Increasing Your Capacity and Slump Proofing Your Leadership Part 5

Matthew 13:5-8 "Some (seed) fell on stony places...some fell among thorns...But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop."

Soil is important. For most things to grow in a healthy manner, it needs the proper environment. The 5th question leaders must deal with in increasing their capacity is the Environmental Questions which asks "Does My Organization Provide The Environment For My Capacity To Increase?"

I recently saw the great movie The Blind Side. You can't watch that movie without noticing the impact of the Touhy and how their family functioned on Michael Oher. They provided stability, security, hope, and direction that helped change a young man's life. As you look at the career of Peyton Manning and many other high capacity quarterbacks, you notice an amazing level of organizational stability.

Dan Marino played for Don Shula from 1983 through 1995. John Elway played from 1983 through 1998 and played for only Dan Reeves and Mike Shanahan. Roger Staubach played all his 11 seasons with Tom Landry. Terry Bradshaw played all his 14 seasons with Chuck Noll. Joe Montana played for 10 seasons under Bill Walsh.

And that brings us to Peyton Manning. Bill Polian has been the Colts' GM his entire career. Peyton played his first 4 seasons for Head Coach Jim Mora and the following 7 seasons under Tony Dungy. Current Head Coach Jim Caldwell has been with the team since 2002. His Offensive Coordinator for his entire 12-year career has been Tom Moore. Jeff Saturday has been his center for 11 years. Marvin Harrison lined up at wide receiver for him for 11 years. Reggie Wayne has been his other (now #1) receiver for 9 years. Dallas Clark has been his tight end for 7 years. Peyton's, and all the previous QBs mentioned, careers have been marked by organizational stability. To expand your capacity to the level that high achievement takes place, you must be in an organization that is marked by stability and consistent excellence.

A stable organization is marked by the following:

1. There is a leadership culture that is defined by winning. John Maxwell says that when you're winning, nothing hurts. That's the Law of Momentum. Momentum is the fuel the expands capacity. It makes you think you can accomplish more than you currently are and that you can be better than you currently are. Winning becomes addictive. It makes growth fun. You put in more preparation time and expect to accomplish great things. And it's just plain awesome when this happens in the context of community and team. Losing doesn't do that. It might make you hungrier, might, but it doesn't increase capacity.
2. There is low turnover of personnel. You cannot increase capacity when you continually start over. I am saddened by churches who are constantly looking for a new pastor. It takes between 5-7 years for a pastor's vision to begin to take root and become reality. You must get "your people" in place and it takes awhile for the congregation to have the vision become part of their DNA. When a pastor is replaced after 3 years for example, you must start the process all over again and you've arguably lost 3 years. The pastor loses because he has to start all over somewhere new. The church loses because they will be in an interim situation for at least 6-12 months and then they start the 5 year process all over again. The community the church is in loses because there is a decreased level of impact in their town. Everyone loses with constant turnover.
3. There are consistent practices and behavior. All successful organizations in sports, church, business, and all of life have a consistent message from the owner, to the front office, to the coaching staff, to the coach on the field. Whether it's a quarterback, middle linebacker, point guard, catcher, top salesman, or an executive, every organization has a coach on the field. In Indianapolis, there's no doubt who it is. As Tony Dungy said of Peyton and his new receivers "The new guys will fit in. He'll make them fit in." Now ask yourself, who is your coach on the field and does he/she not only share, but actually multiply your values and your message and refuse to lose?
4. There is long-term player development. Dungy states "Once a player joins our team, our priority is to teach him, not worry about the player we didn't select." Quality organizations identify and select team members that fit their system and develop them over time. Reggie Wayne did not become Peyton's #1 option until about year 7. Marvin Harrison carried the load while Wayne was given time to develop. I can expand my capacity if my organization is structured in such a way that gives me time to do so. Too many of us are driven by month-end or year-end results. While that is certainly important, it must be balanced because capacity is only expanded by bookkeepers in that type of organization.
5. There is security. The feeling experienced by the highest percentage of people is insecurity. I think that is just a result of the dysfunctional families most of us are growing up in. You can't have the most important people in your life leave home when you're a child and not always have some concern that those in positions of authority in your life will always have a tendency to do that. Also, people just perform better when they have been adequately equipped to fulfill their responsibilities and are not constantly looking over their shoulder. You're going to have a wreck if you're constantly looking in the rear view mirror. The best thing any organization can do is create an environment, primarily through mission, relationships, and compensation, that with proper performance you will always be here. That environment of stability will be the foundation that capacity builds on.

This has been a fun post to write. I have spent five posts discussing the subject of personal development. The next post will center on The Flight Question which asks "Do I Help Others Soar Higher?"

