Stephen Braunius

Essay

Waiting for Christmas

This is an article I wrote for the Fellowship Reformed Church eNewsletter, Sunday’s Comin’ “It is going to take forever for Christmas to get here.” That is the way, as a child, December felt. The time that seemed to take the longest was when my parents would put the gifts under the tree. They would typically do this at least a week prior to us opening them. Every time I walked past the tree would be a painful reminder that I had to wait. One particular time comes to mind when I was 15 years old. I wanted a digital watch with alarms, timers, and a stop watch. For whatever reason, I NEEDED it. Surprisingly, a week before Christmas I found a package under the tree that was the size of a watch box and it had my name on it! Eventually, curiosity got the best of me. I found a time when no one was around and I carefully peeled back the tape from the wrapping paper and sneaked a peak. No one would notice. Under the careful packaging I discovered a Timex Ironman Triathalon digital watch! Filled with joy, I quickly put the tape and paper back in place and pretended that nothing happened. When it came time for us to open our presents I no longer wondered what I was receiving. I received the box and acted surprised when I opened it. Sadly, the joy and anticipation in my spirit was gone because I opened the gift before it was meant to be mine. As I reflected on what Nick Dorland said this past Sunday about waiting, I wondered how I could have waited differently for all of those years, which opportunities I missed by being so focused on myself, and the joy I missed by seeking the knowledge of gifts before it was my time to receive them. As followers of Christ, might we face a similar situation as we wait on His promises? Might we get focused on ourselves and try to get things before we are meant to have them? During this time of waiting, Nick suggested some ways we can be while we wait: Be personally transformed: read God’s word, the Bible, and receive the power of the Holy Spirit for an ever changing life Live out justice and righteousness: bring restoration to our families, neighborhoods, community, and world Proclaim: tell others what you have seen God do Might there be ways to try these on as we wait for Christmas? At the same time, while we wait, let’s not forget to remember, as Nick said, to “live joyfully as those treasured by God.” Isaiah 61:8–11 New Living Translation (NLT) 8 “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” 10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. 11 The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Categories: Learning · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Wed Dec 17 2014

Essay

An Ordinary Day!

This is an article I wrote for the Fellowship Reformed Church eNewsletter, Sunday’s Comin’ “Getting distracted is fun!” These are words I said a few weeks back when I was in Muskegon with our Ridder team at a retreat. Actually, I can’t believe that I said those words out loud. Before I say more, let me give you some background. The Ridder team is made up of our pastors and members of the congregation. This group has been together for over 4 years with the purpose of being transformed as individuals and helping Fellowship identify and move toward God’s preferred future. During this retreat we were learning about the topic of mastery. Mastery can be summarized as moving from pursuing something to becoming something. It is where our skill becomes automatic and we no longer need to think about it. This typically happens for people by following a Transformational Learning Model. You may have heard about it over the past years if you attended Faithwalking. This model is based on: receiving information, putting it into practice, and then taking time to reflect. If you continue on this path around a particular skill you will eventually reach mastery. So, after learning about mastery and spending time in solitude where we applied the information to our life, our group gathered back together to share what we learned. As each of us shared, the rest of the group would challenge us with questions that forced us to reflect at a deeper level. This is when I found myself saying, “It’s fun to get distracted.” These words came as I talked about how I don’t try to be a master of anything. When I verbalized the fun of distraction, it cut into my soul. I could see, bright as day, that my skill of learning could also be a curse that pulls me off track. I take great pride in knowing how to learn. Over the years I’ve learned many things like woodworking, model rocketry, playing guitar, welding, fly-fishing, fountain pens, drawing, writing, painting, computers, iPads, networking, leadership, teams, and more. I’m thankful for the knowledge and skills but wonder about the purpose. This past Sunday, Pastor Marijke spoke of how our culture is founded on discontent and distraction where everything has to be new, faster, better, and more exciting. In the process of pursuing all of these distractions we forget about a path of mastery in joining God in his work. This comes through seeking things that last rather than things that feel good in the moment. This is “having the courage to face an ordinary day.” Each morning I am beginning to wonder what it looks like to have the courage to face the day in a way that leads to lasting impact. A practice I have started is to journal a page or two in the morning with everything that is going on in my mind for the day and then putting it before God. So far, it has helped me face the day with more clarity and focus. I pray that you are also able to “live ready” for whatever God has for you at this time and in this moment. Questions to consider: What would it look like to engage the Bible in a way that gives us courage to face each ordinary day? How might we read the Bible in such a way that we might receive words from God, put them into practice throughout the day, and then reflect at the end of the day? What is getting between us and God? Scripture to read: Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25 Matthew 25:1-13 Psalm 19:7 Psalm 119 (selected verses): How long must your servant endure? With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you. I run the paths of your commandments, for you enlarge my understanding. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Give me understanding according to your word. Your decrees are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. Categories: Learning · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Sun Nov 16 2014

