management by God

jephthah: the son of a harlot

2008-12-01T11:54:00Z

If you've ever felt like you don't 'belong' then you need to read this. In fact, even if you've never felt that way, then you should still read this to understand an important principle.

Sometimes people can be very unfair. People often put labels on others that they really don't deserve. And these labels can ultimately define one's future. When I look at the next leader in the Book of Judges I come to Jephthah, and right off the bat I see that he was labeled in two different ways. The first thing mentioned is that he was "a mighty man of valor" (Judges 1:1, NKJV); a title that I assume he worked hard to earn. This is the same label used to describe Gideon, who accomplished some pretty amazing feats to earn that title.

However, it is the other label used that gets my attention, and that is the label "the son of a harlot" (Judges 1:1, NKJV). This one apparently was a label that Jephthah had to overcome. Take a look at the text, and think about what this young man had to go through as "the son of a harlot"...

Now Jephthah of Gilead was a great warrior. He was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute. 2 Gilead’s wife also had several sons, and when these half brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. “You will not get any of our father’s inheritance,” they said, “for you are the son of a prostitute.” 3 So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Soon he had a band of worthless rebels following him.

4 At about this time, the Ammonites began their war against Israel. 5 When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. The elders said, 6 “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!”

7 But Jephthah said to them, “Aren’t you the ones who hated me and drove me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now when you’re in trouble?”

8 “Because we need you,” the elders replied. “If you lead us in battle against the Ammonites, we will make you ruler over all the people of Gilead.”

9 Jephthah said to the elders, “Let me get this straight. If I come with you and if the Lord gives me victory over the Ammonites, will you really make me ruler over all the people?”

10 “The Lord is our witness,” the elders replied. “We promise to do whatever you say.”

11 So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their ruler and commander of the army. At Mizpah, in the presence of the Lord, Jephthah repeated what he had said to the elders.

--- Judges 1:1-11 (NLT)

Here are a few things that I've learned through studying this portion of Jephthah's story...

.: 1 :.   Don't label people :: What bugs me most about the label "son of a harlot" is that Jephthah had nothing to do with that. It was his father who ran off and slept with a prostitute, but now Jephthah had to live with it. In fact it is for this very reason that Jephthah was driven out of town. Labeling people (especially in a negative way) is wrong. We should strive to have a positive impact on the people around us.

.: 2 :.   Don't be discouraged by labels :: We know that because of his future success that Jephthah was much more than "the son of a harlot." Unfortunately, it also seems that Jephthah let the labels get to him. After leaving town because of the pressure from other people, he ended up hanging out with a "band of worthless rebels." Because of the labels that were put on him, he only identified himself with other "worthless" people, probably because he saw himself as worthless as well. Don't let yourself be a victim to these labels.

.: 3 :.   Find your identity in Christ :: This is not something that I get directly out of this text, but I do see that regardless of where Jephthah found his identity he still realized the God was the source of his strength (v9). In order to overcome labels that people put on us, we must stay true to the idea that ultimately God is the one that matters when it comes to understanding who we are.

.: 4 :.   Create your own self-labels :: Eventually Jephthah would be known as a "mighty man of valor." If we want to shake off negative ideas of what people think about us, then we are responsible for creating these images ourselves. Building on the idea of finding our identity in Christ, we should also focus on personal branding. Stand strong in the Lord, and create an image that helps people to see Christ at work in your life. You can have a strong, positive impact on the culture around you, but it is up to you to make it happen.

Recommended resource:
The Barbarian Way
By Erwin Raphael McManus

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interview :: karen pina

2008-11-07T05:01:00Z

By a show of hands, how many of you had an easy time finding the right job for you? I'd be willing to bet that, like me, you have probably struggled finding the work that you love to do, and even if you have, maybe had a tough time actually getting that job. If you follow management by God, then you know that I think that God has gifted each one of us to do some amazing stuff. The hard part sometimes is figuring what that is and how to get there gracefully.

That's where Karen Pina comes in. Karen is a leadership coach, minister, and author of Is it the job, the boss, you . . . or are you an entrepreneur? Find your career stressors and the success God intends. Recently I had the chance to get an interview with Karen and talk to her about this valuable resource. Here's what Karen had to share:

mbG: Why did you write this book?

