Rescue Mission Blog

Scary leadership myths

  

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While everyone is busy dressing up like ghouls and goblins, I thought I would share what I believe are a few truly scary ideas that business and non-profit organizations believe and perpetuate.

The (mad) genius and his assistants.  It's not just Dr. Frankenstein and Igor, it's gone into our thinking of how we should run an organization or team: Get one really bright, possibly evil, genius and surround him with people who will listen to his every demand and act accordingly.  This idea is dead, or dying, and we should let it go to it's grave.  Instead, let's build teams of brilliant, A-type players, all with their own complementary strengths.

The Living Dead.  It seems like organizations believe in keeping zombies, people who are alive, but walk through their jobs as though they were dead, employed.  We need to drive a stake through the heart of this myth.  Fill your team with people who are full of life, excited about what they do, and ready to take initiative.

Vampires.  For some reason organizations believe we must have vampires around to suck the excitement out of any good idea that comes up within an organization.  Afraid of trying new things, these folks sink their teeth into anything that might challenge the status quo and bring change.

These are just a few of the truly scary myths that organizations are frightening us with this Halloween. What would you add to the list? What do you think of these trends?

David Curry

Book Review: Life Lessons from Steve Jobs bio

  

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Since his passing few weeks ago, people have been revisiting the life and times of Steve Jobs.  As I've said in a previous post, his life and passing are significant for this generation in the same way Einstein, Ben Franklin and Alexander Graham Bell were in their generation.

Just this week his authorized biography, Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, came out and i read it in just a few seatings, despite the fact that the book is over 600 pages long.  Yes, it's that good. Steve lead a fascinating life and his way of looking at the world was totally unique.  

Most people will read it for the interesting tidbits of history on the development of technologies that have and will change the way life works, and on that note its very interesting.  But I felt some of the largest lessons of the book were the life lessons that is are embedded in his story.  It's hard to read his story without having to do some thinking about how he lived his life, not just about the tools he created.

Here are a few of lesson I took from his story:

1.  Standards matter.  One of the thread that runs throughout the book is that Steve held really high standards, and this was part of his genius in creating really unusual technological impacts in his lifetime.  He often refused to settle on something he found below his standards, even when everyone else was ready to give in and move on.  He held to his principles and was thus able to jar loose the status quo.

2.  People matter more.  unfortunately, one of the lesson learned was that he often belittled people needlessly to get his way, most often earlier in his life.  It's hard to imagine he couln't have acheived the outcomes without crazy outbursts and ridiculing people when they were working hard.  

3.  Focus on things you love.  He was really passionate about creating great products and he did.  Creating great products isn't my passion, but I could see the lesson for my own life, go all in.  

4.  Get first things first.  Steve Jobs was a seeker, who sought spiritual peace throughout his life, but it seemed like faith was something he was putting second in his life.  His biographer noted that although he studied Zen buddhism, it didn't seem to bring him any peace and tranquility personally.  My personal faith in Jesus, which I've been very public about, has given me so much solace and guidance through the difficulties and uncertainties of life that I can't help but feel the spiritual part of life is the primary part of who we are.  

I'm curious what lessons you may have pulled from his biography, life, and work.  What do you think of my list and what would you disagree with?  Let me know.

David Curry

Awareness is part of the answer.

  

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"Awareness is curative" Les and Leslie Parrott

Relationships struggle, whether at work or at home, when people lack understanding of where the other person is coming from.  Often we don't seek to understand because we know we will never change that person and so therefore it is pointless.

But awareness is soothing and knowing why someone does something, and how each individual is wired to work, is in itself a part of the cure.

Here are a few tools to help you understand the people around you better:

Strengthfinders: This test allows you to understand what your strengths are, and the strengths of others.  We use it here at the Rescue Mission for all of our employees and find that it really helps us understand each other better.

Social Styles:  there are many great social styles tests that will help you understand if you are outgoing, driven, detail oriented and so on.  Whatever your style, you will benefit from knowing how others see the world and how they are wired.

Communication style: Dr. Les and Leslie Parrot have a great book called Love Talk which has an indicator of how we each communicate.

Take a look at these tests and see what you think.  

What are some ways that awareness has helped you see a relationship situation differently? 

David Curry

What creates stress?

  

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People often don't mind challenges and obstacles, yet people say that change and problems cause them stress?  We know that people need to be challenged and that learning itself is about stretching ourselves beyond what we currently believe we are capable of achieving, yet people are so stressed out that it is hard to know when to push and when to pull back. 