Essay

Session 5a: Mastering the Art of Crucial Conversations, Joseph Grenny

2014-08-15 9:39 AM “The power of a group a function of the purity of its motives” “Are moments of disproportionate influence? Moments where how someone behaves has an enormous effect on every result you care about?” Crucial Conversations: emotionally complex moments defined by 3 dimensions - opposing opinions strong emotions high stakes Big idea #1: The principle of crucial conversations anytime you find yourself stuck, stop and ask: “What crucial conversation are we not holding or not holding well?” - “when it matters most, we tend to do our worst” how do I behave differently toward a person when I have a negative conclusion about the person? It impacts our behavior and probably isn’t helping along our journey toward a super-awesome goal we will have crucial conversations 2 options when approaching a crucial conversation - talk it out act it out (if you don’t talk it out, you will end up acting it out) at a really young age we believe a myth that undermines all of our relationships “You have to choose between telling the truth or losing a friend” you can measure a health of a relationship or team based on the number of untalkables Your job as a leader to model, teach, coach, and measure 3 crucial moments in churches - performance problems wiht volunteers or staff members who are struggling in sin or disconnecting from the church concerns with pastors crucial conversations are a pit or a path upward toward our goal crucial conversations can become a path to intimacy crucial conversations are a trust-building accelerant” identify the 2 or 3 crucial conversations that most impact the mission of the organization learn to focus on crucial conversations The principal of crucial conversations: the vital behavior that enables most any positive organizational outcome is CANDOR at moments of acute emotional and political risk** results in individual influence, teamwork, productivity, marriage success, diversity, quality, safety seven crucial sills - start with heart learn to look make it safe - 2 things to do in the first 30 seconds of the crucial conversation to have a 97% chance you will be heard - mutual purpose – the entrance condition – you know that I care about your goals mutual respect – the continuance condition – you know that I care about you People never become defensive about what you’re saying. People become defensive because of why they think you’re saying it. master my stories STATE MY path explore others’ path move to action The myth that we can’t tell the truth and keep a friend keeps us from reaching our full potential Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Fri Aug 15 2014

Essay

Session 4: The Most Dangerous Mistakes Leaders Make, Patrick Lencioni

2014-08-14 4:02 PM What are the core behaviors that cause problems for leaders These are things that actually hurt people Mistake #1: Becoming a leader for the wrong reason - wrong motivations–recognition, fame, money, power - stop caring about the people they are supposed to lead bored selfish right reason: “Sacrifice themselves for the good of others even when they don’t know if there will be a return on the investment” “The cost of leaders becoming leaders for themselves it is going to leave a trail of tears behind” “If it isn’t servant leadership, then it is just economics.” “The only real payoff for leadership is eternal” Mistake #2: Failing to embrace vulnerability - this destroys trust the best leaders are the ones who show their weakness “I don’t think you can be too vulnerable as a leader” there is a difference between competence and confidence leaders want people to help them “it’s tough to be someone’s pastor and manager at the same time” Mistake #3: Making leadership too important - Most of time leadership is about work “Our identity can get wrapped up in being a leader” – rather than focusing on being a child of God, a spouse, a parent at the end of our life we don’t want to be known as a great manager It’s all about PRIDE - the antidote to pride is humility Jesus introduced humility as a virtue we have to purify our intentions and get all of the pride out of the way “Do I think my success as a leader comes from doing things well?” OR Do I think my success as a leader coms from doing what God wants me to do and ruthlessly pursuing it Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Fri Aug 15 2014

