Leadership Lessons from Iron Man 2

My wife and I saw Iron Man 2 today. First, it is so great to have a wife who will put up with popcorn movies! Second, you need to know that I am a typical MAN! I like sports, red meat, and lots of action. Therefore, when I go to a movie, I'm looking for two hours of fun, a lot of special effects, and mass destruction and carnage.

With that as a backdrop, here are several thoughts about my movie experience today.

• Without a father in the home, there is rudderless thinking. The turning point of the movie was a message posthumously given to Tony Stark by his late father. It is a reminder that the fundamental role of leadership in a church, organization, or the home is to provide direction and intent. For fathers, this movie provides a tangible demonstration that we are daily setting precedent for a time we cannot see.
• We paid $10 each for an IMAX experience and the movie was 80% full for a 10:30 AM showing. There are economic issues in this country but people have money to apply it to where their heart is. In this case, it's entertainment. Pastors, don't hold off on building projects or capital campaigns because "you're people are struggling". They have the resources. You just need to let them know the compelling nature of your project.
• I have been to probably hundreds of movies in my lifetime. This was the first time that producers of the movie surveyed the attendees. There was solid, probing questions. Furthermore, they thanked me for my time and thoughts and stated that several Marvel Comics movies were forthcoming (Thor, Captain America, The Avengers) and our comments would greatly impact those productions. If a movie that will generate over $400 million is interested in the thoughts of the attendees, how important are tools like the Reveal study for church leaders?
• There are only two action sequences. Granted both are exciting, but I wanted more action and felt a little unfulfilled because there was too much story. However, the first encounter between Tony Stark/Iron Man and Ivan Vanko is as tense an action sequence as I've seen in a long time. You must give the audience what they're looking for. If I want to see a movie about relationships, I would have seen the excellent Mylie Cyrus movie The Last Song again.
• The quality of an action movie is always determined by the antagonist. In IM2, Mickey Rourke was spectacular and the best part of the movie. Your joy of victory will never exceed the level of what it takes to overcome your opposition in movies or real life. Tony Stark had to overcome a lot in this movie.
• The Law of the Inner Circle taught by John Maxwell (http://www.johnmaxwell.com/) tells us that those closest to you will determine your level of success. Lt. Col. Rhodey Rhodes (played by Don Cheadle) and Natalie (Scarlett Johansson) played key roles in Stark's ultimate success. Any level of success achieved by you will never be attained without the help of many. As the old saying goes, if you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know it didn't get there without help.

On the Brian Dodd scale of grading (one to five football helmets), I give IM2 2.5 helmets. Great special effects and two fantastic action sequences. It's worth a watch but I just wanted more action and stuff blown up. Just call me a typical guy.

Everyone Has Tape On You and Other Leadership Lessons from Adalius Thomas

Recently I read on http://www.profootballtalk..com/ that the two-time Pro Bowl selection and current free agent Adalius Thomas was having difficulty locating a new team after being cut by the New England Patriots. The reason we are told for this is that every NFL (http://www.nfl.com/) team has tape on him from last year and are not impressed.

This is alarming because after the 2006 season, Thomas signed a 5-year, $35 million contract after being the most sought after free agent on the market that summer.

As a leader, here are five takeaways I get from this story.

1. Everyone has tape on you. People, especially those you lead, are always watching you. They have a mental tape on you and reflect your character and behavior. You are always setting precedent as a leader. People will do what people see.
2. Most of us are "system players". In the Baltimore Ravens defense, Thomas was involved in more blitz schemes and allowed to often roam. The Patriots' defense focused on assignments and decisions. While the money was good, the fit was not. You must determine which system you fit best in. Unless you fit well, you may never see all the money.
3. Great organizations never pay for average. When you're highly paid and highly visible, you must produce. The reason sports teaches such good leadership principles is because everything is measurable. Someone wins. Someone loses. Production shows up in the box score. Personnel decisions are then made.
4. Rebelling against authority never has positive results. Twice during the 2009 season, Thomas accused Head Coach Bill Belichick of treating him like a "kindergartner". Pride proceeds destruction and a haughty spirit proceeds your fall. Quality organizations deal with insubordination in a swift and decisive fashion.
5. Failure is not final. Someone will eventually pick Thomas up during training camp or when someone gets injured. There is too much talent there. Thomas, like Cedric Benson last year, has the opportunity to redeem himself. Let's hope he lands in a good system that allows him to achieve his maximum potential.

