Daniel H. Pink: A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future This is an older book that has been around for awhile. It is nice and useful in describing the six qualities of right brain thinking that are needed in today's global economy (and really, these mindsets are useful in everything we do). But his main thesis is just wrong. His main thesis is that since North Americans live in the time where we are no longer competitive as "knowledge workers" since Asia is producing knowledge workers who are just as good in their fields (and a whole lot cheaper in terms of salaries) than North Americans, we must gain the skills in right brain thinking for economic survival. The obvious point is this: Asians will be just as good at right brain thinking as North Americans (and still a whole lot cheaper in terms of their labor). So, it is not a strategy for economic survival. But it is a great book to learn about right brain thinking.
Reid Hoffman: The Start-up of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career I read this on the plane ride back from Atlanta to BWI. It helped that I had an hour delay sitting in first class where I was upgraded due to my logging so many miles with Delta. This is a GOOD book, WORTH reading. Hoffman helps you navigate the complexities of work and career in today's world where uncertainty, disruption and transition are the norm. Brand new book. Just out.
Dianna Booher: Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, and Act Like a Leader (BK Life) A book on communicating by a leading secular writer. Certainly written for a pop audience who is looking for sound bytes to help them grow in their ability to communicate. I will read books like this from time to time, not in the anticipation of learning new things... but as reminders to actually practice the things I have already learned. This one was OKAY, but not great.
James O'Toole: The Executive's Compass: Business and the Good Society This was a pretty weighty little book. Not what I was expecting. In one sense, it was an introduction to the sweeping history of philosophical writing on social, political and economic values. O'Toole talked about the four major ways of framing these important discussions. I found it very useful in understanding the nature and the intensity of the discord we have today in the political/economic discourse in North America.
Richard J. Foster: Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer This is a very nice introduction to the way of meditative prayer. Foster grounds this practice in the teaching of Scripture and illustrates and unfolds it from the spectrum of church history and the spiritual classics. From Quakers to Reformers to Pietists to Contemplatives... they all encourage us in the way of meditative prayer. This is a very accessible (short, well written, encouraging) book.
R. Paul Stevens: Taking Your Soul to Work: Overcoming the Nine Deadly Sins of the Workplace This was pretty good... I liked how they handled the seven deadly sins and the corresponding virtues of the fruit of the Spirit. 17 short chapters. gems in each one. after awhile it seemed a bit of a retread... it is really meant to be done in a reflective way, where you assess your self on each sin and virtue.
Charles H. Spurgeon: Lectures to My Students Volume 1 The delightful, witty and passionate Mr. Spurgeon, giving his homespun wisdom on ministry to a group of students. The chapter on prayer was beautiful. Good words on calling and how to know you are called.
Handley Carr Glyn Moule: Charles Simeon An old biography of the great Charles Simeon. This edition is a reprint and the footnoting was strange. The text and the footnotes constantly interrupted each other and made for difficult reading. There were gems throughout the book. Simeon is extraordinary. This book on him is okay.
Michael Mangis: Signature Sins: Taming Our Wayward Hearts Very nice book on vice and virtue... a very helpful summary of the seven deadly sins with careful nuancing of how we experience them... insights on race, gender, biology, family and more on how our "signature" or "besetting" sins develop... and one of the best explanation on how we must put on the "antidote virtue" if we are to overcome our sins.
Rob Bell has provided the theme that will be the discussion of the month or longer.
I have always respected Bell the communicator.
But . . .
Even reading Velvet Elvis, I found myself thinking he was wrong and misleading on many issues and I no longer saw him as someone to provide guidance into the future.
While I haven't read the book yet, listening to interviews and what Bell is saying (and isn't), I am more than a little sad.
Bell excuses himself (and some of his ideas) by saying he isn't a theologian! Of course he is a theologian. As soon as one begins to formulate and present thoughts about God and the Christian faith, you are doing theology.... and presenting theology... and wanting to influence others to have the same thoughts... otherwise - why communicate?
Frankly, I appreciate the MSNBC Host asking hard questions... which Bell tends to dance around without answering. And I think that is what is most frustrating about Bell and others (McLaren in particular). Just be honest. Don't ride the fence. Don't resort to rhetoric to dance around the hard (and vital) questions.