Essay

Session 7a: The Power Paradox, Ivan Satyavrata

2014-08-15 2:34 PM Calcutta is an exciting place but also has people living on the street How do you live with the burden of the massive need? - 1/1000 are Christians large numbers of poor Power - power is the potential to move reality…to make something happen “leaders manage power” “There is no such thing as leadership without power” Paradox - A concept/reality that combines contradictory features or qualities John 13:1-5 shows the power paradox - “A leader must be able to wield power, real power, in order to lead effectively. She must hat the same time be genuinely vilnerable…” Types of power paradoxes - knowledge power: can fill us with pride and enslave us, - “How am I stewarding my knowledge power as a leader?” scepter of power in one hand and a towel/basin in the other…are we holding both with equal strength? people power: wrongly used shows as manipulation - II Samuel 23: David dumping the water as offering to the Lord great leaders refuse to wrongly use influence, intimidation, control create the ultimate safe place from which followers can rise to achievement and fullfillment… ACT and use the kingdom power, invade the darkness, “We dare not do otherwise” James 4 – evil is knowing what to do and not doing it humility combined with fierce resolve we are not a single person who has to abolish all evil in the world like the terminator Like Paul, celebrate our weakness and - the true secret of a great leader’s power is that when you feel the weakest, that’s when you areally are the strongest! His strength is realized in our weakness The power lies in jars of clay lead well, finish well, leave a lasting legacy, understand that the power comes from God As Jesus said, we are meek inheritors of the earth Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Fri Aug 15 2014

Essay

Session 6: A Grander Vision, Don Flow, Allen Catherine Kagina, Wilfredo De Jesus

2014-08-15 11:38 AM Don Flow How does your faith affects every aspect of your business? - work is a place that God has called you to prayer life - Trust that God is at work in every aspect of our day pray for specific people, broken relationships, wisdom, guidance “Not my will but yours be done” daily interactions as a leader - love should animate Christian leaders come alongside people, celebrate them, go the extra mile to help them be a person of truth, trust-worthy the leader is the constraint on the company for how far love will be expressed culture of the company - culture shapes the lives of all employees leader must make sure everything flows from Jesus’ admonition for neighborly love 3 foundational commitments - covenant with the customer (always truth, always right thing, always follow promise) community with one another – every persons’ contributions matter common good of the communities (arts, politics, environment) animates customers, employees, and community What does business look like in its fullest sense? re-awaken our imaginations “we are people of hope” this is a world of abundance and not scarcity “Jesus Christ did change everything” “the role of the church is to raise our vision back” seek truth, justice, and plenty wherever we are Metrics for measuring employees? SERVE S how respect – everyone matters E arn trust – be for each other R each for perfection – don’t be satisfied with how things are – challenge without confidence creates fear, confidence without challenge creates complacency V alue input – engage everyone in the process E nergize others – a clear purpose brings energy “The world will not form distinctive Christians. It is the calling of the church to do that.” - The triune God is sending us out! the redemption of the world in Christ is happening now Allen Catherine Kagina works for the Ugandan Revenue Authority (tax) much corruption in Africa Africa is the poorest continent in the world the URA was hated by the people and seen as a den of thieves Once you bring God into the marketplace things will change. God doesn’t know divisions between church, business, and government “You are an annointed tax collector” decided it was important to have 2 things: - integrity competence fired all people and required them to re-apply…this was the only way to deal with corruption asked taxpaper what they wanted from URA…we want to serve you re-branded - cut off the old image went into communities to serve “God has invaded the tax authority. Because he has, revenue has grown by 317%” “We are not a poor nation. We have capacity issues.” “We need to get people to do the right thing” many people are leaving the URA to lead large organizations “This is not about me. It was always God’s idea.” “If we will invite the kingdom of God into our public areas, God will take over and we will see better societies.” Wilfredo De Jesus “Prayer is necessary…We cannot allow prayer to be a crutch not to do anything.” “You cannot let your budget dictate your faith” Ezekiel 22:30: stand in the gap (a place of weakness, vulnerability, danger) - the gaps are wide and destructive we must engage our community you have to see the community as your church sit with the lost, eat with the lost, converse with the lost, be with those who don’t look like us – GO TOWARD THEM “What’s sacred is the message and not the method” “We must not be afraid to take our faith into our communities.” Faith is the enemy of fear Nehemiah - “How’s Jerusalem?” “Leaders – If you’re not going to do anything with the answer, don’t ask the question” “With revelation comes responsibility” Nehemiah did 4 things: - he prayed “Prayer is good but needs to move us to action” he planned How many leaders have been in the huddle for 5 years instead of breaking and going into action? Get out of the huddle? he proceeded You must act to fill that gap to the glory of God he persuaded “The moment you decide to stand in the gap there will always be opposition.” “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles; cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances. courage breeds creativity…” – Martin Luther King Jr Bill Hybels we are image bearers of God “There is a grander vision on planet earth with your name on it” when following our calling we will feel joy and purpose deep gladness meeting deep need Ephesians 2:10 we are created for work “Are you living out the grander vision that God has custom designed for you?” Many are asking themselves, “Is this all there is? Will my life ever be used for a higher purpose?” Ephesians 2:10 “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God created beforehand…” “The satisfaction is never going to come through self-gratification. Find God’s bidding for your life and then serve people joyfully and indiscriminately and the satisfaction your heart longs for will follow that.” What would a satisfaction survey show in your life? - overflowing half in-sync and safety/satisfaction matters too much bankrupt “God loves you and doesn’t mean for your life to feel bankrupt” - John 10:10 “God made you on purpose for a purpose” “When you get in-sync with your purpose you will feel it to your toes.” “You have to bring the kingdom of God outside the walls of your church” How do you get in-sync with God? - Put your hand in God’s hand Take a step of faith to confirm if you are going into the right direction (trial and error) The grander vision is unveiled as you go on the journey “God, if you exist, put something in my mind or heart that I know did not come from me” “O, God, speak to me” “What is my piece in His grander vision”- Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Fri Aug 15 2014