What is the answer?

Here's a good formula to remember to help see what might be causing stress and to create environments where people can be challenged without getting overly stressed out: 

High Demands + Low Control = Stress

When we have the demands, but no way to control the outcome we get freaked out.  For some managers it may mean that you need to make sure that those who work for you have the authority to make decisions that will affect the outcomes.  For those affected in situations where you have no control, it may mean focusing on those things you can control.

The fact is that we can't control everything, some circumstances are outside of our reach, but we can control many things and the systems which we create.  

What are some ways we can alleviate stress so that we can be happier, healthier people?

David Curry

When life is not fair

  

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"Leaders have great things happen to them because of how they manage to act when things are not fair" Andy Andrews

Most of us are conditioned to respond with outrage and indignant self-defense when life doesn't treat us "fair".  Our sense of justice is upset and we deserve better.  

But how you respond when life isn't fair is one of the defining moments of your life, and leadership.  How can we have a mindset that allows us to not mope or drag our heads when things go wrong, but instead learn, encourage and bless others in the midst of tough times/

Here are keys to a overcoming mindset:

Be careful what you "deserve".  How often have I heard myself say I deserve something, only to know deep down that not only am I not entitled to it, but that I actually deserve much, much worse?  Too often I'm afraid.  Many of us tend to feel entitled to a constant win streak, undying devotion and regularly doses of praise and appreciation.  Instead, have a mindset that says you are a servant, ready to carry a burden for those you love and care for.  This is what Jesus recommended we do as leaders, serve others and put others first. I can't think of a better example

Know your season.  Everyone goes through a "prince to pig" cycle, as former GE CEO Jack Welch used to call it.  One day you're the prince who can do no wrong, the next you're a pig that is ruining the organization.  Public opinion is fickle and knowing that there are seasons of life is so important.  Things will turn and soon you'll have the wind at your back again.

Stay focused.  When I'm discouraged I work hard to stay focused on the positive, to keep looking for good things that are happening.  Some days this is admittedly very difficult, but it helps to keep you from buying into a full blown depression and pity party. 

Healthy people.  Seems like negative people love to hear about your problems, and thus help to blow them up to even bigger proportion, reinforcing how unfair things have been.  Healthy people listen, give assurance and build you up, but they don't necessarily validate your pity party.  Hang out with healthy, happy people who have a bigger perspective on life and how you are impacting others.

Are there other ways to fight back when life isn't fair? Share them with me.

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

Create the life you want in the future.

  

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"We cannot predict the future but we can create it"  Jim Collins

While it's hard for many people to grasp, what you do and say creates your future.  Many people love to blame their parents, boss, spouse, kids, bankers, teachers or counselors for their current circumstances but until you look in the mirror and know that you were the biggest influence on your current situation, than you will never be able to create a positive future.

What about bad things that were done to me?  Having gone through difficult times myself, I can tell you that bad things do happen, but you can control how you respond and rebuild.  

It's true in your private life and in your work as well.  You have the power to do something interesting and great, but you're waiting for a banker, a boss or a lotto ticket to get you the opportunity.  Don't give control of your life to someone else. Instead, make a plan and strategy to build the life you've always wanted.  Begin to work each day towards that goal and don't let others discouragement or lack of interest disuade you from your optimum life.

David Curry

Why perseverance matters more than circumstances

  

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Occasionally a sports broadcaster will be heard to say, "This game was over in the first half", and I'm sure we all know what he means.  The only thing is...that's totally false.  In fact, every game is won in the second half.  

There may be early leads, but every game is won in the second half.

There may be mounting problems at the beginning, but every game is won in the second half.

There may be overwhelming odds, but every game is won in the second half.

So it is with life.  Don't be too discouraged in the moment (or too satisfied with yourself), but keep fighting and working for the important things in life.

perseverance, is more important than the circumstances you face because it's not over yet.

David Curry

The Power of Sharing

  

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Seems like most every parent I know spends a lot of time trying to teach their children to share.  It must be important.  Yet somehow non-profits, churches and other agencies that really should want to share and benefit from the expertise and strengths of likely partner organizations seem to want to dig in and go it alone.

Years ago I while doing strategic coaching for a group of churches and Christian schools in South America, I became aware of a church that needed a big tent for an outdoor event.  Fortunately, I also knew of another church nearby that owned just such a tent.  When I tried to connect the two, it was the church that was looking for a tent that eventually squashed the deal. They wanted their own tent, despite that fact they weren't going to use to much and it was thousands of dollars they didn't have.  Sad, especially considering their all part of the same spiritual family.

