or the concept of "positional leadership" that bestows unquestioned power. He counters these views by pointing out that talented people fail and not all individuals in authority lead. He introduced a theory that created a distinction between technical and adaptive problems. While Technical difficulties are overcome with competence and supervision, adaptive problems require ingenuity because they address the disparity between values and circumstances. Leaders must be resourceful when correcting these issues and wisely distribute assets to alleviate needs. They must also recognize that adaptive problems are often behavioral. He asks, “Does making progress on this problem require changes in people’s values, attitudes, or habits of behavior?” These traits are separate from traditional skill sets. Thus, adaptation is necessary to produce better results.

In Part II of the book, Heifetz teaches how to Lead from Authority. He mobilizes adaptive work by encouraging leaders to establish order by orienting people into their places and roles, controlling internal conflict, and establishing and maintaining norms. He emphasizes the importance of trust, stating, “Trust in authority relationships is a matter of predictability along two dimensions: values and skills.” Trust allows leaders to apply tension to the process without losing his team
Heifetz examines the role of pacing and attention. “Pacing consisted of gauging the correlation between how much pressure the family could stand, and the next piece of adaptive work could generate.” Meanwhile, “Attention is the currency of leadership. Getting people to pay attention to tough issues rather than diversions is the heart of the strategy.” These two factors are important for the leaders because they significantly influence morale and job performance.

Leaders must choose a decision-making process; autocratic, consultative, participative, or consensual. Leaders also place themselves in one of three positions when addressing a problem, circumvention, frontal challenge, or riding the wave. These methods greatly influence the outcome of the project, and they require sound judgment to prevent setbacks.

Crises provide authority figures with more power and distress can enhance their visibility and impact. What is often perceived as a weakness can be leveraged into a force for change. Leaders who correctly harness crises earn credibility while also guiding people in making difficult decisions.
“Exercising leadership from a position of authority in adaptive situations means going against the grain.” Five strategic principles of leadership.; Identify the adaptive challenge, keep the level of stress within a tolerable range of doing adaptive work, focus attention on ripening issues and not stress-reducing distractions, give the work back to the people, but at a rate they can stand, and protect voices of leadership without authority.

In Part III of the book, Heifetz teaches leaders how to Lead without Authority. Heifetz draws a distinction between leadership and authority. He challenged the conventional wisdom of his day that could not separate these two. Heifetz uses examples of marginalized groups that wielded substantial influence to prove his point that leadership is not always hierarchical. Women and minorities, in particular, serve as an example of people with little power significantly influencing the decision makers of their day. Gandhi serves as the key example of this type work in India. While he did not hold any official authority, he wielded tremendous influence on his culture. Heifetz separates authority into formal and informal, with formal authority serving as positional, while informal authority permeates from personal integrity, credibility, and ability. He also examines the interdependent relationship between leaders and followers who are bound together by mutual interests and skills to reach a common goal.

In Part IV of the book, Heifetz teaches leaders how to Stay Alive. “Leaders and authority figures get attacked, dismissed, silenced, and sometimes assassinated because they come to represent loss, real or perceived, to those members of the community who feel that they have gotten, or might get, the bad end of the bargain.” Heifetz encourages leaders to “get on the balcony,” distinguish between themselves and their role, externalizing conflict and give it back to its rightful owners, identifying and sharing the burdens with partners, finding a sanctuary, and preserving a sense of purpose.
Leadership Without Easy Answers earns its acclaim because it influenced a generation of leaders to embrace difficult circumstances, understand and harness authority, examine the relationship between leader and follower and survive their position long enough to make a maximum impact. Heifetz, gives precise, albeit dated, examples of his theories, utilizing presidential, civil rights, and other leaders in case studies. His examination of the effectiveness of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. without formal leadership was insightful. Similarly, his description of Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon’s lack of adaptation during times of difficulty provides sound advice for leaders who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Heifetz’s theories of authority, power, and conflict are valuable to emerging leaders. His definition of authority was helpful, though his comparisons between human and animal behavior were contrived. Nevertheless, defining and describing authority gives leaders insights and prevents them from abusing their position. He teaches that power is used for good and positive influence as opposed to the tyranny associated with the term. Power is necessary to accomplish goals, but it is not the end goal of leadership. Heifetz’s best contribution is in the area of conflict. Leaders struggle when stability is the chief goal. Heifetz asserts that there is nothing ideal about stability and that it can stifle growth and creativity. Conflict is unavoidable and rarely resolved. Therefore, the presence of conflict is more of a daily reality than an indictment on a leader’s ability. This fact frees leaders who feel paralyzed by the need to avoid conflict, and it emboldens them to challenge their organization toward better performance. Leaders are defined by their willingness to step into uncertain circumstances and provide strong direction without guarantees of success. Heifetz’s organizational advice gives practical steps to take on conflict with maximum chances for success.

