The Nines event is about to start up. We now have close to 10,000 who will be participating in this FREE online event. Today starting at 9:09 am CST. If you haven't registered, you still can. Just go here and you'll be able to join in.
Over 70 presenters.
"Learn to say no to the good so you can say yes to the best." - John C. Maxwell I love this quote, but I struggle constantly with implementing it. It makes total sense, but as a persuader, my leadership style is to include and to invite more and more into the conversation and the huddle. I have a hard time saying no, because for me that feels like I am excluding someone. I've learned how to do this, but it still goes against my natural leadership style.
But as leaders, we have to be willing to say no in order for our time and energy to be spent on the things that only we can do, as well as the few ideas or projects that will end up being the "best."
Had the chance recently to interview Michael Hyatt, the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Mike is a longtime seasoned executive in the publishing business, and also a leading voice and thought leader on the power of social media. His blog and twitter are read by tens of thousands per day. We discussed his approach to leadership, the importance of social media, and the next generation.
You can listen here, or download from itunes.
We need your help! Head over to Ed Stetzer's blog and help us determine what questions will be used for the research project that Lifeway Research is conducting for the Catalyst Conference coming up in October. The research is being shaped around the idea of "making your mark" as a Christian leader, which is our theme for this year's event.
Will just take a minute, and anyone who helps out will be paid $100,000 each....... Ed Stetzer is personally paying!!!! J/K.
Thanks!
Heard a great talk from Richard Florida earlier this week at the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum in Columbus, GA. Richard Florida is the best-selling author of The Rise of the Creative Class, an incredible book outlining the way creatives are currently shaping our culture. His latest book, Who's Your City, is the one I am really intrigued by, focused on why certain people are living in certain places and how that is changing the landscape of business and economics.
Richard is considered to be one of the world's leading urban theorists. He mentioned in his talk a couple of points that I wanted to highlight:
1. the rise of "megaregions"- there are 40 megaregions in the world. These areas are dominating the global economy and the direction of our culture. For example- Charlanta- the area from Atlanta, GA to Charlotte, NC.- 22 million people, and 750 Billion in economic output. Wow. 8th largest megaregion in the world. These megaregions are a new phenomenon in urban and city development.
2. We are currently living in a great "re-set," not necessarily a recession. Our current climate is one of the most dramatic shifts we've ever experienced in our history. Radical change and radical transformation- similar to what happened in the late 1800's and early 1900's in our country.
3. This reset is forcing us to go back to our greatest source of capital- our human capital. The real capital we have especially here in the US is our people. We have to tap the creative energy of every human being in this country. We have to harness the ideas of every person. Everyone is creative, and that's our greatest asset.
4. 40 million Americans who are considered to be the "creative class." 35% of the workforce, but around 60% of salaries. They congregate in the "megaregions." No longer do the influentials and creative class move to where the jobs are. Now companies have to move to where the influentials are. This is a radical shift. Cited several examples of this that were pretty mind-blowing.
I highly recommend picking up one of Richard's books, and staying up to date with his work through his company, The Creative Class Group.
We (Catalyst) are partnering with Leadership Network on a brand new event they have created called The Nines. You'll definitely want to participate. Here are the details:
Wednesday, September 9 (one week from today), begins at 9:00 am CST.
The event is free, but you have to pre-register.
Over 60 presenters, including Mark Driscoll, Perry Noble, Mark Batterson, Ed Stetzer, Reggie McNeal, John Ortberg, Steven Furtick, Greg Surratt, Reggie Joiner and many, many more.
Each presenter has nine minutes or less to present based on this thought: "If you could sit down one-on-one with a handful of church leaders, what is the one thing you would want to tell them?"
Over 6,000 leaders have already pre-registered for this one day online event, so make sure you register today.
Had the chance recently to interview Chris Anderson, the editor in chief of the wildly popular Wired Magazine, and author of two best-selling books: The Long Tail as well as the more recent release FREE: The Future of a Radical Price.
Chris is an incredible thinker, innovator, and technology maven, and we talk a lot about his new book FREE and the impact on our culture, plus discussing several other interesting topics, including the reason why Google is the ultimate model of free.
You can stream live here, or download from itunes here.
Great time in Miami over the weekend with Brian Houston and Hillsong United. Spent Thursday evening and most of the day on Friday with Brian Houston and 35 senior pastors from churches around the country. Amazing time of connection and learning.
Then Friday night with the Hillsong United team and all day Saturday (and late Saturday night!!). Love hanging with these great friends. Joel, Brooke, Luke, Jason, JD, Jad, Scott, Matt, Brad, Sanga, Phil, and several others. Each time I am around the entire team I am more thankful and grateful for their unbelievable global ministry. Impacting millions around the world. Great conversations, and amazing times of worship!
More in the next several days regarding the November 4th release of the feature documentary film "We're All in this Together" from Hillsong. Will be in 500 theaters around the US. You'll definitely want to attend.
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Today (Thursday, August 27th) is the last day to save big on Catalyst Conference tickets. The early bird deadline day as we call it around here.... wonder what famous animals or celebrities will show up at the Catalyst offices today??? So, make sure to register today for Catalyst. It's going to be an amazing leadership experience. I know I am biased... but look at the speaker lineup. Seriously!