Karen: Dan, I wrote this book to see Christians arrive at the career destination God intends sooner rather than later. It took me 20 plus years of fumbling around in Corporate America. God knows I don't want the same for my Christian brothers and sisters. If I can help them get there with less stress in half the time with the right tools and attitude, then allowing God to use me to write this book was worth it. Accomplishing this will fill me with unspeakable joy!

mbG: Tell me about yourself.

Karen: You know every time I’m asked this question I reflect deeply on how to answer. First, I am a handmaiden of God who is madly in love and totally surrendered to Him as a vessel fit for noble and honorable purposes. Second, I’m a virtuous leader in my home as a wife to my husband Stanley and a mother to our two beautiful girls.

mbG: What is the book about?

Karen: It is guidebook for those who are looking for career answers. It is for Christians who are sick and tired of being sick and tired of switching jobs every one to three years, tired of the annual slap in the face performance appraisal, and tired of not knowing what they don’t know to attain the career success they were created for.

This is accomplished through assessments, exercises, conducting research, and answering coaching questions. As you can see Dan, it is a pragmatic hands-on career and business resource. It is definitely not a read from cover to cover and place on the shelf book. It requires the reader’s active participation in order to find their career stressors and the success God intends.

“Anyone who picks up this book, no matter what circumstances they’re going through on the job front, will automatically identify with it because it hits home, right where you are.”

mbG: What is the one take-away you want the readers to leave with?

Karen: My prayer and desire for all who read this book is a successful transition over the bridge into the enormous sea of discovery and realization of the power of God within them as the wind beneath their sails guiding them into their proper sphere of career influence.

mbG: How long have you been writing?

Karen: You know I have been writing in some capacity for over 15 years. At the same time, I have been writing creatively for only the past eight to 10 years. Over the last 5 years, God has taken me to new heights as the Holy Spirit has birthed articles, newsletters, e-books, e-courses, and paperback books. I have most recently discovered that I’m a scribe after the order of Ezra in the Bible.

mbG: What is next on the writing horizon?

Karen: A scribe is one who completes divine writing assignments as given by God. So, there are several things on God’s radar right now that He desires to release through me. Some of the upcoming assignments are completing a musical project of all the poems He’s given me, a character development book titled The Making, and a book to help Christian coaches find virtual assistants who are best equipped to support the vision God has given them.

mbG: Karen, tell the readers how they can contact you if they have any questions?

Karen: Sure, if anyone has any questions, they can post them as a response to this interview. I will stop by periodically to answer questions. Additionally, my contact information is: www.findcareeranswers.com or kpina@godscoach.com.

mbG: How much is the book?

Karen: There are two delivery methods for the book. The printed copy is for those who do not mind waiting for delivery via snail mail and is specially priced at $19.99. The electronic version is for those who want to start receiving answers immediately and is specially priced at $10.99.

mbG: Tell my blog readers where they can buy the book.

Karen: We are accepting all pre-orders right on the findcareeranswers.com website. All orders will be shipped hot off the heavenly press within 4-6 weeks . . . just in time to give as a Christmas gift.

mbG: Karen, thank you so much for stopping my blog!

Karen: You are most welcome, thanks for having me!

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interview :: matthew hudson

2008-11-03T12:47:00Z

If Jesus had any pet peeves, I would probably say that it would have to be his dissatisfaction with the routine religious practices of the Jewish people (particularly the leaders). As a result, much of His message while He walked the earth was about change. Jesus was on a mission to change the culture.

Often in our workplaces and other organizations, we also need to change the culture if we want to see any significant growth. This is exactly what Matt Hudson's book Culturific! is all about. Recently, I got to pick his brain a little bit on this topic, and would like to share the results of that interview here...

mbg: Tell me a little bit about your background and your family.

Hudson: Born and reared in Indiana, today I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I have been in retail for over 26 years. I am still in retail as an owner of a footwear retail business called Big Feet Store. I am the principle and Creative Sensei of Penumbra Group and Penumbra Media and Design. We are a boutique consulting firm focused on corporate culture and people development. Our core strengths are around Emotional Intelligence and Interviewing. We are a highly creative firm with a strong media competency. For example, I have produced, directed and/or written over 175 videos including the award-winning Investigating EQ DVD. I love speaking and get the chance at companies and conferences around the country.

mbg: What are the major themes of the book?

