Hey Coach John

Reading at Different Levels

All Leaders Must Learn to Process Huge Amounts of Information

Over the last few years the volume of available reading material has grown exponentially, almost to the point that one could drown in a sea of information. According to recent Google statistics, there are over 146 million books available to readers with over 90,000 publishers.  

 How does one deal with the shear amount of information out there? What’s the answer to this dilemma? I believe today's leader must become adept at different levels of reading if they are going to continue their veracious reading habits.

   Here are a few areas that the average reader will need to address in order to become more proficient and improve their overall reading habits.

 1. You must change your general assumption that every word in a book needs to be read in order to get the most out of it.

 2. You must understand that all books can and should be read at different levels, depending on your purpose for reading it.

3. You must become skilled at making an accurate assessment of a book in order to determine its worthiness of your reading.

4. Upon assessing a book's worthiness, you make a determination regarding which level you will read the book.

5. You must define what “your levels” look like, and become skilled at reading at those various levels.

6. You must become disciplined at staying within the boundaries of the level at which you are reading.

7. Give yourself permission to go up in levels.

Conclusion

The ability to read various books in different ways is a skill every leader must develop. Next week: What are the different levels of reading?

 Coach John

 Works Cited: Robert J. Clinton, Reading on the Run, Barnabas Publishers

 

 

The Anatomy of Failure

There is tremendous power in “unpacking” your failures.

I was embarrassed! I had just sat through an entire meeting, grossly misunderstanding its agenda and purpose. It finally dawned on me - I wasn't on the same page as everyone else. I had even made a few ignorant comments.  Much to my dismay, I hadn't thoroughly read the memo. Luckily, there were only a handful of people at the meeting.

As I walked away from the meeting I felt about two inches tall - know what I mean? As I sat down at my desk, I felt the Lord nudge me, encouraging me to make this a learning experience. So I grabbed my pen and began to jot down the specific lessons I needed to learn from this real-life blunder. 

What did I learn? Basically, I learned the tremendous power found in "unpacking a failure." So what is the anatomy of a failure? Here are a few tips on how to unpack failure:

1. Always take time to review the situation
All emotional experiences contain information. They contain powerful clues so take time to jot down what you saw, how you felt. Pull aside for a few minutes and capture the feeling of the moment - then record it.

Always take time to review what just happened, while it's fresh.

2. What did I learn from my failure?
I learned that you and I have to make a choice to ignore the nagging voice of failure and instead, must make it a learning experience. Accept it for what it is - then move on. Ask yourself, what are the lessons I learned?

Believe me; I jotted down many lessons as I dissected the above mentioned failure. Valuable lessons are waiting to be learned from your failures too.

3. Given a similar situation, how will I respond next time?
I’ve learned that it’s good to also make a list of things you won't do next time, or maybe things you will do! I did that several years ago, after a lengthy building program during my pastoral days. I still have the list! Today, it would be timely advice for those in building programs.

You haven’t learned anything until you can say “that won’t happen again!”

 

4. What is God saying to me in the midst of this?
It is important to ask yourself, “Did I recognize God in the situation?” Remember, I made the statement; God nudged me and admonished me to move on - to make this a learning experience?

Write down what you feel God is saying - even if you're not sure. The pen helps clarify what the mind conceives.

Conclusion:
The anatomy of a failure can be painful; however, many distilling principles can be learned from failure. By the way, I've never attended another meeting haphazardly! I have been well prepared and fully cognizant.

Think about Jesus' experience; Hebrews 5:8 says "though He was perfect, yet He learned obedience through the things He suffered." What are you learning? Never fail to learn from failure.

Coach John
Works sited: Transformational Leadership Coaching Notes

 

An Interview With Coach John

For this week's blog I am linking you with an interview I did with Experience Magazine earlier this month. The article is entitled "Listen to Your Coach." In the article, I address such issues as coaching, leadership and leadership burnout.

Upon opening the magazine, you will need to scroll down to page 20. I hope you enjoy!