Increasing Your Capacity and Slump Proofing Your Leadership Part 4

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven"

Of all the questions I deal with as a leader, this is the one that may give me the greatest challenge in increasing my capacity. The Timing Question asks "Do I Crockpot Or Microwave My Ideas?" The reason this is the next element to increasing your leadership capacity as that as a continual learner, you will always be getting many new ideas. However, the acquisition of and implementation of key learnings are two different things. Always remember, things just taste better coming out of a crockpot rather than a microwave.

Too often, I have taken something I just learned and immediately tried to implement it. While my bias towards action and enthusiasm is certainly admirable, I did not understand the value of the newly acquired information and improperly used it. Often my efforts were improperly timed and lacked the impact they were capable of.

Qadry Ismail tells another story from the 2002 Jacksonville Jaguar game. In the first quarter, Jacksonville Cornerback Jason Craft thought he had uncovered how the Colts ran a particular route and notified Ismail of such. Ismail relayed that information to Peyton Manning and Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore. Manning filed it away until the perfect moment in the third quarter when he changed the play and threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Ismael.

We get another example of delayed implementation from New Orleans Saints Offensive Line Coach Aaron Kromer. Kromer does not waste time during the week as he watches run games from every NFL game that week. As he says "I recognize...that there are many intelligent coaches in the league who can advance your knowledge exponentially. That's how you grow as a coach, and I believe it's how you grow as a player too."

Out of these hundreds of plays he has seen, he noticed a play late in a 2008 Atlanta Falcon - Carolina Panther game used by Mike Mularkey that he thought would one day fit his personnel. In a week 3 game in Buffalo, he installed the play in his gameplan. The results, a fourth quarter touchdown run by Pierre Thomas that put the game away. As Peter King said "When you have smart coaches, players with ability who can learn and adapt, and good backs, good things can happen in the run game."

How do you know when it is the right time to implement an idea? The following are a couple of good parameters to follow:

1. Have you listened to others prior to the idea's creation and built on their thoughts? Manning listened to Ismael and Tom Moore. Kromer listened to great offensive minds like Mularkey, Joe Bugel, and Bill Callahan. Who are you listening to on a daily basis? Who you listen to and learning from will greatly affect your capacity.


2. Have you included others in the implementation of the idea? As noted, Ismael included Manning and Moore. If you have the right people around you, others will make your ideas better. Proverbs 24:6 says "And in abundance of counselors there is victory."


3. Have you tested your idea? Kromer practiced the play a few times in the offseason and filed it away. However, they spent much time practicing it the week prior to the game. By gametime, they were comfortable with the play and ready to perform it. Before going public with your idea, you must test it privately.


4. Do you let the needs your church, community, marketplace, or competition drive the timing of the release of your idea? In both examples listed, extensive film work and gameplanning took place on the competition before utilizing the idea. Do you know if your idea meets a need or answers questions people are asking? You've heard that certain people were born 10 years too early. Well, you can give birth to your ideas too early as well.


5. Do you use your ideas when they will get maximum results? This is the big one. Each example given above resulted in a touchdown. There is a big difference in implementing your ideas to get a first down in midfield and using them to score. Before unleashing your idea, factor in the results. Will you get a pat on the back for being creative, or will you do something that results in significant life change?

That's the secret. As a continual learner, are you listening to quality people? Do you surround yourself with people who can make your ideas better? Did you practice your concepts or field test your ideas before going public? Did you listen to your church or marketplace? Did you wait for the opportune time to implement your idea for maximum results? If so, there's one additional concept you should know about - Compounding.

There is a compounding effect to waiting and utilizing your ideas at the proper time. You can pay now and play later. Or you can play now and pay later. Here's the secret -Whatever you do later, you will have more of. If you wait and do the 5 steps I outlined, your ideas will achieve maximum results and your leadership capacity will increase.

Check back later this week for Chapter 5 when look at the The Environmental Question which asks "Does My Organization Provide The Environment For My Capacity to Increase?"

Increasing Your Capacity and Slump Proofing Your Leadership Part 3

As you grow in your leadership, you begin by putting yourself in an environment you love. Then, you realize and acknowledge that you must get better. The next question you must deal with is The Information Question which asks "Am I A Continual Learner?"


Qadry Ismael recounts the story of a team charter flight to Jacksonville. The game plan had already been completed and the work was put in. "Hay's in the barn, game plan's done, we're all set" he said. It was going to be a quiet, relaxing flight. However, Peyton was not finished. He spent the next 2.5 hours continuing to revise the game plan.