Hudson: Corporate Culture. Specifically developing a service-oriented culture. An organization’s corporate culture is a living, breathing entity. It is your most valuable asset and your most neglected. It is the reason most companies fail after the founder leaves and why most companies collapse when the market around them changes and they cannot adapt or evolve.

mbg: You talk about the "unvisible" aspects of culture as being values and beliefs. What advice do you have for someone with a Christian worldview who is trying to implement their values and beliefs in the workplace?

Hudson: First of all, as a Christian myself, I have struggled in the corporate environment with this very issue. At one stop in my career, I was the COO of a retail organization that was owned and founded by a Jewish family. What worked for me there was to never couch the values as “Christian”, but rather moral or ethical. This is true in all organizations. If people feel like you are trying to bring “religion” into the workplace, they will reject it. It’s not the principles they reject too, it is the inference that it is Christian. Just last week I was speaking to a Health System that has 17 hospitals in the group. They asked me a similar question. They are a Catholic institution and they wanted to know how to infuse the Catholic values into their organization. I gave them the same advice. Don’t position the values as Catholic, but rather corporate. This is the real secret. Jesus was in the world but not of the world. I think this is a great reference for this issue.

mbg: In your roadmap for culture change you point out that people should, "borrow from the best, but use your own for the rest." What would you consider to be some of the best things that Jesus taught us that we could start with when working on a culture change?

Hudson: Well, ultimately, I believe that all truth is God’s truth. So anything a company creates today is because of His sovereignty. But I think you are asking what examples of Christ’s life can we borrow from since he was the best. Simply this. Be in the world, but not of the world. Too often companies and organizations claim that people are their most important asset, but their culture does not live that out. Too often integrity is listed as a core value of a company, but the company drains the pension or 401k of the employees. Too often Christian men and women fall prey to a corporate culture that leads them away from their relationship with Christ because it values deception, gossiping and competition. As Christians, we have to learn to be in the company, but not of the company.

I think the other point I would make here is that in the book I talk about the power of storytelling through folklore. While this is a powerful tool for communicating, it is patterned after Jesus’ example. Throughout his time on earth, his teachings were based on stories or parables. If we take nothing else from Him, the way he communicated to people in stories is the most powerful way to engage the people in your organization. This is also an example of above. Because truly, I am teaching people to use folklore as part of their culture initiative, but I am not telling them why I believe this from scripture. My references come from the corporate world. This helps people accept it and I still get to weave my Christian view into my work.

mbg: Besides Jesus, who in the Bible do you admire the most for being an agent of culture change, and why?

Hudson: By far, Paul. Not because of the dramatic conversion of him as a person, but rather the significance of his impact throughout history. During his life, he was shaping the culture of the Christian church to be based on salvation and grace rather than the law. This was a dramatic departure from the Old Testament belief and values system. Imagine spending your whole life in a church that taught you were saved by the law and then suddenly being taught that you are saved by grace and through Jesus Christ alone? Even today, churches all over the world teach from the scriptures who penned in regards to how church should be lived out. Not only did he have an impact back then, but we still reference it today.

mbg: Why do you think it’s important to talk about creating culture?

Hudson: As I stated earlier, corporate culture is a living, breathing entity of your company or organization. It exists whether you acknowledge it or not. Ultimately, your corporate culture’s values are the culmination of the individual values of the people who work for your organization. This is why I firmly believe that you hire people who fit your culture and let technical expertise and experience take a back seat. My favorite line from any book (not called the Bible) is the opening line to Jim Collins' Good to Great. ‘Good is the enemy of great.’ The only way to actualize and do anything with this statement in your organization is through the care and nurture of your corporate culture.

mbg: What has God been teaching you lately?

Hudson: This year has been a focus on Christian beliefs. As I go through studies at our church, I realize how I never challenged some of the beliefs I was taught growing up in church. It’s good to challenge. It’s good to “loose and bind” core biblical principles. Hopefully, it will help me move to a new level in my personal relationship with Christ.

This book is a great handbook for anyone who desires to change their environment. I also believe that as Christians, we have a responsibility to bring about positive change in our environments. I have enjoyed reading through this book, and have already identified a few things that I am going to start working on right away!

Check out what others have to say about Culturific!...

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future headline: microfinance ends poverty!

2008-10-15T06:15:00Z

Consider these statistics...

Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.
At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.
More than 80 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where income differentials are widening.
The poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income. The richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of world income.
According to UNICEF, 26,500-30,000 children die each day (that is one child every three seconds) due to poverty.
10.6 million died in 2003 before they reached the age of 5 (same as children population in France, Germany, Greece and Italy).
An estimated 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, with 3 million deaths in 2004. Every year there are 350–500 million cases of malaria, with 1 million fatalities: Africa accounts for 90 percent of malarial deaths and African children account for over 80 percent of malaria victims worldwide.
Some 1.8 million child deaths each year as a result of diarrhea.
Based on enrollment data, about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005; 57 per cent of them were girls. And these are regarded as optimistic numbers.
Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.

Source: Global Issues, Poverty Facts and Stats

If you have not thought much about it, then it is time to start. Poverty is one of the biggest issues that our world faces today. The worst part is that the solution is completely within our means. As Christians, we have been tasked with taking care of the sick and the needy. Just one look at the list above, and you can see that there is a great deal of work that needs to be done. Check out this video of Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of Acumen Fund, a nonprofit that takes a businesslike approach to improving the lives of the poor. Novogratz applauds the world's heightened interest in Africa and poverty, but argues persuasively for a new approach.

The good news is that many of these people want to be free from the bondage of poverty, but simply do not have the means. That's where the idea of microfinance comes in. In developing nations where there are people that have the desire, microfinance organizations give people the loans that they need to start small businesses. Often the business is something like a sewing machine, a fruit and vegetable stand, a rickshaw, or some bakery equipment. Basically it is money for the tools that are needed in order to help them help themselves. The best thing about this is that microfinance loans are, as the name implies, small sums of money. Some only require $25 of capital to get someone started!

One organization that is doing some great work in this are is Five Talents International. Five Talents’ mission is to fight poverty, create jobs and transform lives by empowering the poor in developing countries using innovative savings and microcredit programs, business training and spiritual development. The folks at Five Talents point out that there are three things that you can do to help make in impact on world poverty...

Pray :: You can pray for the ministries that are doing this amazing work and for the people that benefit from these ministries that God would free them from the bondage of poverty through these microfinance loans.
Pledge :: The money to support ministries like this doesn't grow on trees! Your investments (even small ones) can touch many lives. With repayment rates around 95%, the money can then be used to give someone else a loan later on, multiplying your investment.
Participate :: Organizations like Five Talents even have Business as Mission trips that you can go on to help train people in the entrepreneurial skills that they need in order to start and maintain their own businesses.

So my challenge to you today is not to settle for simply thinking about what others are doing, but to act. Help stamp out poverty once and for all. Consider what you can do to join this fight and make a difference. Who knows, maybe we can go on a Business as Mission trip together someday!

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the workplace apostle

2008-10-10T00:13:00Z

The term "apostle" literally translates as "sent forth one." In New Testament times the original 12 Apostles were sent forth as direct representatives of The Boss Himself. Their job then was to do the work of Big CEO. These men were given authority by Jesus to teach, preach, heal people, and cast out demons. They were charged by Christ Himself to "make disciples" of all nations.

For a deeper description of what this means, an apostle is also defined as one who pioneers and establishes. These people are the leaders that take us into uncharted territory and lay new foundations where we need to build. And because the charge of Christ in the Great Commission had to do with people (and not places or things), then I like to think of this "pioneering and establishing" in terms of people as well. What does that mean? It means that apostles lay these new foundations in people rather than laying a foundation for people. In order for the original 12 Apostles to be successful at what they did, they had to build up other people to change the world. For them, expanding the cause of Christianity was not about creating the rules and doctrines. Instead, they were all about building up new believers.

In a sense, the apostle can be seen as a father figure, an overseer, or a mentor. These are the people that are responsible for creating a whole new generation of followers into the leaders of the future. They pour themselves out into other people in order to bring the organization towards its goals. The person in this role is responsible for developing other people, not in a teaching/training sense, but more in that mentor-type role.

As we consider the apostle in the five-fold workplace, these people are the managers of people. They take others under their wing, and prepare them to do the work that they are gifted to do. They help to bring out people's talents and abilities, and position these people where they need to be in order to help them and the organization be successful.

In order to be effective in this role, let's consider some things that Jesus did when developing the twelve to go forth as apostles themselves.