Coach John
 http://www.iphcexperience.com/_pdfs/2011/Exp2011-05-May-spreads.pdf

Welcome to the Revolution

 What Now Makes Coaching a Trend, Rather Than a Fad

For several years life coaching has been stealthily moving from a so called "fad" to what many now call a pacesetting trend.  I call it the silent coaching revolution.  And I believe that it is poised to change the way we train and empower leaders in the 21st century.

To quote the famous Renaissance man Victor Hugo, "There is nothing more powerful as an idea whose time has come." I believe coaching fits this principle.

So the question is, "What now makes coaching a trend?" With a growing body of credible evidence to validate the coaching model, I still tend to be a pragmatic optimist!  I say "show me the money." So - here are a few things that cause me to believe the coaching revolution has begun:

1. Coaching is no longer seen as being remedial in nature.

In it's inception, life coaching was viewed as a last ditch effort to change a leader or an organization. Not any longer. In corporate settings, coaching is now primarily offered to enable the good become better. To sharpen and improve those who are already competent. 

2. Coaches are no longer seen as mere "fixers" with all  the answers, but rather, as thinking partners.

Rapid changes in technology and culture have forced good leaders to stand in the need of continued improvement. With information and knowledge doubling every 18 months, leaders are in a constant state of flux. The leader must be able to recreate themselves or their organizations quickly and safely.

The coach comes along side and helps the leader move with speed and accuracy. He also helps them avoid the landmines that often come with rapid change. A good coach is a thinking partner.

3. Coaching no longer needs to fit into an old paradigm, it now stands alone.

In years past, coaching was a buzz word that was used interchangeably for almost any and every form of training. It has been used to describe things like mentoring, counseling, discipleship, etc; that simply is not true. Yes, they are first cousins and often skills overlap, however, coaching has taken on a unique distinction of its own.  That is, its primary function is to pull out of people that which is in them.  Intangible things like potential, destiny, life purpose, calling, and creative ability.

Of course, these other skills are needed but don't just re-label your mentoring and call it coaching. Don't slap the name coaching on any and every training event and expect anything to change.

Coaching now stands alone as a new and innovative paradigm that differentiates itself from other models and gets the job done.

Conclusion

With many individuals and organizations standing in need of revival and reinvention, life coaching now is poised to move to the forefront of leadership training.

So are you informed and competent in this new paradigm called coaching or do you just use it as a buzz word that is catchy and new? How you answer these questions determine if you are ready for the silent revolution?

Coach John

Works cited: Robert Hargraves, Masterful Coaching, Jossey-Bass, 2003, San Francisco CA

Understanding the Shifting Learning Models in the 21st Century

Don't Ask "Are We Teaching."  But Rather, "Is Anyone Learning? "

Learning models in America are rapidly changing. This is due to the fact that a contemporary generation no longer processes life as the previous one did. In light of this reality many of us run the risk of becoming out-dated and even antiquated in our approach to teaching and equipping the body of Christ.

The question we should be asking ourselves is not “are we teaching,” but rather “is anyone learning?” 

For most, the change will present a major paradigm shift in the way we currently perceive learning. Some even believe that the sun is setting on many of the previously accepted learning modules. For many who are of the Baby Boomer generation and older, challenges abound. I know because I happen to be a part of this generation.

So what are some of the adult learning models that are shifting in America? And, how do we as the church embrace them and leverage them to reach a generation for Christ? Here are just a few for our consideration:

1. A Shift from the Greek model to a Hebraic One

Most Western models of learning are built upon the Greek method of education. This model says that learning comes from the simple acquisition of information and knowledge. Give me a book, an article or more information and I will know it.

The Hebraic model says that you cannot truly learn something by the mere acquisition of information; rather, one learns by combining information with experience and participation. This is why Jesus called the disciples to “be with him.”

2.  A shift from a Monological style of teaching to a Dialogical One.

Jesus rarely taught through the means of a monologue. When we study his methods we find that most of his teaching, especially in the temple, turned into dialogue or a discussion. Why? Simply put, because adult learners learn best through processing and interaction with information. They perceive truth at a deeper level through interaction with the topic and with others. 