I've already talked about how he works every Thursday for an extra 90 minutes after practice watching tape with rookie wide receiver Austin Collie. What's unique is his approach to learning various routes of the passing tree. "Most people throw the route tree when they work out - one hitch, one slant, one out, one hook" says Manning. "You hit 'em all and say 'Good workout.' The way I think is, you master one route at a time - one route a day - and you throw the living stew out of it."

Recently, I had the privilege of spending two days with an African-American leader who is considered one of the top 3 church leaders on anyone's list in this country. As he was being introduced to the conference audience, one of the many qualities he was noted for was being a continual learner.

If arguably the greatest quarterback of our or any era and one of the top Christian leaders in America both focus on continual learning, if we are going to fulfill our ultimate leadership capacity, we need to be continual learners as well.


The following are 5 benefits from being a continual learner:

1. You have more options. When Peyton comes to the line of scrimmage, because he knows the offense so well, he has "more tools in his toolbox" or a wider number of plays to choose from.


2. You are better equipped and can achieve more in your specific leadership assignment. In addition to knowing his offense so well, he has the same level of understanding of the opposing defense. The people we serve in our churches or the marketplace are ever-changing. We have to continually re-invent ourselves as well. We have to grow because we can't lead our people where we have not been ourselves.


3. You will have more influence in your chosen field. A rising tide lifts all ships. The reason I noted Ismail and Collile is that Peyton's leadership has fostered a culture of learning. Everyone has to be a learner or you can't play with or keep up with him. As leaders, we are creating a culture whether we realize it or not. It is important that you are learner not only for yourself, but for your team as well.


4. You have more self-confidence. Anyone who has ever delivered a public presentation knows the difference between what it feels like to have a deep understanding of the material or not. We have all faced the "I hope they don't ask that question" stress point. Being a continual learner brings self-confidence which ultimate provides confidence for you and security and confidence to those you lead.


5. You can leave a legacy of innovation. All assignments have a life cycle that eventually comes to an end. When I think of people like Bill Walsh, Paul Brown, Tom Landry, Sid Gilliam, and Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson. Though they are no longer with us, they were all great thinkers, strategists, and innovators. Great ideas come from a series a good ideas componded over time. They all achieved a level of capacity and influence by continually allowing their mind and thoughts to grow. And their concepts were so innovative that they are still used today.

As you make a commitment to continual learning, the next capacity issue you will deal is how and when to utilize your thoughts. Check back early next week when we ask The Timing Questions which asks "Do I Crockpot or Microwave My Ideas?"

Frontview Mirror - Patience In Sports

As we head into the weekend, I am thinking a lot about patience in sports. The Atlanta Hawks at 10-2 have the NBA's best record. What impresses me about the Hawks as how they have given their team to mature and develop. They have stuck with Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams, and Head Coach Mike Woodson and are now reaping the benefits. This makes me also think of the Michigan Wolverines and Head Coach Rich Rodriguez. After two years, his future is unknown even though he had install a new system and get the players to operate within that system. I am not a Rodriguez fan and lacks even rudamentary people skills but they need to give him at least 5 years. Other thoughts:

• With no great college games, look for the top Heisman candidates to put up big numbers against inferior competition. I am not a fan of this award being a lifetime achievement honor and Tim Tebow has not been the team's best player. That award would go to Carlos Dunlap or Joe Haden. Therefore, my top 3 "2009" Heisman candidates are C.J. Spiller, Mark Ingram, and the best college football player, Ndamukong Suh.
• I would love a +1 college playoff this year. Your going to get your SEC match-up in Alabama and Florida but a Texas-TCU game would be awesome!
• How can you not enjoy Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. With 17 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions, Favre at 40 years old is the NFL's leading passer with a 107.5 rating. Stay young Brett and keep throwing deep to Sidney Rice!
• Speaking of the Vikings, Percy Harvin is amazing!
• Have you realized that the Cincinnati Bengals have swept both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. Assistant Coach Mike Zimmerman has taken the defense to a new level.
• I am fascinated by the resurgence of Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans. I was never a fan of his since he scored a 12 on his Wunderlic Test but along with Chris Johnson, he has energized this team.
• I am loving Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski on MNF.
• Sarah Palin is a ratings machine. Don't believe me, ask Hannity, O'Reily, and yes even Oprah.
• I am seeing 2012 tomorrow with my wife. I think she is setting me up for a serious "chick flick".
• I'm watching Season 4 of The Unit on dvd. What was CBS thinking canceling that show?
• I can't wait for the Cleveland Browns vs Detroit Lions. Okay, I'm kidding...unless the NHL is on.

Finally, I can't wait to post lesson 3 of Leadership Capacity tomorrow. Having a great time writing those insights.