Essay

Session 5b: Winning from Within, Erica Ariel Fox

2014-08-15 10:27 AM “The single most difficult group to negotiate with is children” :) we get in our own way which causes us to miss amazing opportunities “There’s a gap…you’re performance gap” - you doing your absolutely best TO what you actually do in real life in practice identify your key performance gaps and come up with a plan to reduce the gaps serve from the best of who you are Key ideas Look at yourself in a new way - “most of us think of ourselves as singular” “I am plural. I am not singular.” we are like an orchestra and not a soloist think of these as inner negotiators – different parts of us express themselves differently and prioritize things differently the big 4 people in us – our top team: - The Dreamer (Inner CEO) - creates possibilities: sets strategic vision, senses a path forward, gives direction develop by: looking for the dream beneath the dream The Thinker (Inner CFO) - clarifies perspectives: analyzes data, manages risk, considers consequences develop by: articulate a business case, find data The Lover (Inner VP of HR) - cares about people: feels emotions, manages relationships, collaborates with others, people want to know that you care about them develop by: call the name and face of someone you love into your heart before a meeting and remind self to love and care during the meeting The Warrior (Inner COO) - catalyzes performance: takes action, reaches goals, speaks hard truth develop by: telling a hard truth lovingly that has been avoided (crucial conversation), change some ares of life where you are saying “yes” and starting to say “no” Are there 1 or 2 that I use a lot? Are there other ones that I leave behind? Every one is crucial to us and our performance “There is so much beauty, and impact, and influence you can have when you develop these parts of yourself.” Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Fri Aug 15 2014

Essay

Session 7b: One-on-One, Tyler Perry

2014-08-15 3:04 PM artistic side & leadership side – which one comes more naturally? - both born in childhood imagination was to escape what was happening at the time work ethic from dad “all things work together for good” separate sides - artist side needs space to create dedicate 3-4 months for writing with 2-3 days to do business creatives with no respect for budgets and others? - great artists know how to honor the time of others needs for the creative side - clear the noise clear the clutter get away from everybody for awhile to be still and listen similar for creativity and listening to God how do you inspire workers? - surrounds himself with people like him give underdogs a chance give people with the best attitude a chance hardships in life as a child? - dad was frustrated with the world fear in parents from the past despised as an artist child was unable to protect mom when beaten by dad every Sunday morning would go to church – mom would be singing, dancing, and lifted at church “I want to know the God that makes my mother this happy…Jesus” mom gave faith in God that has sustained him through everything It takes huge amounts of energy to forgive - the exact same amount of energy that went into the betrayal is needed to be able to forgive Forgiveness is scary because “You give up the hope of what happened to you ever being any different” Madea character - used to get messages across “use the laughter as the anesthesia to get to the real heart of the matter” message in successful and lower class - being grateful for what you have and don’t judge others you don’t know it could be any of us who would be in a tough place How do we find hope with continuing racial issues? - every generation gets a little better “people are just people” “It was her life experience. It wasn’t mine.” people should open the doors to other people Critics? - rather than focus on the critics, focus on how many people are positively influenced “thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies” “Watch me eat!” What drives philanthropy? - mom had a heart for giving…not money to whom much is given, much is required want to help others around the world Talk church… - devoted follower of Christ don’t find it is easy to stay connected with a local church because of how much wealth he has there is power in the assembly many celebrities would like to go to church without judgement 30 years from now, what kind of legacy? - people won’t forget how you made them feel desire to have the movies speak to people and help them through situations want to help people feel good Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Fri Aug 15 2014