As its title indicates, Leadership Without Easy Answers provides excellent insights into leading in a volatile world. Heifetz gives helpful advice, but never deviates from the narrative that leadership requires sacrifice and savvy to survive to gain maximum influence. This book is highly recommended to teach emerging leaders the challenges of leadership as well as to encourage seasoned leaders in challenging times.

Washington D.C. Institute 2017

I recently attended the Washington D.C. Institute for the Dallas Baptist University Ph.D. in Leadership program. It was an enjoyable experience as I was able to study leadership in the context of Washington D.C., Annapolis, Philadelphia, and Gettysburg. We considered great leaders who shaped our country and also examined leadership in light of our faith heritage.

My research on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided a new lens to view the entire D.C. cohort experience through the Civil Rights Movement. Every monument bore some relevance to King’s legacy. Whether the founding of America under the premise of all men being created equal, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery, the Civil War, Civil Rights or modern governance, King either furthered the work of those before him or influenced future generations through his efforts. King’s influence was particularly influential on the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Cathedral, and the monument that bears his name. His civil rights work transformed the museum from a display of despair to that of hope and a bright future. Through his sacrifice and his leadership, his people took on insurmountable odds to victory and rewrote American history for the African-American community. The National Cathedral is forever remembered as the last place he preached before his untimely assassination. Finally, his monument serves as a symbolic beacon of hope for those who need to come and not only remember the hard work of the Civil Rights Movement, but also rediscover his speaking, writing, and lasting legacy to inspire the future generations to lead and to love one another.

After my return home, many people have asked me what I was doing in Washington D.C. When asked this question, I answered that I would never lead or preach the same way again. This experience, along with Ronald Heifetz's book, Leadership Without Easy Answers, challenged me to expect more out of myself and what I'm able to accomplish. I desire to be a leader like the people we studied on the trip. Whether Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, or countless other ordinary men and women who rose to their respective leadership roles that changed the world, I desire to use my influence to make the world a better place and bring glory to God.

Heifetz's book discussed the fact that stability is neither good nor evil. The pursuit of security can cause bureaucratic atrophy and sometimes cripple the organization’s growth. Moving forward, I know that if security is not possible, I can make decisive decisions with the confidence of knowing that most leaders face those challenges every day. Presidents, activists, and ordinary people shaped this great nation by sacrificing their stability. Relying on faith inspired them to reach for loftier goals than individual success and stability.

In the future, I may avoid the safe path in favor of the way that I can produce the best results for God's kingdom. 21st-century metrics are more about cultural influence than money, buildings, or worldly success. As I make future decisions, I will weigh which option is more necessary for the glory of God rather than which option provides the most notoriety and stability. This trip also taught me that I have a greater influence and I must answer that call to exegete my culture and help those around me.

New Podcast Episode!

In our latest episode of "Don't Panic," Stephen and I discuss how to handle change with grace and confidence. We also encourage listeners to trust God and look forward with great expectation to a bright future.

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/dontpanic/episodes/2017-06-23T16_24_24-07_00

Congrats, Class of 2017!

I've been doing commencement sermons for a long time now. This year's address is my 9th at FBCJ, and I can understand how our senior pastor must feel bringing new life into Easter and Christmas sermons each year for the last 27 years. I have yet to repeat an address, but I had to scour to find just the right information to express myself properly.  I will do something in this message that I rarely do - I am going to illiterate, Church, Challenges, and Charge. I'm going to describe a vision for the church, identify some challenges, and give a charge to congregations and graduates.

CHURCH

I found a pastor who used the perfect analogy I needed to express myself. Colin Hoover describes the church as a family during a big event, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving.  While growing up, my family was scattered, so I relished the opportunity to go to gatherings with extended family. In our household, there would be the different tables, the adults, the adolescents, and the kids.  In the discussions, the adults would usually be politics or current events, the teens would be popular culture, and the kids would be mayhem. Did anyone else have this experience?  It was always a rite of passage to move up to the next table. First from childhood to sitting with the "Big Kids." Secondly, from the teen table to the adult table. That is where we are today. Graduates, at your next holiday, you are a card-carrying adult, and you get to sit at the adult table. The transition may be rough. "What are they talking about?" or adults may keep asking what you plan to do with your life. Stay calm; you will get the hang of it. You may even enjoy the conversation. I remember getting called up to the "bigs." It's different. Sometimes, you look down at the teen table and wish you could stay there with the younger cousins. Some of you may get temporarily kicked down to the kid's table if the transition doesn't go as smoothly as planned. Either way, you will eventually grow into this new role, and you will find it rewarding and enjoyable.
This table is not just a metaphor for our families and communities; it is a picture of the Body of Christ found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 as well as the church.