Increasing Your Capacity and Slump Proofing Your Leadership Part 2

One of the greatest enemies of future success is....past success. Our natural default mode as leaders is to enjoy the fruits of our labor too long and become content. What made you successful today will not make you successful tomorrow. Ironically an incorrect personal evaluation of and response to current success can actually reduce your capacity. For church and business leaders to increase their capacity, after they have dealt with The Treasure Question, they must now answer The Satisfaction Question which states "Do I Think I Can Get Better?"

Peyton Manning has more passing yards (48,500) and touchdowns (353) by the age of 33 than any quarterback in the NFL's 90-year history. However, in this his 11th season, Manning's 69.7% completion rate and 319.1 yards passing per game are the highest in his career. Why? Certainly experience helps but many players' performance depreciates over time. There is something more.

Deep in your heart, if you are successful, do you honestly, honestly feel you need to and have to get better? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and do a proper analysis of your leadership, relational, and occupational skills? This is tough because subconsciously we all remember the growing pains of our youth. And anyway, aren't we happy with anything? We are, but we also can pervert gratefulness to the point that satisfaction becomes the enemy to the expansion of our capacity.

Peyton Manning understands this. "To understand why he hasn't struggled" Tony Dungy says "you have to understand the way his mind works. It drives him every day that the offense will be better, not just as good as it was." Former teammate Qadry Ismail says "He wants to squeeze out every ounce of talent he has and pour it into the art of quarterbacking, being the absolute best quarterback who has ever played."

Years ago, I frequently never gave my best. What I gave, most people were impressed with, and that was good enough. One weekend, however, I went to a men's retreat at Berry College in Rome, GA and participated in a ropes course. I had to climb a rock wall and only went so far up. I quit when it got too tough. That was a defining moment in my life. On that day in 1999 I decided I would never give less than my best, and praise God, to this day I can honestly say that as a leader, I have always left it all on the field and continually tried to get better. The growth in my life and the success I have achieved have been exponentially higher since that moment.

Here are a few practical things every leader can do to get better:

1. Always be reading good books. Expand your mind with new thoughts.
2. Listen and talk to leaders who bigger, stronger, and faster than you are. They will stretch you.
3. Every year, develop a personal growth plan. Pick an area of your life to grow and develop in.
4. Always know what your clients or people in your church are dealing with and what questions they are asking. This will make you "others focused" and always remember, we can't take people where we haven't gone ourselves. Nothing is worse than answering questions people are no longer asking.
5. Finally, when you feel tired or what you're working on is no longer easy, press into the assignment and work through the process. You will find you have more than enough energy and skill to address the need and subsequently find your confidence and capacity increased.

The Treasure Question. The Satisfaction Question. Are you starting to know what it takes to increase your capacity? Is your mind telling you things you need to stopr or start doing? Great - you are now ready to move to Part 3, The Information Question which states "Am I A Continual Learner?" Look for it on Saturday.

Increasing Your Capacity and Slump Proofing Your Leadership Part 1

Recently, I was in a conversation with a leader I greatly admire and he talked about the difference in "horsepower" between various leaders. What he was saying is that there is varying levels of capacity that individual leaders have. It got me thinking and asking myself "What is my capacity? Are there people who think I don't possess the horsepower needed to accomplish an assignment? Are they right? And if so, can I increase my capacity?" After weeks of study, I think you can.

Last week, I read an article by Peter King of Sports Illustrated on Peyton Manning. From that article, I have extracted 10 Questions that all leaders must deal with when addressing their individual capacity and personal growth. I feel these are so important that I am only going to release one at a time over the next 30 days. I hope you enjoy these posts but more important, I hope they are helpful in allowing you to reach your full redemptive potential. Let's get started with Question #1:

The Treasure Question which asks Do I Love What I Do? All other questions flow from this one. Luke 12:34 states "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The industry that I'm in applies this verse to money, but it also has application elsewhere. If you love your leadership assignment, you will work extra hours joyfully. You will work weekends and always be checking your Blackberry. You'll come in early and stay let. You will study your chosen topic more. Books, blog posts, and podcasts will be a normal part of your life. And most telling, you will have a great attitude around the office.

As my friend Joe Sangl says "I don't have a job. I'm on a crusade!" Peyton Manning is on a crusade to be the best quarterback ever. He runs summer passing camps. The day after the 2009 NFL draft, he was working with first round pick Donald Brown the following morning at 8:00 AM. He is constantly re-working the game plan and doing game time adjustments. Every Thursday after practice, Peyton spends 90 extra minutes watching game film with WR Austin Collie. Peyton's love of the game is obvious.