I appreciate the host pointing out to Bell that when Bell accuses others of speculation, that is what Bell does.
I would have added, when Bell refers to the problem of "dogma" that the other people have, the host could have pointed out Bell's own dogma.
These are important themes...
A friend of mine is concerned about civility in this discussion. As well we should be. But I would also be just as concerned about truth and integrity and the future shape of Christian faith and mission. About these things, the arguments will undoubtedly be passionate. And of course, Bell himself is very passionate and persuasive (and manipulative as well) as a fierce communicator.
So Bell has started the firestorm, he has set the agenda, he has thrown down the gauntlet... this is not the time to avoid sharp, pointed critique in the name of civility. I suspect that one of my favorite authors who has written on this very issue (Os Guinness) is going to be civil but unmistakably clear in refuting the theology/dogma/speculation of Rob Bell.
Brian K. Rice Leadership ConneXtions International www.lci.typepad.com
Mike is the author of this post. Not the "dancing guy."
We had our monthly Leadership Community this past week. Mike Johnson share a great video with us on the nature of "viral movements." Our group loved it.. Mike sets the stage for the video with a few of his thoughts. -brian-
*******************************
In my developement as a leader, how could I have missed such a simple concept of practicing being a follower and the importance that the first follower has to a group, organization or movement?? I have to admit that in my naval carreer, I spent so much time trying to lead those that were in my care, that I didn't give much consideration in followership.
This downward looking leadership was short sighted, prideful and arrogant. As my journey in leadership continued, I moved into a phase of servant leadership as I understood it to mean. I can honestly say, that though I attempted this, and had some limited success, I really failed miserably in this. Again, following was not even on the radar.
Over the last few years, I have been redefining my leadership style, to be counter-cultural as my savior was (is). Modeling Shepherding, Servant/Slave, Steward, Sufferer, Saint and Sage. But again, the idea of leading and following (oth er than to follow my Savior) has escaped me. I came by this video and it illustrated beautifully to me that first follower, upward looking leading, coming along side another leader and visionary for a common purpose, can start a movement and accomplish much more than relying on my own talents, vission. I hope you find it as enjoyable as I.
Mike Johnson Leadership ConneXtions International www.lci.typepad.com
Here was a pretty impressive Leadership Moment from the NCAA basketball tournament.
The truly great leaders are those who lead with love and respect. Here Coach Huggins rises to that level of great leadership.
Here is what Da'Sean said about that time afterward.
Coach demanded my attention, he talked to me, and I was apologizing to him ‘Coach, I’m sorry I couldn’t get you your first national championship.’ I was really genuine about it and I apologized because I wasn’t playing that well and I wanted to let him know I really wanted to get him his first championship. All he said was ‘Don’t worry about it’ and ‘I love you’ and ‘You’re a special kid’ and ‘Don’t let this stop you from doing what you’re doing.’ He continued to say those things to me and it calmed me down … I’ll remember that moment the rest of my life.
Thanks to my friend Winston who sent me this link.
Brian K. Rice Leadership ConneXtions International www.lci.typepad.com
Here is a great, short video clip by Dan Heath (Made to Stick) about how to write a good mission statement and what happens to make a good statement bad.
He uses a bit of language that some of you may not appreciate, but it isn't vulgar...
I was not able to put the actual clip on this site, so I provided the link to the Fast Company page where you can find it.
A friend sent me this link... and as a minister... I especially found it funny... In a Christian world where we are always trying to imitate others who are successful... Ed Young has a good message delivered in the "Not so typical way."
Enjoy...
Brian K. Rice Leadership ConneXtions International www.lci.typepad.com
My idea for this message was launched, in part, by watching this old advertisement.
I think it is one of the greatest ads of all time. Richard Dreyfuss voiced the narration for this Apple advertisement. As I was thinking about our call to be visionaries and passionaries, who engage the world in the name of Jesus, these old commercials did just that. And tomorrow - a follow up post as I answer a number of FAQs about Vision.
********************
Here's to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The trouble-makers.
The round pegs in the square hole.
Those who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them,
disagree with them,
glorify them,
or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
And while some may see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough
to think they can change the world
are the ones who do.