Essay

Session 3A: The Power of Introverts — Susan Cain

2014-08-14 2:12 PM ½ to 1/3 of the population is introverted Harness the power of introvers as well as extroverts Are you an introvert or an extrovert? - how do you feel after two hours at a fun party? - energized – extrovert tired – introvert Introverts have nervous systems that have a heightened atunement to stimulation loud background noise is good for extroverts and not introverts create environments that support people’s unique needs “The wind howls but the mountain remains still” Confusion saying there is a love and attraction when introverts and extroverts are together Rethink innovation and idea sharing - creativity: mix of introvert AND extrovert individuals provide more and better ideas than groups together Conformity – what to do? - stop the madness of constant group work – use a hybrid approach that allows for solitude. Give people the chance to stop and write down their ideas when gathered as a group forget networking – focus on service restore quiet to your culture – invite the still small voice rethink what makes a “natural” leader – not just extroverts - level 5 leaders (Jim Collins): fiercely devoted to companies AND shy, quiet, soft-spoken, low-key What to do? - groom an “unlikely” leader find your complement (another person who is good at things that you are not) find a role model http://www.quietrev.com Take a step inward and think about what is in your suitcase – introverts should occasionally take them out and share with the world “May you have the courage to speak softly” Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Thu Aug 14 2014

Essay

Hard-fought leadership lessons – Bill Hybels

2014-08-14 9:35 AM “All leadership is intensely spiritual” leadership impacts the spirit of those around us leaderships are visionaries to see the future before others see it we paint pictures that show the future “leaders with the highest level of vision and passion often have the lowest awareness of the spirit of the team” - watch out for feeling that people on the team are expendable because they don’t care enough people on the team can sense when the leader doesn’t feel they care or that they are only appreciated for their work and not for who they are people are more important than the vision “Don’t make your people pay because you are so addicted to the vision” 5 Key Commitments from Willow to turn culture around use an outside objective firm (The Best Christian Workplace) for the leader and executive team to own the change - “your culture will only be as healthy as the senior leader wants it to be” get serious about training anyone who manages people - “People join organizations. People leave managers” raise the level of candor in the twice-a-year performance reviews - every worker wants feedback on how they are doing “The kindest form of managment is the truth.” Jack Welch 3 Words for performance review feedback: Start, Stop, Continue 3 M’s for Meetings: - Clarify what will Move ahead Modify the plan for what isn’t progressing Motivate people before the meeting ends (so they will levitate out of meeting) Ruthless commitment to resolve relational conflict - conflict is an opportunity to strengthen relationships deeper levels of trust when moving through the conflict Book “Reconcile” Only 54% of employees in Christian organizations are engaged in their work (30% in corporate world) “Great leadership is by definition relentlessly developmental 5 ways to develop emerging leaders (Bob Eidinger) - put in high challenge roles short term task force - success or failure must be possible full charge variety of people real pressures and deadline be evaluated by senior leader (resourcefulness is the key) real time feedback coaching and mentoring classroom courses and seminars Give young leaders a chance to lead “Finding and developing leaders with a legacy mindset” 2 types of workers - Hireling Type: only doing the work but doesn’t care about the organization – long-term - personal ambition personal advancement Great organizations can’t be built by staff who are hireling types Owner Types: actually care about the sheep - Legacy leaders will stay through tough times Legacy leaders work for the long vision We each only get one chance at this life (2 choices) live and lead small, safe, selfishly (easy to drift into this type of life) live into the grand vision God has created for us “Have you given any real thought to what your legacy will be or what you will leave behind that is beautiful?” Legacy leaders must develop endurance strategies James 1:12 “The grandeur the vision the greater the price tag” “It’s hard to hear God at mach 2” Solitude allows you to hear God Feel exhausted and discouraged? Humble yourself and call for help! God can make a way when there is no way. Ask Him. Psalm 34:18 “He rescues those who are crushed in spirit” Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Thu Aug 14 2014