The postmodern learner longs for community and relationship in all areas of life, but especially the classroom. They learn best by hearing others views, and at the same time assessing their own thoughts and experiences. Maybe as teachers we need to endeavor to open up more conversational space in the classroom instead of trying to fill it with our expert information. i.e more discussion and interaction.

3. A shift from top down lecturing to a style that promotes personal discovery of truth.

Studies show that adult learners learn on a deeper and more meaningful level when they discover truth for themselves. (Malcolm Knowles) If this is true, then the discovery process itself, becomes imperative. Could this be why it is recorded that Jesus himself asked over 300 questions during his ministry? I think possibly so.

Powerful questions is a tool that forces one to process his or her inner life and engage truth at a personal level. Do you know how to ask powerful questions?

Conclusion

New models of learning are emerging today due to a wide variety factors, many of which we do not have time to address in this article. However, it would suffice to say that many of the influences are the result of a postmodern shift in culture and the rapid rise of technology. Many models that have served us well in the past are now irrelevant and need to be discarded.  

So have you learned how to navigate these modern shifts in learning? Even more important, are you willing to change?

Coach John

Can We Start Over?

 Life Is Filled With Change

Ever get the feeling it's time to start over? If you have, you're not alone.  At this time of the year, new beginnings are often on the mind of many. In scripture, we find the word “beginning” mentioned over one hundred times.  The first book of the bible is known as the “book of beginnings.” (Genesis)  The first verse of the book reads, “In the beginning...”  Could it be God is trying to tell us something?

Unfortunately, most humans are unskilled at the art of navigating new beginnings.  We get stuck in the past or frozen in the present.  However, it's a fact; life gets altered and nothing on earth remains the same.  Our planet is not in a state of constancy.  That day is coming - but not yet.

Therefore, we must become accomplished at the art of navigating new beginnings.  Walking with God is always progressive. So how  do we change? Can we start over?  Here are several pointers, hope they help.

1. New beginnings always stretch us. 

New beginnings move us out of our comfort zone, away from the familiar and into the unknown.  Does anyone enjoy this process?  Probably not!  However, it’s a necessary part of starting over and part of a progressive Christian experience. 

2. New beginnings always necessitate old closings.  

Got anything you need to let go of in 2011? You must let go of the old to embrace the new, hence life becomes a succession of closings and new beginnings.(new starts) The word closure means “to bring to an end, to resolve an issue and move beyond it.”  Often this involves mental and spiritual anguish and processing. 

3. New beginnings sometimes take a determined act of faith and faith alone. 

Are you stuck in the past, mired down by what could've or should've been.  Maybe you haven’t forgotten the stinging words of a close friend. Maybe you’re still angry at your parents, maybe it's your "ex". Consequently, you never seem to be able to start over. 

4. New beginnings often require an act of forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is never optional for the human race, that is, if reconciliation is wanted. Is it easy?  Never!  Is it worth the pain?  Always!  Forgiveness is key.  So if there is someone you need to forgive, go ahead and release that someone today.  

Conclusion:

So the question remains, "Can We Start Over?" The answer is... probably not from the beginning. However, the good news is that you can start over right where you're at.

Are you ready to start over? As we stand on the brink of this New Year, many new experiences await you.   Revelation 21:5 says… “And the one sitting on the throne said, look, I am making all things new!” 

Coach John

Understanding the Introverted Leader - Final Post

Concluding Thoughts on the Introverted Leader

Over the last three weeks I've received numerous comments via email, as well as in person from individuals that deal with the challenges of introversion. Many have been encouraged and sense a new found hope. For this I am very thankful to God. I too have to admit that my study into the topic has stirred something deep inside this "innie" as well.  

As I thought about how I should close this topic and the many options that I could write about I have decided to simply close with a short list of statements, marked with a few comments, that will hopefully sum up what I've learned.  I trust these will be adequate and help each of you as you go down your path of personal development. 