May you and I be numbered among the crazy ones, the fools for Christ, the dreamers and world-troublers who see a better Country and march to the song of another Kingdom.
Here are two video clips of that commercial. One with just words and the other with the images of people. They are both very short clips. Enjoy.
(Note: By the way, this is not an advertisement for Apple, just a great appreciation for their creativity and powerful idea...)
This is an example of artistic creativity that is beautiful. The video is longer than normal, but it never gets old, and in fact, you will find yourself drawn in to the story she is telling and marveling at her artistry. Here is a brief description of the story she is telling. Read it first and then watch the video.
*********************************
This video shows the winner of 2009’s " Ukraine ’s Got
Talent," Kseniya Simonova, 24, drawing a series of pictures on an
illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the
German invasion during World War II.
Her talent, which admittedly is a strange one, is mesmeric
to watch. The images, projected onto a large screen, moved many in
the audience to tears and she won the top prize of about $75,000.
She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting
holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and
the happy scene is obliterated. It is replaced by a woman’s face crying,
but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns
and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman’s
face appears.
She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad,
before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier. This
outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out
on the monument from within a house.
In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside
and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying
good-bye. The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine,
resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11
million deaths out of a population of 42 million.
Kseniya Simonova says: "I find it
difficult enough to create art using paper and pencils or paintbrushes,
but using sand and fingers is beyond me. The art, especially when the war
is used as the subject matter, even brings some audience members to tears.
And there’s surely no bigger compliment."
Brian k. Rice Leadership ConneXtions International www.lci.typepad.com
On this day of Thanksgiving (or probably the day after for most of us...no wait, that is Black Friday, so two days after) - here is whyI am grateful.
I love my church and here are some more reasons why...
We had one of those beautiful Thanksgiving Services this past Sunday. Stories of Grace, Transformation, Service and Gratitude for it all.
This is the second year we've done Cardboard Testimonies as a part of that service.
Here it is:
And, here is the one from last year also.
This is the chruch when we are at our best. A place of fresh starts, second chances, new beginnings, transformative relationships, and missional service to the world. I love my church. I hope you love your church also.
Here is a YouTube video clip that shows us how rapidly the world of media is changing. If Christians and especially, leaders don't keep up with this change, we are going to miss out on where our culture is headed.
This is Did You Know 4.0, produced by XPLANE.
>
Brian K. Rice Leadership ConneXtions International www.lci.typepad.com
The fact that you are reading this post means you are doing some social networking.
If you are on Facebook - you are doing social networking.
Seth Godin tells us, however, that not all social networking is equal, and in fact, much of it may be trivial and of little use. Here is a two minute video clip of his thoughts.
Brian "Be My Facebook Social Network Acquaintance" Rice
Malcolm Gladwell, in Outliers, says it takes about 10,000 hours of work, practice, time, etc. to become an expert and reach real success. This nine year old is well on his way and may hit it a little early... probably because he is in the "woodshed working on his chops" 3 or 4 hours a day.
If you missed America's Got Talent and nine year old Tallan Nobel Latz play his guitar - enjoy this.
Now I will definitely hang up my guitar playing forever.
You have, most likely, already seen/heard the sensation from England - Susan Boyle. YouTube will not allow the video of Susan Boyle singing on Britain's Got Talent to be embedded. So all I can do is provide a link that will take you to it.
Watch it again with these few "cues."
What if the work of leadership is to see this kind of talent and ability in people?
What if the work of leadership is not to judge by the superficial appearances of the surface, but to have eyes to see deep below the surface?
What if leaders have to take chances to allow people's talents to emerge and be displayed?
What if leaders know God chooses the lowly, foolish, weak, unimportant, nonstrategic, things of the world to do His work?
Now, go to the link, watch the video one more time and may God give us eyes to see the Creational Potential and Realities He has placed within the people around us.
Only a God Like You is one of my all-time favorites by Tommy Walker. Here is a great version featuring Wale Adenuga and Kunle Fadahunsi that gives it a Gospel feel, throws a little funk in, some African melodies and rhythms. It is seven minutes long. Watch it, sing along, feel the joy and praise.
Here is a great video worth watching (20 minutes long) about a stroke. I am fascinated with the brain and how it works. This was sent to me from my friend Michelle Seitz. It is also found on that great site TED ideas worth spreading which I have listed under websites (left hand column).