Now let's answer the question - Do You Love What You Do? If you have to think about the answer, let me help you...you don't. You might like the compensation, benefits, perks, location, or your co-workers. But you don't love it. Here's another test - show me your calendar and your check book, and I'll tell you where your treasure is.

Pastor, leader, friend, please know this - Regardless of your myriad of skills, you will never reach your full capacity in something you don't love and doesn't capture your heart. Also, correctly answering The Treasure Question does not guarantee reaching full capacity. However, not loving what you do will ensure you cannot reach your capacity.

Please check back on Thursday as we deal with the second question all leaders must ask: The Satisfaction Question which states Do I Think I Can Better?

Frontview Mirror - "I Ain't Got Nuthin' But A Cheeseburger"

"I ain't got nuthin' but a cheeseburger." That is the quote from one of the alleged victims of the armed robbery attempt by 3 University of Tennessee football players. My heavens! I am no longer amazed that a person's talent cannot take them farther than their character can sustain them. However, I am constantly amazed at how little character some talented people have. That and the following ten items are things I am thinking about at the end of a very busy but productive week.

1. Georgia Teach Head Coach Paul Johnson made a $14 million decision last weekend. Going for it on fourth down and potentially putting GT in the BCS was an unbelievable, gutsy move. When asked what would happen if it would have failed, Johnson said "Many coaches find safety in losing in a conventional manner." When you lose conventionally, you can blame it on the kicker, referees, weather, or something else. Johnson basically was showing that with the game on the line, he wanted the ball and outcome of the game in his hands. I hope all leaders find a home in non-conventional leadership.
2. This weekend we get the latest installment of Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady. I see the Patriots winning 35-31 in a shootout between these two all-time greats. Pats' defense is just the better of the two units.
3. Stanford will beat USC this weekend 21-17. Folks, this is not an upset.
4. Auburn Tigers will beat the Georgia Bulldogs 38-35 in a crushing defeat in Athens. The Dogs' defense makes opposing QBs look like Heisman candidates. Stephen Garcia looked like Danny Wuerfful. Ryan Mallet has his coming out party. Jonathan Crompton looked like Peyton Manning. Tim Tebow looked like, well, Tim Tebow. And Chris Todd will look like Jason Campbell before he went to the Redskins.
5. There is no scientific evidence that Global Warming even exists. However, if it does and we experienced in Georgia this week, I am huge fan of Global Warming! If we get sunny days in the 60s in November, then sign me up for a gas guzzling SUV and a big carbon footprint!
6. I traveled to Baltimore for a few days this week. Two thoughts - first, I think downtown Baltimore by the harbor is the prettiest big city I have ever been to. Second, have you ever noticed no one ever smiles in an airport. People just spend their lives going places they don't want to go or worse, they have nothing positive to come home to.
7. I wrote about this in my twitter account earlier this week, but if you're a church that needs help with messaging and communications, there is no one better than Details Communications. They are great friends and do a great job helping churches better communicate the Gospel's life changing message.
8. You can't have creativity without creation. I am concerned that there is a lack of effective creativity in many churches. What we often default to is repackaging the same message in different language. While this "language land rush" can many times turn a phrase in such a way that it engages the unconnected, other times it's a feeble and lazy attempt of putting a new paint job on an old car.
9. I love my church, Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA! I had lunch this week with my Associate Pastor Shane Freeman. Great guy. Crawford Loritts, Shane, Matt Farlow, and Tim Beard are just awesome and four of the finest men you will ever meet. Because of their leadership, I am a better husband, father, and man than I would have been without their input into my life. Thanks guys and I'm always praying for you!
10. Every year I set a personal goal for myself. In 2010, I hope to launch a new concept and product line in the ministry area of small groups. I have the mock-ups and am really excited about how it could connect people by creating avenues where people can share their lives with others. Let's see what God does with it.

It was an extremely busy but great and productive week. I am getting ready to enjoy a great weekend with my family and enjoy Global Warming in the South.

Allen Iverson: The Most Overrated Superstar In NBA History

This is a tough blog to write but the implications for church and business leaders is significant. Allen Iverson is a Hall of Famer with an incredible resume. 1st pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. Rookie of the Year. 10-time NBA All-Star. 2-time All-Star game MVP. 4 time scoring champ. 2000-01 League MVP. 2004 bronze medalist in the Olympics. Over 24,000 career points which is 17th all-time. And I could go on but I will not...because unfortunately the most electrifying player in the NBA for a 5-year period is also the most overrated superstar in NBA history. The following are the reasons why:

• The success of the 76er teams in the early part of this decade were a result of Larry Brown's coaching. The Larry Brown coached Sixers averaged 45 wins per year. The AI teams not coached by Brown averaged 34 wins per year. Application: If you are deciding which church to serve in or work for, always pick the one with the "best" Pastor. If you are deciding between career options, pick the company with the best leaders. Everything rises and falls on leadership. Don't make decisions based upon financial or geographical considerations. The results will be short-lived and quality leadership will win out over an extended timeframe.
• Each team AI left dramatically improved. The Sixers made the play-offs both years after Iverson left. Andre Igoudala has emerged as a potential superstar since his departure. The Denver Nuggets made the Western Conference Finals after trading AI for Chauncy Billups. Conversely, the Detroit Pistons went from 59 wins to 39 with AI running the offense. Application: There is a difference between activity and accomplishment. You may have people on your team that are flashy and talk a good game. The people you want, though, are the ones whose departments and teams deliver consistent results. Is their area of ministry bearing fruit and growing? Are lives being changed? Are ministries being fully funded? Is your mission statement being realized as it is written? If not, you may have an AI on your hands.
• Making Others Better. It is interesting to note that not one of Iverson's 76er teammates made the All-Star game the same year he did. Not one other dominant point guard had that issue. A rising tide lifts all ships. Maybe Iverson never had talent around him but he never lifted another player's skill to a level that was significant. Check out the last 10 seconds in the clip below for his thoughts on making others better. Application: Pastor and business leader, your Executive Leadership Team should always be producing additional all-stars. It is their responsibility to embody and subsequently multiply your vision and leadership by equipping others to do the work of the ministry or organization. Key question - how many attenders have taken the risk of a new leadership position in your church in the last year? Think about the answer to that question and its implications.
• Foundational Elements. Iverson for all his skill constantly neglected the basics of his position. With a 42.5% career shooting percentage, his frenetic pace while constantly entertaining often put his team is non-enviable situations. He also had an assist-to-turnover ratio of less than 2. His disdain for practice is legendary as you will see in the clip below. In regard to his character, there were numerous off the court issues. Application: If you have a team member who constantly neglects the fundamentals in his life, the issue is when, not if, that person will put your organization in trouble. In ministry, watch how they manage money, do they arrive and leave on time, how do they interact with their spouse, how they deal with lust and the opposite sex, and most important, what does their daily quiet time looks like? Nothing can erode trust and momentum like a character issue from a key player in your organization.

Final thoughts. I loved watching Allen Iverson during his prime. He had unbelievable passion and was physically the toughest player in the NBA. However, without the strong leadership of Larry Brown, he never achieved his potential nor did the people around him. A key component to maximizing capacity is that your star players equip others for success and makes sure everyone crosses the finish line together. Pastor or business leader, the lesson we learn from the career of AI is that leadership with substance is much more sustainable than a charismatic performer or personality without a strong foundation and commitment to the success of others.

Frontview Mirror - Things I Am Thinking

As I wind down a very productive week, the following are several things I am thinking and focused on as we approach the weekend.

• Congratulations to the New York Yankees, the gold standard of American team sports. I found it interesting that everyone kept focusing on their pitchers starting with limited rest. What everyone neglected was that during the final month of the regular season, Sabathia, Pettitte, and Burnett had extra rest for 15 of their 22 combined starts. This was a strategic move to setup the post-season. Quality leadership makes decisions today that affect tomorrow's success.
• I was shocked by New Mexico's Elizabeth Lambert and her actions during a recent soccer game. As a father of young girl and trying to picture her as the victim here, I think not only should Lambert be permanently suspended and her scholarship revoked, I honestly think she should serve jail time for assault. Some physical actions should not be protected just because they take place between the white lines. I'm sure she's a talented player. However, I am reminded that your talent can never outrun your character. Check the link below and see if you agree.
• On the other end of the spectrum, Mike Linch, Lead Pastor of the great NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, GA, may be the most genuinely nice guy I have ever met. Check out his twitter and blog links on this site. If you live in North Atlanta, go check them out this Sunday.
• I love Mark Richt as the Georgia Bulldog coach. I could not think of a better leader for young men preparing them for life. Sports is measurable which makes it such a good study of leadership. However, with Mark, you also should measure wins and losses off the field. In that arena, he may be the best coach in America.
• Is there anything better than serving the under-resourced in your community?
• Jon Gruden is fantastic on MNF.
• Alabama will be too big and physical at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball for LSU. Mark Ingram takes the Heisman lead with a big day. Alabama rolls to a 24-14 win.
• For sheer entertainment value, I am loving the pillow fights between the SEC coaches!
• The Houston Texans will not win, but they will give the Indianapolis Colts all they can handle. Bob Sanders is out for the season which hurts the Colts deeply. Andre Johnson with a huge day but the Colts hold on 35-31.
• The game I am looking forward to most this weekend is the entertaining Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys. Once again, DeSean Jackson puts on a show for a national audience. Eagles 35-21.
• Percy Harvin is the most explosive offensive weapon in the game because of speed and versatility. You can line him up anywhere on the field. Unbelievable how he lasted to the mid-first round. With limited financial resources, every successful ministry or business has versatile, multi-skilled team members.
• Finally, the NCAA continued their disappointing decision-making with a full-season suspension of Dez Bryant. Early prediction, like Harvin because of his size and return capability, if selected by anyone other than the Raiders or Redskins, he will be next season's Rookie of the Year.