In three years, Thomas went from being the most sought after free agent in football to not being sought out at all. As a leader, we walk with one foot on the mountain top and one on the banana peel. As a result, we will all eventually sit down to a banquet of consequences of our actions and decisions. Make good ones.

Leadership Lessons from Crawford Loritts

Dr. Crawford Loritts (http://www.fbconline.org/) has been my Pastor for the last four years. He is a great man! When I think of what makes him unique it is the fact that he has more moral authority than anyone I have ever met.

Many of you know Crawford from Promise Keepers and Campus Crusade For Christ (http://www.campuscrusade.com/), but I get to hear him on weekly basis. The more I thought about it, I felt it was just not right for me not to share just some of his insights. As a gift to you, attached are 10 of my favorite "Crawford quotes" on leadership.

Enjoy..and if you're free this weekend, visit us at Fellowship Bible Church on Hwy 92 in Roswell, GA.

1. "You can always tell the nature of a person by what makes them walk away from commitments."
2. "My most challenging responsibility is husband and father. Each day I set precedent and equip my children for a time we cannot see."
3. "I have come to realize that leadership is fundamentally about direction and intent."
4. "Confidence is determined by our memory, not the current scoreboard of our life. Remember what God has done for you in the past."
5. "Have you ever met someone famous who then surprised you by being so disarming, warm, and interested in you? You'll find that with Jesus." - my personal favorite
6. "A real test of leadership is how you handle privilege. Do you use it to help others or help yourself?"
7. "True greatness, and I emphasize the word 'True', is not achieved. It only finds noble people."
8. "A fool is one who refuses to live and behave in light of what he knows is right and becomes a willing slave of his impulses."
9. "Maturity is appreciating a diet that doesn't always taste good."
10. "There is nothing worse than visionless Christianity. We must overcome the struggles that take place in valleys in monotony."

OK, I got to give you an 11th - "Without a father in the home, there is rudderless thinking."

Yankee Stadium and Church Buildings Part 3

The following is my final installment of principles church leaders can take away from the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.

• A new facility will increase involvement in the many products that are connected to it. 50,000 pair of eyes each evening see creative advertising on the new Jumbotron. As many new people attend your new facility, the church will see an increase in its sub-ministries such as Children, Youth, Women's, etc... A good measurement of leadership and performance will be does the sub-ministries grow at the same percentage rate as the worship service since it will serve as a feeder.
• An increase in revenue allows for the needed talent acquisition. With the increase in revenue, there will be many discussions on how best to utilize the resources. As that decision is being made, please remember the only appreciable asset is people. Whether acquiring personnel or ministering to those in need, people is always the best strategic choice.
• Acquiring talent is a skill in itself. If throwing money at people is all that is needed to win a championship, the New York Mets and not the Yankees would be perennial contenders. Many have said it but when choosing a team member look at character, competency, character, and calling. One additional item I look for is capacity. Capacity determines "the size of a person's brain", their horsepower, and the amount of output they are capable of. In a future blog, I will discuss the key elements that can expand or limit a person's capacity.
• Finally, a new facility will have a positive impact on other churches in the area. As the Yankees spend more for players with their increased revenue, it will drive up salaries for the other teams through Free Agency and arbitration comparables. It will also provide them increased assets through revenue sharing. As attendance increases at a new facility, many will determine that the new approach to ministry is not right for them and their family. They will not quit church, but rather will attend somewhere else in the area helping grow that church. Also, the spiritual temperature in the community rises because everyone sees the new construction. The community drives by the new construction on a daily basis and knows that God is changing lives. A rising tide will lift all ships.