This isn't unusual, it happens all the time.  

A few thoughts on partnership:

Take the first step. If you believe in partnership and collaboration, stop doing something you are mediocre at and partner with another group that is great at that.

Think results, not credit. Ideally, non-profits should be out to put people first and see positive outcomes first and foremost.  But, we're human, and often people just want credit for doing something, even if it's the wrong thing.  Don't do that.

Look to include: if you've got something good, share it with others and with other organizations.  

Participate: How would you add to this list? Why is it so hard for non-profits and other groups to share and collaborate?

David Curry

Fulfilling your destiny...in good health

  

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The great temptation for many is to push through life without consideration for how much of a toll living is taking on our physical bodies.  We don't rest properly, struggle with our exercise/sedentary balance, lived constantly plugged into every possible device, and we wonder why we just can't get excited about our life.

Here's an affirmation to repeat and build your life around:  

DECIDE TO FULLFILL YOUR DESTINY IN GOOD HEALTH!

That means the following:

Think ahead to how you want to feel in the last quarter of your days on earth.

Do you want to be on oxygen?

Do you want to be on medication?

Do you want to be sedentary?

Do you want to able to do work?

Do you want to be able to bless others?

Do you want to be able to breath clearly?

Do you want to be able to walk on your own power?

Do you want to be able to play with your grandkids?

Think ahead to how you want your life to be when you are 70, 80 and beyond...and then work backwards.

What habits will you need today to be able to fulfill your destiny in good health?

Share some ideas, habits that you have learned that will help others. What are you doing today to be healthy and productive for years to come?

David Curry

Non-profit leaders could learn a lot from 1954

  

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In 1954 the unthinkable happened: television advertising dollars surpassed radio advertising dollars. Radio was no longer king, and television become America's dominate form of information and entertainment.

Is that so unthinkable? It seems obvious to us now, but back then there were many people who had assumed radio would always be primary.

Today non-profit leaders are struggling with just the same type of shift.  

Here's just a few things that are dominate now in the non-profit world, but shortly won't be:

Direct Mail. With the rising cost of mail, coupled with the Post Office cutting days of delivery, direct mail is going to be a premium service before long and not for the average donor/supporter.  Get started thinking how you'll raise support for your valuable work when printing isn't feasible.

Attention. One of the big things that is changed in the last four years is the flood of information from twitter/facebook.  It is functionally changing how much attention people have to give your charity.  Being part of the clutter isn't going to work, you'll have to think of how to do such great work that it is indispensible.

Offices. With operation margins so tight, non-profits are going to have to be on the cutting edge of creating the office of the future.  This means setting yourself free from rent, and putting your maximum amount of money into direct support.  What are you doing to experiment with moving your agency to the office of the future?

These are just a few ideas. What would you add to this list? What do you disagree with on my list? Let me know.

David Curry

Building a resilient spirit

  

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It's not just that you have challenges, that tough times come your way, it's how you bounce back from those challenges and difficulties that matter.

Some people have what psychologists call "resilience", the ability to bounce back, while others seem to get stuck and sink lower when faced with challenges.

Resilience can be built and developed, and you can rebuild from difficulty in your life.

Psychologists from Harvard recommend these steps to building resilience: 

Positive Emotion: attitude isn't about what is happening, but about how you determine to look at it.  Trying to find the positive, the hidden blessings and lessons in difficulties doesn't make the problems go away, but it does help put it in context and help you bounce back quicker.

Engagement: Don't be passive in your situation, but try to do whatever you can to make things better. Even small things, like taking care of yourself and your surroundings when you are depressed, can help you bounce back quicker.

Relationships: We need each other, never more so than when we are going through difficulty.  Don't do live alone.

Meaning: Knowing that God loves you and have has a plan for you is the most important part of making sense of difficult times.  Doing things that have meaning, like serving others and giving care and compassion to those around you is super important to building resilience.

Accomplishment: Look back at things you have done in the past to give you encouragement today. Trying to get some key things done so that you can have a sense of accomplishment each day.  

What are some other ways we can become healthier, more resilient people?

David Curry

Great organizations are teams

  

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The attention of the world has been on the passing of Steve Jobs, Founder and CEO of Apple, for the past few days.  Deservedly so, as I wrote last week.  

Yet it is worth reminding ourselves that great companies, and great non-profits, are more than just one person.  It's about building a team.  