  My Conclusions

I suggest that as an Introverted Leader you begin to.....

1. Celebrate your created difference....In a world in which extroverts out number us three to one, please remember that as an "innie," you are not second-rate or a misfit. You are God's creation.

2. Nuture your extrovered side.... Venture out of your "innie" world and learn to do a few things as an "outie." It will require you tolerating the strange new feeling of not quite being yourself. 

3. Gain some self awareness concerning how you re-energize....As an "innie", when you go inside to re-energize what is it you really like to do? Is it reading? An activity with a spouse? Maybe prayer or contemplation? Or something as simple as-tinkering?

4. Take more short breaks during the day.... Take a short walk or step outside, break out of the old routine for a little bit. Divert daily.

5 Take note of what seems to drain your emotional  energy....prepare beforehand when you know such settings lie ahead. To be forewarned is to be prepared and ready.

6. Nurture your spiritual life... As a rule, introverts have the inclination to go deep. If you are not satisfying that need through your walk with Christ, a void will always be present.

7. Base your confidence on who you are rather than what you do....This is so important because many of our abilities aren't valued in an extroverted world.

Well, much more could  be said, however.......As one "innie" to another... go ahead and celebrate your God-given temperment. It's OK!

 Coach John

Works Cited: Marti Olsen Laney, The Introvert Advantage, Broadway NY, Workman Publishing Co.,2002

*Special thanks to the work of Mrs. Laney. Many of my thoughts, comments and quotes sprang from her brilliant research and publication of the above mentioned book. I encourage every "innie" to buy the book and read it.

 

 

 

Understanding the Introverted Leader - Part III

Three Traits Characterize Introverts

Attention all introverts.... you are a different breed and it's time to accept and celebrate your uniqueness.  According to Dr. Marti Olsen Laney, author of The Introvert Advantage, our uniqueness centers around three main traits that earmark us for introversion. 1) The way you recharge your emotional batteries. 2) The way you respond to stimulation. 3) Your need for depth rather than breadth.

With that said, I have chosen to comprise a list of statements that hopefully will exemplify the three things that make us unique. I have written them in first person in order to accentuate them and make a point. If think you are an introvert, look carefully and you will see yourself. If you're extroverted, maybe you will catch a new glimpse of your introverted friend, boss or spouse. Here we go:

• We are different as introverts but we don't need to apologize for it.
• We love social relationships, but they drain us emotionally. 
• Because of the draining effect of social interaction on our emotional energy we tend to avoid extended seasons with large crowds.
• In light of the above, we don't need a large number of relationships, just meaningful and real ones.
• We don't mean to come across aloof and mysterious, we are by nature more private and thus reveal less of ourselves to the average person.
• We keep a lot of our energy inside, often times making it difficult for others to know us.
• Because of our deeply reflective nature, we often hesitate before we speak.
• Like it or not, we are usually absorbed in thought, processing life from the inside out.
• We usually proceed with caution in most matters.
• Right or wrong, we usually don't offer our ideas freely, we need to be asked at times.
• If you try to read by viewing our body language you will not get an accurate reading. We are not as expressive or demonstrative as our counterparts.
• Unfortunately, our facial expressions don't always tell the whole story. We need to work on this!! LOL
• We are usually hesitant to engage extroverts that we don't know very well. And some we do!
• When we do speak, we really have something to say!
• We don't necessarily desire more conversation, just deeper ones.
• The same goes for our relationships, life experiences, information, and almost every other area of our lives.
• We tend to overstimulate very easily. Rapid amounts of information, excitement, emotion, conversation, etc. and our minds go...TILT. Remember we internalize and process EVERYTHING.
• There is a lot more about us you need to know and we need to tell.

Conclusion:

The above statements exemplify the three main traits that make us introverted. They are not in any way meant to be a cop out or an excuse not to grow. All introverts should work diligently to develop their extroverted expression and find balance in these areas. However, can a leopard change his spots? I don't think so.

We are a different breed,  let's celebrate our God-given uniqueness and lead accordingly.