Essay

Session 2B: Positioning Your Organization for the Future – Jeffrey Immelt

2014-08-14 11:59 AM – Interviewed by Bill Hybels How do you decide to empower? - “when it is the most important thing the company is working on, you don’t delegate it” this protects your team the leader has experience have to “go with your gut” “there’s never been any moment where any job has been beneath me” When became self aware as leader? - grew up participating in athletics which gave a chance to be accountable to self and team “never lost sight of who I wanted to be” “never feared accountability” How did you differentiate self in big company? - had fun jobs and loved the people “It was always about the work and not the career” Your peers determine how far you go” Feelings when in a challenging assignment feelings? - People learn a lot about leaders in a crisis How long in CEO before 9/11 crisis? - started 9/7 we live in a more volatile time now the best leaders keep the company safe and then go forward people want to know what to be working on and where the company is going GE has a leadership development university - $1 billion in leadership development “Leadership has a shelf life” – “you need to constantly be tuning your leadership” takes away the layers brings oneness What about when people leave? - “leave fear out of the workplace” “you want people to be on fire when they come to work” “we want people to live their dreams” GE is about the institution…it is not about any one individual When you see “x” quality in someone? Positive OR Concern - Willingness to stand apart. Willingness to buck the system. – “You want someone who understands the tapestry, questions authority, drives change” Excuses turn everybody off Hardest person you’ve ever had to fire? - Watch for individuals who don’t quite fit with the team “You are in the business of giving self-confidence” “When you see someone losing confidence in themselves you have to ask them to leave” Diversity? - “If you believe in talent and meritocracy, then all people can get ahead” The best ideas should win Lack of diversity shows that you don’t believe in a meritocracy Laser-like focus on best people and the best ideas Serving on a task force under Obama? - “A confident society is a competitive society” Simplification? - We live in a complicated society 4 ideas - less management market rules become hyper-competitive Test & Learn quickly Use internet to connect organization, be transparent, and empower be willing to throw out the old Succession plan? - work with the Board as a team the matters of corporate governance can/should be less public Refusing to take a bonus for 2 years? - “was a way to be accountable for what was happening in the company at the time” the constituency you play to the most is your own team “over time you might question my decisions but you will never question my intentions” Work ethic? - “play to win and no one will out work us” What would you hope to experience in a church? - “leadership is an intense journey into yourself” ability to sit for an hour, be at peace, and hear someone else talk…that is priceless Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Thu Aug 14 2014

Essay

Defining Leadership – Carly Fiorina

Session 2A: 2014-08-14 11:17 AM “Leadership is the same no matter what the context is.” “Everyone has potential” “Every organization has more potential than is tapped or used” “Potential is truly limitless” Why do people not reach their potential? - Afraid Don’t get the chance Don’t have the tools or training People lose faith (selves, others, God) Bureaucracy crushes potential (follow the rules, stick with the process, turn-in on selves – turf battles, forgets who it is there to serve Leadership unlocks potential - “The highest calling of leadership is unlocking the potential of others” Leadership is not… - management (production of acceptable results within known constraints and conditions) - Leaders changes the order of things good speaking “Jesus was a nobody and recruited other nobodies” – he went to the poor because he knew of their potential What do leaders do? Leadership framework (square) - top of square: vision/strategy/goals (clear and specific) - Where are we going? Why are we going there? How are we going to get there? right side of square: Organization/team/structure/process - How are we going to work together to get things done? Who should be a part of the team? “Structure should always follow a strategy” the why! bottom of square: Metrics/results - “What gets measured is what gets done” Are we measuring lives transformed? What are we measuring What are we recording left side of square: Culture/behavior - watch out for people pushing the limits of ethical behavior “The leader has to set the tone. He or she has to model the behavior” people are in the center of the square “Set the frame and then set people free.” 20/20 rule: - 20% of the people in most organizations are change warriors – identify, enlist, and harness these warriors 20% “Hell no, I won’t go” they become the source of resistance 60% skeptics–they are waiting to see what happens – change won’t happen until the skeptics get involved and engaged “Everyone has the capacity to lead” “Leadership is a profoundly human gift” “True leadership requires faith”– a love of God makes leadership easier - it supports humility it reminds that it is not about us…it is about others gives us the gift of empathy gives the gift of optimism helps have faith in others Categories: Leadership · Tags: GLS · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Thu Aug 14 2014

