Misc

Organizations Doing Good, Part 2

Over the next several weeks, we'll be highlighting a number of organizations that we at Catalyst are partnering with through the Organizations Doing Good Series. Several of these organizations will be highlighted at Catalyst Atlanta in October, but for now wanted to provide a running list so you can check them out on your own.  You can see Part 1 here. 

1. Deadly Viper- initiative started by Mike Foster and Jud Wilhite, two great friends who are helping leaders pursue radical grace and radical integrity, while also combating the character assassins that attack all of us. 

2. IJM- International Justice Mission. One of the leading organizations focused on rescuing children from sex trafficking around the world. Started by Gary Haugen, a Catalyst speaker in 2005. 

3. Invisible Children- advocacy group dedicated to rescuing child soldiers in Northern Uganda and other parts of Africa. 

4. One Days Wages- started by Eugene Cho, a pastor in the Seattle area. A global grassroots movement fighting poverty around the world by asking people to give up one day's wages to help those in need. 

5. Word Made Flesh- helping and living with the poorest of the poor around the world. Amazing organization led by Chris and Phileena Heuertz.

FEE Band- song release today!

Today is the big release day for the song Glory to God Forever. You can buy it right now on itunes. This song is part of the new album from FEE entitled Hope Rising, which will be releasing at Catalyst in October. I've heard the rough cut for the entire album, and believe me, you'll want every single song on your ipod! It is off the charts. 

You can see Steve Fee below talking about Glory to God Forever. Again, take time today and buy the song. 

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Eat More Chicken

You never know who is going to show up at the Catalyst offices. Recently, we were surprised by some of the folks from Chick-fil-A who brought by some chicken biscuits and gift cards for the Catalyst staff.  Of course, as we always do, we had to capture this on video and create some memorable moments to share. Enjoy.

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Being Creative

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Creating an environment for "being creative" takes work. It takes energy and preparation. You don't just show up and flip the creative switch on immediately. There is a reason that certain groups and organizations are ultimately more creative than others- it's because they are on purpose when it comes to creating the right kind of environment for creativity. They are intentional with creating the creative environment.

Here at Catalyst, we are very intentional about our creative process. It's part of our DNA. See this post from last year about "turning ideas into reality."

When it comes to creating the right kind of environment, we've established some "rules" (suggested behavior) for our "creative" meetings:

1. set the expectations for the meeting up front. be very clear, even if there are no rules.

2. there is no bad answer

3. "yes, and" and never "no or but"

4. respect everyone's participation and their thoughts- no one can dominate the conversation

5. allow for movement- standing up, walking, sitting down, whatever works for people- especially those with shorter attention spans!

6. provide creative "extras", such as toys, sports items, collectives, visual effects and other "enhancers"

7. Take mental breaks every 30-40 minutes, and physical breaks every 90 minutes

8. take VERY detailed notes. capture everything. gotta have a dedicated notetaker.

9. always allow for rabbit trails, but have a facilitator who keeps things moving.

10. Keep the fun meter above 50%. If it drops below that, stop and re-establish the fun factor. 

Hopefully these are helpful as you create in your own environments.....

An interview with Darren Whitehead from Willow Creek

LV Hanson recently sat down with my good friend Darren Whitehead, one of the teaching pastors at Willow Creek Community Church, for a quick video interview in his office.  Check it out. 

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LV is out on the road over the next several months visiting leaders from all across the country- hearing their stories and connecting with them in their environments.

Good Wisdom

"It is a terrible thing to look over your shoulder when you are trying to lead -- and find no one there."  - Franklin D. Roosevelt  "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don't care who gets the credit."  - Harry S. Truman

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."  - Howard Thurman

Interview with Blake Mycoskie from TOMS Shoes

Check out the most recent issue of the Catalyst Podcast, featuring an interview with TOMS Shoes founder and Chief Shoe Giver Blake Mycoskie. Blake has an amazing story, is a true inspiration, and throws down some solid business and leadership principles as well. 