Coach John

Works Cited:  Marti Olsen Laney, The Introvert Advantage, How to Thrive in an Extrovert World, New York, NY, Workman Publishing Co., 2002

P.S.  Introverts, Get the book!

Understanding the Introverted Leader Part II

Every person operates from a preferred temperament

Aloof, withdrawn, uninterested. Shy, reclusive, and reticent - these and other words are often used to describe the introverted person. However, according to Adam S. McHugh, author of Introverts in the Church, these are misguided distortions that result from misunderstandings and confusion. 

According to psychologists and those who study the human psyche, extroversion and introversion are terms that are used to describe the two inner temperaments that are resident in every person. Yes, every person has the ability to be outward and inward, based on various circumstances and contexts. However, the fact is that every person is given to one or the other as a preference.

The term "introvert," in its simplest definition, is described as "the tendency of a person to go inward in their thoughts in order to process life and its happenings." Common traits would include: deep thought processing, being reflective in nature, contemplative, proned to privacy, given to thinking before speaking, enjoying solitude and at times - being overly self critical. 

In most situations, the typical introvert comes out of his or her inner world, interacts with life's surroundings, (e.g. people, and situations), through conversation, expression, various behaviors; then retreats back inside to reflect on his or her experience. This would explain the draining effect that extended social interaction has on most introverts. On the other hand, extroverts process life outwardly by talking and interacting with life as it comes at them. Social interaction has the opposite effect on the extrovert - it actually energizes them.

Biblical examples of introverted leadership can be found in the lives of people like Moses, Jeremiah, Job, Nehemiah, John, Mark, Timothy, and numerous others. Often introverted leadership styles manifest in the form of gifted teachers and or writers; encouragers, and counselors/disciplers. Almost without exception the introvert is given to the "deeper life" mindset and  lifestyle. This is naturally a by-product of their introversion and affords them a unique place and key role in the body of Christ.

Conclusion

Much more could be said about the introverted leader but it will have to wait till next week when we talk in more detail about how the introvert processes life. BTW, if you haven't figured out by now; I'm an introverted leader! 

Coach John

Works Cited: Adam S. McHugh, Introverts in the Church, IVP Books, 2009

Understanding the Introverted Leader

We live in a culture that caters to and extols extroverts

According to recent studies by various groups,(See citation notes at bottom of blog) "extroversion" is now deemed to be a necessity in order to gain cultural acceptance in America and the world. Marti Olsen Laney, who wrote the book The Introvert Advantage says, "We live in a culture that caters to and extols extroverts. We definitely learn that extroversion is the way we should be." Jonathan Rauch, writer for The Atlantic, stated that introverts are "among the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in America, possibly the world.

Not only has this assumption filled American culture, but in many ways it has infiltrated the church and various religious groups among us. According to Adam McHugh in his book Introverts in the Church, a 2004 psychological study at a Christian college asked students to rate the person of Jesus Christ according to the profiles of temperament found in the Briggs-Meyers Type Indicator. **The findings of the study showed that 97% rated him as an extrovert.

A reasonable question to ask would be "where does this kind of cultural bent and attitude place the average introverted leader?" The answer is simple, for many it leaves them feeling as though they are not as smart as others, or maybe with a sense of incompetence, inadequate, or disadvantaged.  Depending on their level of maturity, this can be debilitating and extremely frustrating. 

Over the next few weeks, I would like to examine the world of those given to introversion and make a few realistic observations; hopefully to educate my readers concerning the uniqueness and value of those with such tendencies, and raise this group of gifted leaders to the level of respect that they aptly deserve.

Are you ready for the journey? Join me next week as we begin to understand the world of the introverted leader.

Coach John

Works Cited:

Adam McHugh, Introverts in the Church, 2009

Marti Olsen Lacy, The Introvert Advantage, 2002

Jonathan Rauch, The Atlantic, March 2003, www.theatlantic.com/doc/200303/rauch>

**These statements are not mean to be broad brush all people in the church or society, but rather to reveal a general attitude that clearly expresses itself through culture and society today.