Advise on Complex Situations - After teaching to other larger groups, Jesus regularly pulled the disciples aside to explain to them the meaning behind what he just shared. He even explained to them (Mark 4:10-12) His reasons for using the teaching method (parables) that He used.
Share Personal Experience - When we read the record of how Jesus was tempted in the desert (Matthew 4, Mark 1, and Luke 4) it is a safe assumption to say that we know this information because Jesus must have shared these experiences with others. No one else was there to experience or witness these events. Therefore, Jesus would have had to shar His personal experiences of overcoming those temptations, especially with those closest to Him.
Guide Through Self-Discovery - As Jesus sent out the twelve (Mark 6:7-13) in order that they may learn to do this work for themselves. They had seen Him perform many miracles, but now it was their turn to do the work. And when they fed the 5,000, Jesus involved them by telling them, "you give them something to eat."
Support and Reassure - Jesus told the twelve about the ongoing support that they would have with the Helper that would come after Him. And in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) He even told them that they could do what they were doing because He was going to be, "with [them] always, to the end of the age." The point is that they could have confidence that they would have Jesus' ongoing support.
Model Desired Behavior - Before Jesus ever asked them to do anything, He did it all Himself. The Gospels are filled with Jesus doing the things that were important to the lifestyle that He desired for those that followed Him.

Note: Remember that in the five-fold workplace (as in ministry) not everyone fits into this specific of role. The greatest job satisfaction will come when you find the right role for you to work in and focus on being great in that one area. Trying to be good at all of these roles could cause you to be mediocre in each of them (at best).

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what i've learned from stress

2008-10-06T05:01:00Z

Stress sucks! Many studies show that workplace stress can (and does) contribute to cardiovascualr disease (congestive heart failure, aneurysm, etc.), musculoskeletal disorders (back and upper extremity problems), and psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.). Got your attention yet?

"What I've Learned from Stress" is the topic of this group writing project from High Calling Blogs. If there is one thing that I think is already apparent, it is the idea that excessive stress should be avoided! But there is more to it than that. In order to recognize the good in it, we must first identify some of the sources of stress.

Fear - When a perceived threat (physical, social, financial, etc.) gets to a certain point, it becomes fear. Fear then leads to "imagined outcomes," or ideas of how a threat will manifest itself in our lives.
Uncertainty - When we are not able to predict what is about to happen, then we often feel out of control.
Expectations - When we are not able to meet certain expectations (either management- or self-imposed) the result is stress.

On the positive side, each of these things can be harnessed into good as well. For example, threats can be opportunities to overcome. Threats are the begining of testimonies and success stories. Think of movies like Gladiator or Braveheart. It is a threat that caused these men to rise up. Threats give us an opportunity to retreat in fear, or be creative, courageous, and to overcome. Furthermore, stressors like uncertainty or expectations have opprtunities to overcome in them as well. For example, improving communication not only helps to beat these problems, but good communicators typically rise up as more effective leaders.

Ultimately, it is not so much about the things that happen to you. You can never fully control what goes on around you. But it is more about what you do with it. You do have control over how you react to things that happen around you. If you do a poor job in managing these events, then it will likely result in stress build-up. If you look for the opportunity, and harness the stressors to work to your advantage, then you will live a much healthier, happier life.

For me, I must continually remind myself that God is here, and that He has equipped me to overcome. It is an act of worship to Him when I recognize that He is with me, and I bring Him glory by overcoming the challenges that come my way.

So to answer that original question, stress has taught me to recognize God's presence and to use the stressful events to bring honor and glory Him.

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HE is here

2008-09-30T12:38:00Z

I don't always do posts like this on management by God, but I could not resist this one. I was recently working on some important projects, and listening to some stuff on my mp3 player that I have not listened to in a while. Then this track came up, and it blew me away. Just as I was wondering myself about where God is at work in my professional life, this track made me remember that He is here. He is always right here with me. And He is always right there with you.

I cannot help but to think about the turmoil that is going on these days with the economy. And I know that the troubles are hitting very close to home for many of us. During times like this, it is easy to wonder where God is. I am reminded of the events recorded in Genesis 26 when Isaac got into some conflict and had some territorial disputes happening. Things must have been a little rocky for a man who survived off of the land and his flocks. But the part that I want to focus on is what happened in v.24...

And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake." (emphasis mine)

So no matter where you are at with things in an uproar around you, remember that God is there for His righteous people. He is always there. Don't forget this important truth, especially in your workplace. Watch this video of the track that reminded me of this truth, and helped me to realize exactly who it is that is here...