Why Good Teams Go Bad Part 2

In Part 2 of Why Good Teams Go Bad, I will examine what I think is the main reason a team can go from 13-3 or 14-2 to a losing season...the Quarterback.

• Capacity. 9 of the 12 teams had QBs age 30 or over. 2 others, Mark Brunell was 29 and Donovan McNabb was 28. Now this is not a statement of age discrimination. On the contrary, experience if leveraged correctly actually increases a person's capacity. However, in sports, age can limit your physical capacity. 2 of the 9, John Elway and Brett Favre, retired after their great seasons. 6 of the 12 were injured the following year. The question all leaders must ask is the following "Have I identified the capacity issues within my team?" It may be a skill issue, a depth issue, a character or resource issue, or a lack of creative thought. Whatever it may be, your successful team may be undone because you no longer can perform at a high level due to capacity issues. In future blogs, I will be examining how to increase your capacity.
• The Inner Circle Changes. Records are limited here but it is interesting that no team changed Head Coaches. However, a minimum of 5 teams changed Offensive or Defensive Coordinators. This changes the system, the terminology, the appreciation of skills, the pace and rhythm of practice, and the human relational dynamic that is so important when dealing with high capacity individuals. Remember, no one likes change but a baby.
• Because of parity, most NFL teams are basically evenly matched. As a result, leadership is many times the deciding factor in games. During the winning seasons, the teams can a combined 68-13 record in games decided by 7 points or less. The following seasons, the same teams combined for a 33-62 record. The biggest change was experienced by the 2001-02 Chicago Bears. In 2001, the Bears went 8-1 in close games. The following year after being the most injured team in the league and losing on-field leader QB Jim Miller after 8 starts, the Bears went 4-6.

This brings us to the 1-6 Tennessee Titans. They fit the profile perfectly. They have a 36 year old QB who was replaced after game 6. They lost their best player, Albert Haynesworth, to free agency and best defensive back Cortland Finnegan to injury. They have a 1st year Defensive Coordinator in Chuck Cecil. They are currently 0-3 in games decided by 7 points or less after going 4-1 last year. The team has no sense of urgency.

This now brings us to your ministry or organizational team. If you are ignoring capacity issues, have lost your best people, have new unproven leadership, and seem to be just missing opportunities, you may be a good team about to go bad. One of the best lessons I was ever taught was as a leader to frequently pretend I was a new leader taking over every 6 months. Some things we do very well. Some things the next person would obviously change. It was my responsibility as a leader, and now yours, to proactively make those changes before significant negative performance occurs.

Why Good Teams Go Bad Part 1

The Tennessee Titans started this NFL season with six consecutive losses after going 13-3 in 2008. Since the NFL expanded to a 16 game season in 1978, 12 of the 47 teams that went 13-3 or better had losing records the next year. That's an amazing 26%! I had to find out why and if there were common links between these teams.

The following are my key findings. You will be able to apply these learnings to your church, non-profit, recreational, or business organization so that you will be able to have sustained excellence in your marketplace or area of influence.

