Rescue Mission Blog

Why work makes you happier.

  

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There is a philosophical thread that runs through the minds of some that goes like this: If you want to have a long, happy life, engage in a life of leisure.  Find easy jobs, take lots of vacations, get rich and retire early.  Nevermind that these ideas are contrary (easy job doesn't equal getting rich), people are looking for jobs that give them lots of vacation, summers off, and more.

Sounds great, except it doesn't work like that.  In fact, it works just the opposite.  

Life gets more interesting when you engage with it.  Work is a primary part of that process.  People who are engaged in solving problems, in serving others, in doing good, in creating and producing, are happier healthier people.

Sitting around, seeking pleasure for it's own sake, leads to stagnation and boredom.  

There is some old, home spun wisdom that says, "Pants wear out faster sitting down than moving around", that probably sums it up better than I ever could.

Do you disagree? If so let me know how this isn't correct.  Love to hear you thoughts.

David Curry

Don't function in dysfunction

  

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So often we tend to get accustomed to, and tacitly support, the most dysfunctional situations and arrangements.  We convince ourselves that "that's just the way it is" or "it's always been there".  

The warning for all of us is to never become so comfortable with our own eccentricities, and the quirks of our organization, that we learn to function in our own dysfunction.  When you do this, you continue the bad habits and unhealthy patterns of relating that are holding you back.

Here are a few thoughts on how to break out of dysfunction: 

Know the truth: What does healthy look like? What would a healthy person or organization do?  If you have a healthy example it will give you some idea about what is possible and how you and your group can improve.  Often people don't recognize the full extent of their dysfunction because they are so close to the problem.

Speak honestly: Dysfunction in organizations breeds in a culture that lacks candor.  Over the years I have been surprised how often people will tell me "everything is great" when I know they're miserable.  The sicker the group, the more the problem has been pushed underground. In the most dysfunctional groups, they will fight you tooth and nail to keep their dysfunction alive, because they are so comfortable with it.

Change your patterns: While you can't control others, you can decide to act in healthy ways yourself.  Swimming against the stream of dysfunction is the only way to act in a dysfunctional situation.  Be healthy, even at the risk of being rejected by truly unhealthy people.  They must either accept your healthy way of interacting, or reject you, there is no middle ground.  

Don't learn to function in your dysfunction.

David Curry

Best Tools for Non-Profits of 2010

  

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Some gifts are destined to be put in the closet and never to be used.  Other gifts meet or exceed the excitement that they offer on first opening the box.

On a personal level it can be annoying when you have a tool that under-delivers on it's potential, but in business it's deadly.  Especially in the world of non-profit leadership, you can't afford to spend precious dollars on technology and tools that doesn't deliver.

With that in mind, here are a few simple tools that I've tried out this year which have great potential to help non-profits do their task, and perhaps save resources:

1. Kindle.  My team graciously pitched in a bought me a Kindle for Christmas last year in 2009.  They've only gotten more affordable and better designed, with some lines costing $139. It's now possible for many non-profits to begin using Kindles to use in their classrooms, to encourage reading and to use as a library.  Already you can sync several Kindles on one account and be able to have the ability to have everyone reading the same books. With the dictionary function, the ability for early readers to look up difficult or unknown words makes reading the classics more accessible. The Rescue Mission has been experimenting with Kindles for a year and all the feedback I get on them is great.  It ignites a desire to read and is a good value.

2. Ipad. You knew I was going here, so don't acted surprised.  Already I can anticipate your question, isn't this a duplication of the KINDLE?  Absolutely not.  For one thing, you really can't read long form on an IPAD. This past weekend I read a book for 5 hours straight, it was wonderful, on a Kindle.  Which I could never do on a Ipad.  Fortunately for Apple, that's about the only downside of the pad as it's useful in so many ways.  Again, it has multiple potential uses for non-profits.  Here at the Rescue Mission we're tinkering with it as a portable device that can be used for signing in clients and for doing case-management on the move while still being able to connect to the main database. In addition it's a great tool for sharing video content in a classroom setting and this function will only get better as upgrades make it easier to sych wirelessly to any projector. As cheap or cheaper than most laptops, this is a good trade-off for those who are not heavy into data or word processing.

3.  Skype.  This isn't new to 2010, but some of it's services are finally coming into their own so I've added it to the list.  This service should be on every non-profits computer. Allowing for free video conferencing and group video conferencing, you can now have meetings online and still see the look of bewilderment in the eyes of your staff.

4.  Square. This tool allows you to turn any iphone, ipad or other mobile device into a card scanner directly depositing donations into your charities account. Check it out here. I can think of dozens of uses for small or large charities to making giving and interacting with donors easier, but I won't spoil your fun in discovering them for yourself.

What technology/Tools have I missed on my list for 2010? Add a few and let me know what you think of my list.

David Curry

Are you a Multiplier? (Guest Blog from Elis Taylor)

  

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Not long ago I listened to NPR show that made me want to be a multiplier rather than a diminisher. A multiplier is someone who brings out the very best, the genius, in someone else.  In contrast, a diminisher is someone who seems to manage in a way that makes people want to do only the bare minimum.  Sounds easy, but is it?

Here’s the challenge: the NPR piece is a short but valuable piece of information, especially as we are all stretched to achieve more than our job description calls for, and to get more from others who work with us.  I encourage all Rescue Mission staff and followers to engage and to take the 5 minutes to either read or listen to this and respond.

Because this audio is so provoking, this is an opportunity for all staff to have a dialogue regarding this concept and share what you’ve learned. If it has taught you anything, post it on the blog.  It is a risk to put yourself out there but it is also a way to become a multiplier.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128401148

Here are a few questions to get us started.
When you feel like you’ve been around a Multiplier, what kinds of things has she/he done that has brought out the best in you?
What happens in a group when they are unleashed by a Multiplier?
What are some ways you are practicing “Multiplication”?
What if, according to the org chart, you don’t manage anyone, does this idea still apply?

Let the conversation continue…