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interview :: nancy ortberg

2008-09-12T20:19:00Z

Recently I have had the pleasure of reviewing Nancy Orberg's latest book called unleashing the POWER of rubber bands: lessons in non-linear leadership. This is a fantastic book that I recommend for anyone that wants to live out God's will for your life as a leader in the workplace (or in the ministry). I have also recently had the pleasure of picking Nancy's brain about this book, and here is the result of that interview...

mbG: Why did you write unleashing the POWER of rubber bands?

Ortberg: Quite simply because I am passionate about the belief that great leadership transforms both individuals and organizations. And most people (myself included) and most organizations need transformation.

For lack of a better contrast, there is a difference between ‘successful’ leadership and ‘extraordinary’ leadership. I would do anything I could to help more of us fall into the latter category.

I also think there are many things that you can do right now, to create momentum as a leader; and much of that has to do with being collaborative, stretching people, fostering a culture of innovation and living well in tensions.

mbG: In the book not only do you display your storytelling ability, but you also talk about the importance of storytelling. What tips would you give to leaders on how to be an effective storyteller?

Ortberg: Few things are as powerful, as envisioning and as memorable and compelling as the learning that comes through stories. Jesus captured people’s attention, stirred their hearts and created the kind of dissonance that often leads to change, frequently through stories.

He painted pictures for people to hear and to walk away thinking about, creating either a ‘rhetorical crisis’ or an evocative image that caused them to think about God differently and rightly.

I remember being seven years old, in church with my grandmother, and thinking “doesn’t the pastor get it? When he tells stories, you could hear a pin drop in the room. He should do more of that.”

In a sense, stories teach, but they also create space. Rather than directly ‘telling’ (which is also a powerful way to teach), they leave room for people to think, ponder and respond in their own time. That honors the free will that God has given as a gift. It is also a requirement for choice.

How to be an effective storyteller? Listen to people who are. Really pay attention and ask yourself what makes their storytelling so great?

Think through the deep thoughts and deep feelings that the story contains and use them well. Do not try to manipulate with your story, but rather try to be authentic and let the story speak for itself.

Give some of the ‘color and details’ that make the story move from average to unforgettable. What color was the desk, what sound did the car make, what was the weather like. Don’t overdo it, and dilute the point, but make it a story.

Talk about your own vulnerability and brokenness. Don’t just tell stories that make you look good. And talk about how God broke through, that’s where the power is.

mbG: What has God been teaching you lately?

Ortberg: How good he is. More than holy, more than omnipotent, I think I continue to learn that what sits at his center, is his ridiculous goodness. All the other stuff flows from that.

And that time can be one of the most growth-producing elements, if you use it well. How important deep, soul-touching friendships are. And that passion about what you do doesn’t fade as you grow older.

mbG: Where are you headed next?

Ortberg: Well, for a quite literal answer, it’s Sunday morning, and in just a bit, I am headed to church. I love the anticipation I feel on Sunday mornings, to go to church.

In the larger answer, I’d say to continue my call to leadership, change and community. I love the work I do with teams (both in a corporate and a non-profit/church setting) to live at the intersection of work and relationships, and to grow high-performing, cohesive leadership teams that impact the world.

mbG: In your own opinion, why should people read this book?

Ortberg: Here’s my very simple answer…in order to be an extraordinary leader, you will need lots of resources, inspiration and ideas. My hope is that this book will be one of those…

mbG: Mission accomplished! Get the book!

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book review :: unleashing the POWER of rubber bands

2008-09-05T00:12:00Z

I've recently had the opportunity to review the latest book from author Nancy Ortberg which is curiously titled unleashing the POWER of rubber bands: lessons in non-linear leadership. As Ortberg's second book, rubber bands takes an unusual (and sometimes uncomfortable for us linear-types) approach to discussing leadership.

Ortberg states that, "early in [her] career [she] learned that [her] understanding of people would rival [her] job competencies in determining [her] leadership success." This is an important point that we should all pay attention to, and is the main theme of rubber bands. Ortberg continues that "this book is a consolidation of what [she has] learned through success and failure, as well as what [she] deeply believe[s] to be true of great leadership." Ortberg accomplishes her mission in this by practicing exactly what she preaches... by telling stories.