1. Focus on Fundamentals and Continual Development. In the NFL, there are four primary fundamentals - blocking, tackling, avoiding penalties, and not turning the ball over. 11 of the 12 teams had a positive turnover ratio during their winning seasons. Combined, they averaged over a +10 with the highest being the 1998 Atlanta Falcons with a +20. During their losing seasons one year later, 9 of the 12 had a negative turnover ratio with the 2001 St Louis Rams at -19. When you have a measure of success, there is a tendency to get complacent and trust the power of your talent, personality, or charisma to get you by. In the Christian life, the default mode is that you don't take the time to pray and set aside time for Bible study like you once did and the enemy catches up to you. In business, you relax and enjoy the fruit of your labors thinking your customers will automatically stay with you. Meanwhile, the competition you have previously beaten has made game-day or off-season adjustments and has caught up to you. Their presentation is now sharper, their product line is bundled and more comprehensive, and they don't take their customers for granted. What you are left with is a perfect storm of relaxation which brings its twin brother lack of preparation, little to no improvement of your skills, and the competition is now surpassing you because they did make adjustments, worked smarter and harder, and improved. NFL teams now have tape on Mark Sanchez and his performance has had a noticeable dip. What got you to the top will not keep you there.
2. Loss of Talent. The only appreciable asset any organization has is its people. Everything else depreciates. 11 of the 12 teams arguably lost their best player the following year. The 1986 New York Giants lost all 3 games the replacement players participated in during the strike. 1997 Kansas City Chiefs were affected by the retirement of Marcus Allen. The 2000 Jacksonville Jaguars and 2001 Chicago Bears were among or the most injured teams in the NFL that season. The 2004 Philadelphia Eagles suspended the dysfunctional Terrell Owens and had injuries to Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. The aforementioned 2001 St. Louis Rams had 3 separate QB injuries that season. Whether it is injuries, retirements, free agency, holdouts, or trades, it is important that each organization identify its key personnel and build a deep bench behind them. Look around at your best players. Do you have a Lou Gehrig behind your Wally Pipp? Or are you like the 1998 Denver Broncos that when John Elway retired and Terrell Davis was lost for the season with a knee injury opening weekend, you went from 14-2 to 6-10. John Maxwell states that The Law of the Bench is that great teams have great depth. He is correct. Can you sustain the loss of two or three key individuals?
3. An Unreliable Spike in Positive Performance. 6 of the 12 teams had a .500 or less record prior to going 13-3 or better. They then "returned to Earth" the following year. The best indicator of future performance is past performance. When evaluating performance, notice if it is a 1-year run or does the individual or team have sustained excellence. How often do we see players perform well in the last year of their contracts? Avoid these players and give me sustained and consistent excellence anytime. Here's the bigger question regarding team performance, what are the factors that allow you to have a performance spike. We will be analyzing these 6 teams in a future blog to identify why.

In my next blog, I will discuss the main reason for a drop in team performance - quarterback play and its multiple effects on the overall team.

Rearview Mirror

Very memorable weekend. Here are some of my thoughts:

• Another great day at Fellowship Bible Church. Crawford Loritts delivered another life-changing message from Acts 15 on how God uses conflict. I learned a lot! Go to www.fbconline.org later this week to hear the message.
• Brett Favre returned to Green Bay with 4 touchdown passes and a Vikings win. Regardless of his age or how often he struggles with retirement decisions, he is healthy and can perfectly run Minnesota's offense. I love his passion for life and the game. Also, Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson are freaks who you can't contain the entire game. They allow Favre not to do too much and stay in the confines of the offense. I hope he never retires.
• The Philadelphia Eagles have more top-tier talent skill players than any team I have seen since the 1981-84 San Diego Chargers. DeSean Jackson is the most electrifying player in the NFL currently.
• Ted Ginn Jr is the new Desmond Howard. A top 10 NFL Draft wideout who never panned out as a receiver but found a niche as a dominant return man.
• Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy have re-entered the Heisman race with big weekends. I have them #2-3 behind Jimmy Clausen. However, I know most people would have Clausen or Mark Ingram #3.
• Unless you can hold the Florida Gators to 17 points, no one is going to beat them because that defense is not going to give up more than that. Your best chance is to force turnovers and make Tebow fumble or throw interceptions.
• The Oregon Ducks were dominant against USC. Head Coach Chip Kelly has a team that is fast, loaded with athletes, and can flat out score. They are a compelling story and Kelly is the National Coach of the Year.
• Also, they have a great QB in the West Coast-Tebow, Jeremiah Masoli. Only a junior, I would draft Masoli ahead of Tebow. He's not as big but he's a significantly better passer and a more dangerous runner.
• Who knew the Boise State-Oregon game back in Week 1 would wind up being so important? It's not going to happen without a playoff, but I would love to see a Florida-Oregon game. The BCS is heading towards Armageddon this year.
• I would also like to see Texas-Alabama or Texas-TCU.
• I don't want to see Iowa play anyone. Come on Ohio State and Terrell Pryor in two weeks, relieve our national suffering.
• Georgia Tech is a team no one wants to play in January. Georgia Tech-Cincinnati would be a great game.
• I'm old enough to remember when Ole Miss was a good team...back in the first two weeks of September.
• I'm old enough to remember when the Tennessee Volunteers were a bad team...back in the first two weeks of September.
• I think Carmelo Anthony will enter full-fledged superstar status this year and lead the NBA in scoring. He has always been able to score but he has now arrived mentally and emotionally and Chauncey Billups is a great veteran steadying influence.

Getting ready for a charity golf event tomorrow for Bethel Haven in Athens, GA to raise support to help at-risk kids. I can't wait. Hanging out with some great guys.