Essay

Session 3B: Instigating Change through Personal Sacrifice, Bryan Loritts

14 August 2014 2:44 PM Matthew 25:31-46 – a terrifying passage drink deeply from the life of William Wilberforce freedom of new life in Jesus against a nation making money from slavery John Newton, a past slave trade person, grabbed by God (“Amazing Grace”) “your vocation can be a viable venue to advance the meaningful things of life” “do not relegate leadership to a theory” “The blessings of God were not meant to be hoarded” “Naked we came into this world. Naked we shall return.” We need to share with people in need In Jesus’ organization the entrance is being saved by grace through faith Genesis 15: Abram – he believed God and it was credited as righteousness God opened the Red Sea first for the Israelites and then gave them law It’s not that we have to…we GET TO! FRUIT is what shows our faith Everyone should look in the rear view mirror and see that we aren’t there yet, but we are changing Salvation is a mystery “This text is not the root of salvation but the root of salvation” God has a heart for the orphan, widow, alien, and the poor We are not following God’s heart if we are not doing things to help the orphan, widow, alien, and the poor leave margins in our budget to generously and spontaneously give to those in need Enough? How much is enough? You know what joy is? Joy is helping to pay someone’s medical bill? “refuse to use the perks for your own selfish advantage” Categories: Leadership · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Thu Aug 14 2014

Essay

Background Eraser

This past weekend I had the opportunity to be a part of the Full Consistory retreat at Western Theological Seminary. In planning for the event I created slides for a presentation on my iPad Mini. On a couple of slides I needed to insert photos which had backgrounds that distracted from the central image. I started to wonder if there was a simple way to remove the background. Being that I was creating this presentation on my iPad Mini I figured there must be an app for that. Sure enough, I found one called Background Eraser. At 99 cents, it was a bargain. After installing the app, I got to work by opening the photo, selecting the background, and letting it eliminate all but the important aspects of the photo. Success! The photo now was distraction free. As I heard Ken Eriks preach this Sunday , I couldn’t help but think how amazing it would be if there was an app that could erase our past accomplishments and failures so only our best selves, who we are in Christ, could show through. In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul says it this way: “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Think of the freedom we get to experience by forgetting the past and living into the unique design for which God has created us. Even as we forget the past we need to recognize that God gave us that past in order to prepare us for the future. Andy Stanley talks about how our unique backgrounds can even be a benefit in helping us to make decisions. He suggests that we should always ask ourselves: “…In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?” Isn’t that a fun way to look at each decision and challenge we face? By aligning our unique design with God’s will and His work, we can continue to embrace a life of being transformed in order to more clearly reflect Christ. As Ken Eriks says, “God loves you just the way you are, and God loves you far too much to leave you that way.” What are you going to forget? What goal are you pressing toward? What has God built you to do? This article was originally written for the eNewsletter called “Sunday’s Comin'” from Fellowship Reformed Church , Holland, MI Categories: Learning · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Mon Aug 11 2014

Essay

Check 1, 2, 3

This is something I wrote recently for the Fellowship Reformed Church eNewsletter called “Sunday’s Comin'” This past Sunday I had the privilege of playing bass guitar as a part of the Praise Team. Participating as a musician in worship was one of the first ways I connected with the life and ministry of Fellowship when we became members over 9 years ago. Over the years my initial feelings of nervousness and anxiety have been replaced with an indescribable joy. It is incredible to think that I get to play a small part in bringing glory and honor to our God. In fact, I often tell people that I feel guilty in having the opportunity to do something that feels so gratifying. Part of being on the Praise Team requires that we get together to rehearse. During each practice we do a monitor check. In case you don’t know, monitors are the speakers that are located on the stage by the singers or musicians. A monitor check is when the person running sound that week adjusts the various instruments and voices in the monitors so we can hear each other and ourselves. This past Sunday, one of the singers asked to have the sound of her voice increased in the monitor (since it is hard to sing the right notes if you can’t hear yourself). Jordan, our worship leader, took the opportunity to remind her and the other singers that the point is not just to hear yourself but also to hear the others in order to blend and sound as one. As I was listening to Pastor Megan preach on the topic of unity I thought about how similar this is to what happens for singers and musicians when asking for adjustments to the monitor. It isn’t just about hearing or seeing ourselves, it is also about seeing and hearing others and then doing life together in harmony. Pastor Megan said, “When people are unified, others take notice.” My guess is that you, more often than not, take for granted when the Praise Team is in harmony and unified. What shows up more frequently is when one instrument or voice is out of place. I wonder if, in our society, we expect people to not be in harmony and unity which makes us as the body of Christ so unique. We have the opportunity to live in unity and harmony in order to do a work that is greater than any of us as individuals. How are your unique gifts and abilities unified with others in order for us to work in harmony toward the mission of God and our church? What, in your life, is getting in the way of unity with others? What are you hearing in the monitor? Categories: Learning · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Thu Jul 17 2014

Essay

Do You Want Be Seen or to See?