These three blogs were written for church leaders who were apprehensive about expanding their facilities. If your church is growing but still struggling in this area, take lessons from sports stadiums and get a picture of what God can do in your ministry. While it will take faith, energy, and strong leadership, the impact it will have on those in your church and those who will soon come to your church will be felt for eternity.

Yankee Stadium and Church Buildings Part 2

The following is Part 2 of what church leaders can learn from new facilities, in this case the new Yankee Stadium.

• A "New" facility creates positive momentum for a church. When you visit a new stadium, the grass looks greener. The hot dogs taste better. The parking and amenities are better. When a new church building is constructed, the music sounds better. The seats and temperature are more comfortable. The bookstore has a better selection. The coffee tastes fresher. The pastor communicates better. It just creates a more conduscive environmanet for people connecting to the heart of God and other people. "New" generates momentum. The launch of a new minsitry generates enthusiasm and momentum. The hiring of a new staff person mobilizes people and interest. Everyone shows up to hear the new pastor. "New" generates momentum. Church leader, what have you done that's "New" lately?
• While "New" generates momentum, "Improved" sustains momentum. A new facility requires sustained excellence because the increased costs will be fixed to maintain it, but the revenue will only remain high if the product improves at an equal or higher rate. In other words, a winning team is needed to initailly populate a new stadium and keep people coming back. The church must deliver consistent ministry excellence to populate its new facililty and create repeat attenders.
• Therefore, a new facility requires new or additional talent. The Yankees signed Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, and AJ Burnett to help fill its new stadium. An expanded facility with new and improved ministry, will need an expanded leadership base to support the expanded audience and ministry need. Whether that is paid staff or an increase in your volunteers, additional talent will be required. Without expanded leadership, expansion will soon be followed by contraction.
• A new facility will help allow a church to become everything God wants it to be. The Detroit Tigers' new ownership felt their new product finally "hit the shelves" when their new stadium was built. Once a church has the adequate space to facilitate what it feels God has called them to do, the leadership finally gets the sense that they can have the impact on their community and the world that they always dreamed of.

Coming soon will be the final chapter of this series. Let me know what you think.

Yankee Stadium and Church Buildings Part 1

Several months ago I read an article in the Sporting News regarding the impact of the new Yankee Stadium. I think there are several key learnings that church leaders can take from its construction and apply it to their ministry environment.

1. Every facility eventually becomes outdated and not as efficient as it previously was thus costing the ministry opportunity. The current Yankee locker room was built for athletes in the 1920s, not today, and it obviously doesn't have the economic capability of luxury suites and advertising revenue. The only thing that appreciates is people. Even the best buildings became landlocked, deteriorate, or no longer meet the needs of a changing society. To a visitor, a leaking roof indicates something else is leaking. An outdated facility communicates your ministry is outdated.
2. Attendance and involvement will increase with a new facility. If your new facility was tied to vision, the genesis of the new project was that you could no longer facilitate what God was doing at your church. The expanded facilities now allow you to maximize on your potential and reach the people you are capable of reaching. It is a reality of leadership that great leaders will always have to raise money and expand because they will always continue reaching more and more of their community.
3. New facilities meet attendee expectations by offering choice and experience. When you go to a new ballpark, parking is better, there are entertainment options outside the stadium, great video boards, and there is fan interaction options. A new facility gives you a better experience...particularly in the children's area. But adults also get coffee areas, better gathering space, quality bookstores, better lighting and sound, video capabilities, wider aisles, and a warmer facility that just makes connecting with the heart of God and others easier.
4. Current attendees will increase giving. It is well documented that the Yankees dramatically raised ticket prices. Likewise, where a man's treasure is, there is heart will be also. A capital campaign tied to vision and built on a foundation of prayer weaves a culture of generosity into your church. As a result, weekly giving will increase in addition to the additional sacrificial dollars. Also, the expanded facilities will allow for expanded audiences. And when you get people, you also get their resources.
5. This increased revenue will change how ministry is done. The Yankees are expected to take their increased revenue and revamp their Latin and overseas scouting departments. Churches with increased revenue can add staff or launch ministry initiatives to better serve the schools and under-resourced in their communities.

Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3.