All your friends will be there. And I will be there. And Andy will be there. And Lanny will be there.
Speaking of Lanny..... as we prepare for October, Lanny thought it would be wise to help all of us better understand the real meaning of our theme "On Your Mark." In his own style and in his own words......
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The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns. Let me just say that the first chapter made me cry like a baby. Needless to say, the book is good. Think Orange by Reggie Joiner. If you are a church leader, you need to read this book. Period.
The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley. Required if you are currently breathing.
How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins. Reading this book for a second time.
Too Small to Ignore by Wess Stafford. President of Compassion International.
So, one of my keys to creativity is pretty simple: Find others who are more creative than me and figure out a way to make them a part of my team.
Evidenced by the last couple of days. This morning was Carlos and Jeff in the office thinking through experiential elements, opening session, transitions, Red Carpet, and theme for West Coast.
This afternoon was Jonathan meeting about bumpers, title treatments, opening video, staging, and creative technical production ideas.
Also this afternoon was Jason thinking through West Coast theme, design, website, brochure, and branding.
Monday afternoon was Brian in the office going over program, minute by minute, and creative direction.
Tomorrow is Lanny and Reggie and Ken going over program and transitions and fun stuff.
Earlier this week was Tripp working on a great video series for the event. Tyler writing great copy and adding creative energy as well.
All of these talented folks are part of our team, but none of them are "full-time." Would love to hire them full-time, but probably not going to happen. The great thing is, I can tap into their creative energy and talent as is.
The key is simple- find others around you who are talented, and get them involved in what you are doing. Your creativity and talent ratio will increase exponentially.
I love watching the Little League World Series. What a great picture of what sports is all about. A few leadership lessons and observations I've noticed from the Little Leaguers:
1. It's not just about the destination, but also the journey in getting there. These 12 and 13 year olds have fun in every game, regardless of where and when.
2. It's about the team, and not individual players. No one player is bigger or more important than the team.
3. There is complete trust in the coach as the leader of the team. Seems like this should be a no-brainer, but not the case anymore, whether a CEO, head coach, or project manager.
4. Every player still wants to learn- there is a hunger to constantly get better.
5. Sportsmanship is not just a requirement, it is an identity. These kids are competitive, but understand the legacy and responsibility of being good sportsmen. Now if we can just keep the parents in line in the stands!
So you wanna program events, huh? My world right now. And this is just one small event in Atlanta in seven weeks.......
What's your home turf? The "thing" you are better at than anyone else in the world? Whatever it is, protect and defend it.
Work on it. Think about it. Develop it. It's your home turf. Your home field advantage. If you are not an expert at it, someone else is.
LV Hanson, smack dab in the middle of the Catalyst National Tour, recently caught up with Mark Bankord and team at Heartland Community Church in Rockford, IL, about 90 minutes west of Chicago. The Heartland team shares how their leadership culture and structure has created a great environment for attracting and retaining young leaders. They discuss their flattened leadership hierarchy and how the team approach works.
Check it out.
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Let's face it- young leaders are the future of your organization. Whether you like it or not, they will soon take over and be running the show. Your show. My show. So why are there certain organizations and certain leaders who always seem to attract younger leaders to their team? Whether a pastor, entrepreneur, CEO or non-profit Executive Director, there are certain leaders, certain teams and certain organizations that EVERY young and ambitious leader wants to be a part of.
What is it about THIS leader who attracts young leaders? Such a draw that young guns are willing to jump on board with them and storm the castle.
Part Four in the "Organizations Doing Good" series. You can see the full list here. 1. Prison Entrepreneurship Program- known as PEP. Started by good friend Catherine Rohr. Working in multiple prisons throughout the state of Texas helping inmates re-enter culture with business skills and business models that will help them succeed.
2. 410 Bridge- strategically connecting churches in America with churches in Kenya through a number of partnerships and initiatives. Co-founded by longtime Catalyst emcee Lanny Donoho.
3. Charity: Water- organization focused on bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Founded by good friend Scott Harrison, they have raised over 7 million in a two year span to fund almost 1300 projects globally.
4. KIVA- connecting people through one-to-one lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. Co-founded by Jessica Jackley, KIVA has helped facilitate over 80 million in microfinance loans over the last 4 years.
5. I-Heart- initiative started by Joel Houston and good friends at Hillsong. Focused on bringing awareness to injustices around the world. Releasing a short film in the US in theaters across the country this fall. More info on the release date soon.
A great day on an incredible houseboat with friends.
This is hilarious. Thanks Louie! Welcome to the world of Tweets. Can't wait for Tuesdays with Tozer....
Follow Louie here.
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Young and Hungry- What to do? I talk to leaders all the time, especially those under the age of 25, who are seeking the quick credibility answer. How do I get credibility now and not have to wait until I am in my mid 30’s or early 40’s before people will respect and respond to me?
Well, great question.
Not sure I have the answer you are looking for. But, I have a theory. The Credibility theory.
Starts with an equation, since I was a math minor in college..... Ultimately, credibility is this:
C = T x (E + E). Credibility = Time (times) Experience + Expertise.
To give some context, here are some thoughts to best gain credibility now:
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