You can stream live here or download from itunes. 

We are also joined in studio by Ben Rough from Compassion International, discussing our most recent trip to Rwanda and the great work of Compassion in lifting children out of poverty all over the world.

Organizations Doing Good

Here at Catalyst, we have the opportunity to partner and work with a number of leading organizations focused on different areas of "doing good." We'll be highlighting a number of these organizations and their initiatives at Catalyst Atlanta, but I thought over the next several weeks I would list them so you could check them out and see more of the great work they are doing.  I'll be listing 4 per week over the next 8 weeks, in no particular order. 

1. Compassion Art- an initiative founded by Martin Smith, lead singer and founder of the band Delirious. Their Compassion Art music project has already raised over $120,000 from the sale of the CD towards poverty initiatives around the world.

2. Advent Conspiracy- started by good friends Chris Seay and Rick McKinley, this campaign encourages consumers to forego putting money into gifts at Christmas, and instead give that money to clean water projects and other worthy initiatives, fighting against the grip of consumerism on our culture. 

3. Gift Card Giver- started by Jeff and Andre Shinabarger. Focused on collecting gift cards that still have credit on them, and turning that credit into money that can be used for worthwhile projects. You can host a Gift Card Giver House party in your community, or just simply send in your unused gift cards.

4. Hope International- the leading microfinance Christian organization. Providing small loans to individuals around the world to help lift them from poverty and give them a job and sustainable income. Peter Greer is doing a great job leading this top-notch initiative. 

Let me know if you are aware of charitable organizations, businesses or initiatives that should be highlighted. List them in the comments section and I'll add them to the list. 

Cult like crazy companies

Chick-fil-A, Zappos, Burton, Apple.  These companies have an incredibly devoted employee base. Staffs are committed. Their businesses are successful. They've become legendary. Why? 

One reason: a cult-like crazy culture. They are 110% in. To those outside of the organization, it may seem a bit weird or over the top. But to the employees working for these types of organizations, it is normal. They wholeheartedly believe in what they are doing, and it permeates throughout everything they do- their culture, their identity, branding, marketing, customer service, etc. 

Simply put- it is part of who they are. 

Other companies that come to mind?

The WOW factor

Really excited about Michael Hyatt's soon to release book on the power of WOW. In fact, he had a great post on his blog recently about "learning to recognize WOW." It's worth the read. Inspiring.  As I was thinking about WOW moments in my life, a couple of thoughts came to mind in explaining why a moment is considered a WOW moment:

1. expectations were exceeded, not just met.

2. a deep emotional connection was created.

3. it was "picture worthy," meaning the aesthetics, environment, conditions and surroundings justified capturing the moment for long term reflection. 

4. outside the norm; different than what I'm used to; distinct.

5. I wanted to tell everyone I could about my experience.

 

Now, think about your business, church, organization or initiative..... do people say these things about what you offer?

Artists - Make Your Mark

Artists Make Your Mark Are you an artist, designer, photographer, sculptor or painter? If so, we would love for you to be part of the Make Your Mark Campaign.

Once again this year, we are looking for Artists interested in submitting their best expression of our theme "ON YOUR MARK" through ART. If your submission is chosen, we'll feature on the Catalyst website, through multiple outlets, showcase at the event in October, and create prints for limited release. 

More information on the project is available at our website. 

And if you know of artists who also might be interested, please pass on to them.

Wednesday Five- on being a good employee

As promised, it's the Wednesday Five. Five more thoughts on being a good employee, peer, or partner in your organization or on an initiative or project you are participating on.  1. Listen well- listen when in a conversation, don't just think about what you are going to say in response. Listen for next steps, not current realities- this has to do with anticipating. 

2. Reflect most of the credit, take all the blame- this is more for leaders, but still a great principle to put into practice no matter what level you are in the organization.

3. Never speak negatively of your peers for personal gain- wow, this is a hard one for everyone. Especially when your boss or superior wants to pit you against that peer and see how you respond. Don't give in to that. Stay above it. 

