Open Leadership-The Behemoth and The Virus
The way we lead has to change. For years organizations focused internally to create and maintain growth. Build mass by building more muscle. In the tech sector 10-15 years ago, organizations like IBM built large R&D facilities that researched new ideas rivaling any government or educational facility on the planet. They were behemoths on display for all to see. It worked and was very successful.
But the world has changed. The knowledge landscape has changed. People are connected like they have never been in the history of the world. The reality is that the Behemoth model can not compete with the sheer number of ideas that have come as a result of a more connected global market. The behemoth is heavy, slow and difficult to replicate in a culture of micro communications and hyper connectivity.
The Virus, on the other hand, is smaller, faster and can be replicated at break neck speeds. As a result, it can pop up everywhere as opposed to becoming one large organism occupying a single region. Tomorrow’s leaders will have to know how to leverage the power of that “global market” or Global Community. They will have to look outside of their organization as much as they do internally. They will discern which things to open up and which ones to keep closed. They will have to learn how to command an army of innovators that they may never meet in person. They will have to develop frameworks and then RELEASE control to their community.
Being Multi Generational
At Bayside I am witnessing the ushering in of a new generation to leadership. I am watching my executive pastors first hand lead the way in this process. While it can be invigorating and rewarding to see church staff retain a youthfulness, it also can mean change and that’s not always easy.
It’s inevitable that a day will come when I (all of us for that matter) will need to step aside and let some youngster make his/her mark on the world. At least that’s kind of how I’ve always thought of it. That thinking is being challenged at Bayside right now. I’m seeing that true leaders don’t necessarily step aside but step along side. They allow their wisdom, experience and discernment to be used as a stepping stone for those coming up the ranks. They help the next generation get a leg up. Too cool. I am proud of my pastors.
We are truly working on being multi-generational. Here are some of the topics that are occuring as a result of this process:
1. What is technology’s role in ministry?
2. What role does the web play in ministry?
3. Why an “open” source mentality jives with my generation.
4. Mentoring 3.0 (Mentoring is taking a new form at Bayside) A group of us have had a lot of time with our senior pastor Ray Johnston to discuss leadership, ministry, life and so much more.
While there are many discussions to be had on being mulit-campus, multi-cultural, multi-congregation, I wonder how many are intentionally working on being multi-generational?
Just thinking.
Let’s Influence Our Culture!
South by Southwest SXSW is considered one of the best interactive media conferences in the world. Some of the world’s leading voices on technology and media are represented there. You can view last years roster right here. Here’s the dealio, there are crazy talented people out there who completely own it in their field of expertise and just so happen to be crazy about God too that love this conference. In the past, this conference hasn’t had all that much for people who work in churches. You can change that!
Your vote can decide which panels are chosen to present at SXSW (and every one matters). Out of 2,200 submissions only 300 are selected so get out there and vote.
STEP 1: Create a free profile for voting. You’ll get an email confirmation.
STEP 2: Hit each link below and click the “thumbs up” icon to vote for each church panel below. Hit each link (all four of them) and look for the “thumbs up” icon at the top of each page to vote.
- Pushing Technological Change Without Alienating Your Co-Workers: Kem Meyer & mystery experts (Hint: I know one of the mystery experts…and you do too!)
- Creating Authentic Online Community: Tony Steward, Carlos Whittaker, John Saddington, & Cynthia Ware (moderator)
- Technology For Results Not Profits: Bobby Gruenewald, Brad Abare, Kent Shaffer, & Terry Storch (moderator)
- LifeChurch.tv – Reaching 2 Million+ With Technology: Terry Storch, Tony Steward, Bobby Gruenewald, & Kent Shaffer (moderator)
VOTING CLOSES SEPTEMBER 4. Come on peeps you can do it! Get out there and Spread the word and help us rock the vote!
3 Simple Ways To Keep Burnout At Bay
I love my pastor Ray Johnston. Recently, he told me of 3 things that I must build into my life to keep burn out at bay. Here you go, courtesy of Rick Warren.
1. Divert Daily
Choose to divert your attention each day to what is important even if it means walking out of the office for a few minutes to remember what your role is and what is important. It’s great for pulling yourself out of the minutia.
2. Withdraw Weekly
Find a place to withdraw to pray. Prayer is key, without it nothing happens. Jesus models this as countless times the bible says “he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” There is a sense of purpose, strength and yes sometimes silence in our times of prayer but never are they in vain. Someone once told me that “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
3. Abandon Annually
Every year go on a vacation. Get away from the office and spend time away. Amazing what can happen.
Louie Giglio on Twitter
I was able to interview Louie Giglio a few months back and had asked him if he was on Twitter. He smiled and said he was still thinking about it. Louie is hilarious and a ton of fun so when I saw this video I couldn’t help but crack up. Enjoy!
Damien Walters
Damien Walters`09 from Teymur XXX on Vimeo.
Enjoy! This guy is amazing.