Through her storytelling, she illustrates over and over again how leaders should stretch their teams. She uses personal experiences to build on her idea of how success comes through allowing people the opportunity to be who God designed them to be, but not pushing them beyond what they can handle. This is the core idea of the book and the inspiration for the name. "Stretch your team too far and they'll snap. Don't stretch them far enough and they'll never realize their full potential. Kind of like rubber bands."

Ortberg has the track record to back up what she teaches as well. She is a founding partner of Teamworx2, a successful business and leadership consulting firm. She is also a former Teaching Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, where her husband (and author) John Ortberg has also served as a Teaching Pastor for several years. And Ortberg writes directly from her own experiences in various leadership (and non-leadership) roles and experiences.

This book offers a unique insight into the world of leadership. I have found chapter after chapter not only to be full of valuable insights, but also quite challenging to me in my own leadership experiences. Ortberg's work stays away from providing a step-by-step checklist that tells us how to be a better leader, but rather uses story to illustrate and inspire greatness. As I read the book, I can easily identify with the stories and people involved. I regularly find myself wrapped up in these experiences, and walk away better for having "been there." I strongly recommend this book for everyone who wants to fulfill their God-given responsibility to lead others.

Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-linear Leadership
By Nancy Ortberg / Tyndale House

Consultant, coach, and columnist Nancy Ortberg offers an insightful look at the qualities, attributes, and practices that turn ordinary leaders into extraordinary ones! Her unique perspective on vision casting; managing tensions; nurturing healthy conflict; motivating others; and fostering creativity, passion, and trust will bring out the best in even the most seasoned leaders. 256 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

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the core of leadership

2008-08-21T00:30:00Z

What is the core of leadership? Honestly, this is a question that I have not considered very much before, even though I regularly write on leadership principles. But I believe that how you answer that question will define what kind of leader you are.

I have been reading a new book lately by Nancy Ortberg called Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-linear Leadership. I will be doing a full review on this book later, and even plan to post an interview with the author as well. However, I was so stirred by how Ortberg answers this question in the second chapter of her book, that I had to share some thoughts on the topic right away.

Ortberg addressed this issue by stating that she believes that the core of leadership is "hope." At first I didn't quite get the point. I sat in my reading chair thinking, "hmmm... interesting perspective, but it'll never fly in the real world." But then as I read on, and got drawn in by her argument to this point, I started to get it. By the end of the chapter, I was like... "duh, the core of leadership is hope!"

In a nutshell, leaders have the task of giving people hope. Ortberg says, "Leadership is the hope that we can change the things that need to be changed and create what we cannot now imagine... Hope dispels fears. Hope readies us for round two." I could go on, but I'll let you get the book to read more about what Ortberg says.

This got me to think about what it means to me to be a leader. In the workplace, it means that I should build up and encourage others. Help them by holding up their arms and getting them through difficult and challenging times. In my ministry it means that I am supporting others in discovering who they are in Christ and what God has made them to do. It also means that in the ministry we spend less time getting comfortable in our bible studies, and more time getting out to give others in our community hope as well.

It has even challenged me to think about other things that I can do to spread hope. I was recently talking to some friends from Zimbabwe. Just before they were set to return to their home country we talked about what is needed most over there. In case you are not aware, the economy there is in shambles. Inflation is in the millions of percent, and unemployment is 90-95%. These are conditions that most of us would even have a difficult time imagining. My friend tells me that the people want to work, but the jobs just are not there. He also tells me that the biggest need then is to help these people get started in some sort of 'business' that they could do on their own. Even something as simple as a sewing machine will help someone to create work in making clothing that they can sell locally.

It sounds to me like there is an opportunity to create hope here. I will be talking to my friend more about how we can get some of the needed things to the people over there, and I plan to share this opportunity with you all. I think that it could be a great opportunity for all of us to be leaders who are realizing that the core of leadership is hope.

So get the book, consider joining me in spreading hope, but think about how you are creating hope in the world around you today. For hope is the core of leadership...

Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands: Lessons in Non-linear Leadership
By Nancy Ortberg / Tyndale House

Consultant, coach, and columnist Nancy Ortberg offers an insightful look at the qualities, attributes, and practices that turn ordinary leaders into extraordinary ones! Her unique perspective on vision casting; managing tensions; nurturing healthy conflict; motivating others; and fostering creativity, passion, and trust will bring out the best in even the most seasoned leaders. 256 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

To easily receive updates on new articles, learn how to subscribe to management by God today.