4. Push back- almost every leader I know wants their team members to challenge the process, question assumptions, bring new ideas to the table, and push back when they don't agree. Don't be afraid to do this. If your leader is not mature enough to take this, then they probably shouldn't be in the position they are in. 

5. Take on more responsibility- ask for more power and involvement, and you'll be lifting the load of your employer or boss. That is always a welcomed conversation. Help by taking on more.

Recent Creative Meeting- Dance Challenge

A glimpse into a recent Catalyst creative meeting with Jeff Shinabarger, Ken Coleman, Reggie Joiner, Lanny Donoho, Melissa Kruse, and Brian Cole.  While throwing out a bunch of ideas, one was brought up that we thought would be great, although we received some pushback from the two folks we need involved- Reggie and Lanny. 

So take a look and join in and help us convince Lanny and Reggie that we've got a great idea here that needs to happen!

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Learn from everyone

This is a mantra that I have always believed in. You can always learn something from everyone. Anyone. Whether you are a seasoned CEO, mid-level manager, Senior Pastor, non-profit Executive Director, or recent graduate, it's crucial that you live out and understand this principle.  Having spent several years working for and around John Maxwell, I saw this principle lived out on a consistent basis. John would listen and take notes at conferences, regardless of who was speaking. If John was meeting with a small group, he would always ask them what they were learning or reading, and then jot that down. He truly lived out this principle.

One of the classic moments in Catalyst history was a panel interview in 2002 featuring John, Andy Stanley, and Erwin McManus. Erwin was sharing a thought, and John looked down in the front row at his long-time assistant Linda Eggers and gave her the nod signaling he needed his pen and notebook. As Erwin is sharing, Linda hands John the pen and notebook and John starts taking notes. Pretty funny and a classic moment, but also evidence of a lifelong learner.

My two at Wimbledon

Watching the Wimbledon men's final yesterday featuring Andy Roddick and Roger Federer was inspiring. I usually don't watch tennis, but I watched every single point, game, set and ultimate match. It was amazing. Both of them deserved to win. Made me want to be there in the stands.  And speaking of in the stands, there were lots of celebrities, accomplished athletes, and former Wimbledon champions in attendance. 

So earlier today on Pardon the Interruption, they asked the question of who would you want to sit next to at Wimbledon in the stands- between Woody Allen, Russell Crowe, Henry Kissinger, and Ralph Lauren, all of whom were in attendance. Very interesting question. I'm going with Russell Crowe. Although talking with Henry Kissinger would be amazing, but might be tough to pick up his words because of the accent and the amount of whispering that has to be done at a tennis match

This made we wonder- who are the two I would want in the royalty box with me if I could get 3 seats for the Wimbledon finals? 

John McEnroe for the tennis expertise, and Shaquille O'Neal for the laughter and commentary. Runner up and on deck would be Bob Costas.

Art for Humura Children's Home in Kenya

Check out this great project - Art for Humura.  Barton Damer and Promise (Tangeman) Wurzell are teaming up during the month of July to collaborate on this worthwhile art project that will help raise money for the Humura Children's Home in Kenya. Both are very talented designers. Round one of the artwork is already up here. 

The final art piece will be printed and then available for purchase, either as a t-shirt or poster print. You can follow the progress of the Art for Humura project throughout the month of July, as the design will be passed back and forth between Barton and Promise, demonstrating the power of collaboration. 

You'll want to pre-order the t-shirts or posters, as they will definitely be worth it, and going towards a worthy cause.

My Strengths

Just took the Clifton Strengths Finder Test again. Been a couple of years since I last took it.  Top Five in order: Achiever, WOO, Strategic, Includer, Activator

Last time I took it (3 years ago): Achiever, WOO, Focus, Empathy, Includer

If you've never taken it, WOO is "Winning others over"

Myers Briggs for me: ENTJ

DISC test- very high D and I, very low S and C

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