Here is the latest article I’ve written for the Fellowship Reformed Church (Holland, MI) eNewsletter… “Do you want to be seen or to see?” asked the young salesperson at a local bike shop when I was shopping for a headlight for my bike. I’ve been considering commuting by bike and wanted to make sure that people driving vehicles would see me on those darker mornings of the Spring and Fall. So, my initial response was that I wanted to be seen. We walked over to a free-standing display filled with various headlights and tail lights for bikes. Prices ranged from $15 to over $400. We looked at the lower priced lights that would help me be seen, and I discovered that they were simply flashing white LED lights that would draw the eyes of drivers so they would be able to see me. The salesperson, with disregard for my initial response, also showed me the light he uses for riding mountain bike trails at night. It was over $400 and had a large external battery pack that could mount on the frame of the bike. He said the light was brighter than a car headlight and was blinding to onlookers. This caused me to pause and reflect. If I made the decision not just to be seen, but to see, I would also be seen as a result. It was really like getting two lights for the price of one. I explained that I would simply be riding on bike paths in the area and didn’t feel I needed such an extreme light. So, we settled on a much more modest light (and price) that will allow me not only to be seen, but to see ahead on the path as well. As I listened to Pastor Marijke preach this past Sunday , I thought the members of the early church in Philippi must have treasured being seen by Paul as he said, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.” (Philippians 1:3-4 NRSV) Paul saw these Christians and gave thanks for them because they were learning to see through hearing the gospel and having their lives, individually and and as a community, transformed into the image of Christ. I have a small sense of what Paul must have felt. I have had so many opportunities to see the members of this church serving inside and outside of the building with enthusiasm, passion, and faithfulness. I, too, thank my God every time I think of you. And it’s not just about being seen. It’s about seeing. What might it look like for you to see the work God is doing in those around you and then respond with a joyful prayer of thanks? I have a hunch, as a result, you will also be seen because sincere gratitude from the gut can’t be hidden. Categories: Learning · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Thu May 22 2014

Essay

Spring Cleaning

Here is an article that I wrote recently for the Fellowship Reformed Church of Holland eNewsletter called “Sunday’s Comin'”. This past week our basement was a self-imposed mess. We decided to re-organize our storage area which meant moving everything from one side of the basement to the other so we could construct shelving. Do you have a space where you store all of that stuff you can’t throw out? For us that ended up being things like yearbooks, childhood report cards, family photos, art work, dishes, “antiques,” toys, a crib, clothing, and unused furniture. As we pulled out all of those boxes and items we started to question whether those items continued to have value for us. As you can imagine, the sermon this past Sunday struck a particular chord with me as I thought about all of those things we have purchased or received that are no longer being used. We have been literally storing up all of these “treasures” in our basement, and they have a piece of our heart ( Matthew 6:19-21 ). I wish Jesus would have said something about keeping our treasures neat and organized. Pastor Brian identified that we often cling to things out of anxiety and worry. I have also found that I hang on to things out of my desire to be something that I am not. You wouldn’t believe all of the fishing poles I have acquired even though I do not make any time to actually go fishing. In my mind, I am an amazing fly fisherman. This past year I have been learning about a minimalism subculture in our society. Their focus is on living with as little as possible. In fact, some try to whittle all of their possessions down to only 100 items. Joshua Becker, a Blogger about minimalism and author of “Simplify” and “Clutterfree with Kids”, recently wrote an article entitled, “ Buying Stuff Won’t Make You Happy “. In it he says: “The goal of minimalism is not to remove desire entirely from my life. Instead, the goal of minimalism is to redirect my desires. There are valuable pursuits available to us: love, justice, faith, compassion, contribution, redemption, just to name a few. These should be pursued with great fervor. But far too often, we trade the pursuit of lasting fulfillment for temporary happiness. We can do better. We can dream bigger. Redirect your desires toward lasting pursuits. Find happiness there. Because you will never find the right things looking in the wrong places.” I was struck by his words and how strongly they resonated with what we heard this past Sunday. I praise God for the reminder to redirect my focus and desire on Christ while also looking for ways to give where I want to be and let my heart catch up. Where is your treasure? Categories: Learning · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Wed Mar 12 2014

Essay

Seeing the world with fresh eyes at art prize

#artprize Categories: Photos · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Sat Oct 05 2013

Essay

Fire breathing dragon at art prize

Fire breathing dragon at art prize Categories: Photos · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Sat Oct 05 2013

Essay

A Gift

What a gift to see this in the morning! Categories: Photos · Tags: Landscape · Originally published on stephen.braunius.org

By Stephen Braunius Fri Sep 20 2013