Here are some resources that were used for the Sunday message today and some ideas for learning and growing. The theme is about personal development, becoming all you were meant to be.
Here is the "stethoscope" video that reminds us of what is inside us. It is 2 and 1/2 minutes. Watch it through to the end.
Here is the prayer/poem read on Sunday by Pastor Aaron Kunce. It comes from Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loder.
Download I Praise You For What Is Yet to Be. Download a copy of it. Use it as a prayer each day this upcoming week. If possible, say it aloud and hear the words. Buy this book and use it as part of your devotional resources.
Here is a video clip of the Take My Life song. You may want to watch/listen to it again. It is a song of consecration. Our life is not our own. We belong to Jesus by virtue of creation and redemption. This is our prayer response back to Him.
Here are some quotes that inspire me about the learning/growing process. Download GrowthQuotes
Here is a link for a free online Learning Style Inventory. I have used this with quite a few people and it is helpful to get you started understanding how you learn.
Finally, here is a PDF of lots of suggestions from about 25 friends who are devoted to growth and learning. Skim over it to see what they do for learning. Download LifeLongLearningGrowing
We are made for so much more than we are right now. We already possess so much more than we see or realize. And Christ has given us this beautiful life to become all that He has downloaded into our lives.
So, this is a new week. May it be a week of learning, listening, discovering, growing, stretching, and becoming. If that happens, this will be a really great week for you.
Hey, this isn't a normal posting, but I found it very interesting and intriguing and so I am adding it here. I NEVER knew this existed before I watched this video clip.
It is six minutes long but it goes by quickly.
I think they could make a third National Treasure movie using this idea/facility.
Santana: Shape Shifter The latest from a a guitarist of great longevity and collaborative partnerships. Always good and fun.
Rodrigo y Gabriela: Area 52 (CD+DVD) Think classical, flamenco, percussive/rhythmic guitar slapping and shredding (the standard Rodrigo y Gabriela)... now add in Cuban flavors of a rich variety and you have this GREAT ALBUM.
Steve Morse and Super Group of Prog Rockers: Flying Colors Oh yes... I have listened to this 20 times in the last month. Some of my favorites come together to form a SuperProg Group. You would be hard pressed to put together a better band then this. And this is only their first album. Oh please stay together. Release many more...
Danny Jones: Finding My Way This is an older album, but another magnificent fretboard master, fleet of finger, a savant of the scales, melodic, delicious...
Bruce Springsteen: Wrecking Ball Becky's favorite artist (or else right up there) and this is his new one. I like it a lot. I think we'll have to catch Bruce on tour again.
Frank Gambale: Best Of: Jazz & Rock Fusion A great virtuoso of guitar and one of a select group who has a signature model for Carvin Guitars. This is one great album of instrumental tunes.
Punch Brothers: Who's Feeling Young Now? Wow. Incredible blue grass, folk, rock, indie, all blended together. Chris Thile the mandolin player is a part of this band. Definitely - check them out.
Neil Zaza: Clyde the Cat The brand new CD by one of my favorite melodic shredders. He recently jammed with Phil Keaggy... or I should say, he invited Phil to Jam with him.
Danny Jones: Finding My Way A new artist for me. Seriously, he ranks up there with the creativity and sheer talent of a Joe Satriani... although the Silver Surfer guitarist is still in my top three faves. But Danny Jones deserves a wide listen by all the rock/metal fans.
Gungor: Ghosts Upon the Earth Their newest. I've listened to it a few times. I like Beautiful Things more, but this one is growing on me and several of the songs are outstanding.
Yo-Yo Ma: The Goat Rodeo Sessions Buy this album just because of the great title. No, really buy it because of the four string virtuosos and the magic they conjure up as their instruments flow together.
Josh Wilson: See You Pretty good album by Christian activist, singer, guitarist.
Downhere: Wide-Eyed & Mystified My new favorite band. Canadian Christians, great music, outstanding (TRULY) vocals. And profound lyrics. They leave most Christian artists in the dust of banal pop Christianity.
Downhere: How Many Kings I got this album just a few days before Christmas. It became my favorite Christmas CD in many years.