CHALLENGE

There are, however, challenges to accomplishing this task. Studies indicate that emerging generations are leaving the church at an alarming rate. At least I know that is a popular narrative. When I examine the church's struggle to retain the upcoming generations, I can't help but think "They don't have a seat at the table." Hoover points out that it is almost as if the young adult leaves the teen table to sit at the adult table and there are no more places left. Through the years, I've seen students struggle to make their way in their new role and environment. If we as the church are not intentional about engaging these students, they walk away feeling like they are not needed or wanted.
There are many books written about the Millennials, who I saw all the way to adulthood. I came upon a familiar passage in my quiet time last month, and a couple of verses reminded me of this generation's struggle. If you remember, the Parable of the Talents, the master gives one servant five talents and he earns five more, he gives another servant three talents, and he earns three more. Finally, he gives the last servant a single talent. Many know how this story ends. Matthew 25:24-25 offers the servant’s reply that echo’s the sentiment of many graduates I have known through the years. This servant is so disillusioned and frustrated by what he sees as an inferior talent, that he squanders the opportunity to use and multiply his talent. While this parable is usually a tale to prevent sloth and laziness, I want to challenge our church family and find people convinced that their contributions here are inadequate or unwanted.

Graduates, there will be setbacks that will challenge you and make you want to give up on yourself or your faith. In these moments, cling to God and continue to follow his path. Do not let any experience or feeling prevent you from realizing your potential and serving the body of Christ.

CHARGE

My charge, first to the church, is to help welcome rising generations into our church family. They represent future deacons, teachers, and leaders growing up before our very eyes. As we set our vision looking forward, we need to bathe our young people in prayer, meet their needs, identify their giftings, and involve them in the life of our church. We must honor the past and look to the future so these young people can walk serve as the next generation of Christian leaders.
Graduates, regarding the church, you need to understand that you aren't finished yet. Adults still have much to teach you. Using the table analogy, you don't pop up to the head of the table and start carving the turkey. There is still much to learn. Take my advice and find a mentor or two who can walk you through life's challenges and build you up and prepare you for the road ahead. You are entering a new and uncertain world, full of obstacles and pitfalls. As you seek your identity as an adult, cling to your faith. Many identify themselves according to how they look, what they have, what they can do, or what they desire. Remember that your true identity is in Christ and he will see you through this transition.

Welcome to the adult table, Class of 2017. I can’t wait to see what is in store for you.

A NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO GEN X

I am a proud Gen X, raised on television, movie theaters, shopping malls, and arcades. The late 20th Century was a unique time to spend my formative years. The world changed rapidly with the onset of the tech boom, end of the Cold War, and the evolution of American attitudes toward race and gender. There were challenges for my generation, many of which grew up as “latch-key” kids. “Work-life balance” was in its infancy and many Gen X took to cable television the way the Millennials take to their smartphones. MTV was a cultural phenomenon – a one stop channel that dictated the songs we heard, the movies we watched, and the clothes we wore.  For adults who grew up in that age, MTV served as the common ground and served as our “social media.” For the first time, popular culture came to teens and young adults 24-hours a day and a generation viewed the world’s happenings through MTV’s lens. From its campy inception to its musical heyday, to its scripted programming, to the pioneering of reality television, the network was there for pop culture events as well as historical milestones such as elections or 911. The musicians and celebrities featured on MTV took on a more intimate relationship with audiences because they grew up with us in our living rooms. They sparked our debates and inspired our creativity.

Today, I am attempting to write a note of encouragement to a generation that has lost many of its best and brightest at an early age. While the Boomers lost the likes of Hendrix, Joplin, Moon, and Morrison, Xers find themselves in similar grief over the passing of their childhood. River Phoenix, Cliff Burton. Brandon Lee, Easy-E, Tupac Shakur, Selena Quintanilla, Kurt Kobain, and Princess Diana tragically left us in their prime. As the 21st century unfolded, the stars of our youth continued to struggle. As the internet exploded, Xers became accustomed to the latest eulogy of our favorite musicians, artists, and celebs appearing on our morning homepage or news-feed. In recent months, Boomer Icons such as Prince and Robin Williams experienced tragic fates, and today, I heard the news that fellow, Xer, Chris Cornell left us as well. The Grunge Movement of my early adulthood that defined youthful angst had now lost arguably it's two most influential front-men to tragic causes. Cynics will blame the culture for this problem, but I see the humanity past the stereotype. Behind the celebrity and the hype, we identified with them as people who were experiencing the same cultural phenomenon. My heart goes out to Cornell's family as well as a generation who ushered Seattle culture and flannel into fashion.

Xers have defied the odds by shedding our “slacker” label to become hard-working families with work-life balance. In these moments, we need to comfort one another, reach out to the grieving families, remember the positive, offer hope, and remind ourselves to look for and reach out to those we suspect need help. These events do not define us. We must continue to defy the odds and prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening in the future.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/18/arts/music/chris-cornell-dead-soundgarden.html?_r=0

Welcome to my blog! This forum will allow me to offer cultural observations from decades of ministry, educational endeavors, world travel, and personal relationships. Posts will range from musings and observations to commentary on world events. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to hearing from you.