Teams are important because:

• All of us have different strengths
• Together we can accomplish more
• No one person is smart enough to know everything
• We need each other
• It's more fun 

The question really isn't if teams are critical to building a great organization, but if you are building a great team around you?

Don't get be too proud, egotisitcal, clever, self-centered to think that you don't need anyone else.  We all need to be a part of a team. 

What are some reasons why people don't build great teams?

What keeps us isolated from each other?

David Curry

Creating a "counterculture" non-profit culture

  

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Why is it so hard to create a vibrate, positive, life-affirming, risk-taking culture in the non-profit world? Because a dynamic culture is counter-cultural.

These fundamental parts of a dynamic culture are not natural in the larger culture:

• Risk Taking
• Willingness to let people fail
• Willingness to let people make decisions
• Encouraging culture
• Empowering Volunteers
• Responsiveness to donors
• Relationship over transaction

If you want to build a healthy, high-challenge culture so that you can do the most good for society, you'll have to go against the grain.  

Are you prepared to be different? 

What are some of the barriers to healthy, dynamic non-profit cultures?

David Curry

How does "Faith" motivate a faith-based non-profit?

  

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One of the questions I'm asked often is, "Do people have to be Christians to receive services at the Rescue Mission?" Frankly, I'm always a little sad when I'm asked this, because obviously people have somehow got the idea that Christian's serve only for evangelistic purposes.

At the Rescue Mission we are motivated and animated by our faith, but put absolutely no faith requirements for service on our clients.  We serve any and all who come to our door.  

So then, what is the "faith" part of faith-based non-profit?

The Rescue Mission was started in 1912 by a group of Christians from seven different churches. It was their belief that followers of Jesus should seek to live out the values of Christ, including and perhaps especially, those related to caring for the poor and hungry. Since that time we have sought to maintain that focus: to serve the poor, hungry and lost in Jesus name.

Our theology affects our service in a few ways:

1. The value of each individual. We believe that each individual has value and is created in the image of God. That the value of each person isn't dependent their wealth, race, sex, sexual preference, education, religion or any other factor.

2. Restoration: We believe that people who have made mistakes can be restored and rebuild their life. Practically this motives us in our work with people who may have made mistakes in the past, struggle with addiction, have a criminal background and other issues that often hold people back.

3. Holistic programs. Our programs try to address the spiritual and emotional part of the person because we believe that people are more than just physical beings.  These programs should not be compulsory.  If they are compulsory, they lose their value, since spiritual peace is always an "inside job" and can't be forced or ritualized.

It's doubtful that I'm the first to point out that people of faith haven't always lived up to the compassionate standards of Jesus, but we will strive to serve all as He would have us do: To love and serve all equally irregardless of their wealth, standing, or past.  

Without doubt there are some who believe that faith-based non-profits are a scourge, I hear from them occasionally.  What are you questions regarding faith and social services? Do you have a problem with this philosophy?  Let me know, I'm always glad to respond.

David Curry

Book Review: Standout by Marcus Buckingham

  

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For years now I've been using Strengthfinders 2.0 to help figure out where and how I can operate in my strengths, and how I can help members of my team know and work in their strongest areas.  The Rescue Mission is so committed to this that even the board members know their strengths and we keep a chart of everyone's gifts so we can know how we can help everyone maximize their impact for the greater good.  

In some cases, we even ask volunteers to take the strengthfinder test, for the same reasons.

Now Marcus Buckingham has come out with a new book that builds on his work in Now, Find Your Strengths, with Standout.  

Standout has a great assessment tool that helps you figure out how you best use your gifts in a team setting, how you implement your gifts.  

I found the assessment useful and a good addendum to the Strengthfinders test.  We've yet to roll out this assessment on a wide basis, but I certainly recommend the book to anyone who has taken the Strengthfinders test, or even those who haven't, to help you get plugged in to your passion in the most effective way possible.

David Curry

Why the passing of Steve Jobs is a big deal

  

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This generation didn't get to see Alexander Graham Bell first hand, neither did we get to see Thomas Edison or many of the other first class innovators and creators of the past 150 years.  We did however, get to watch, albiet from a distance, Steve Jobs.  Yesterday he passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  

Here is a video on Steve Jobs as a historical figure

Here is a great article from the Wall Street Journal on his passing.

Here's a list of the innovations that he was a part of during his lifetime:

• He created the first personal computer that everyday people could use.
• He created/popularized icons, fonts, the mouse, and other elements of the personal commputer that we take for granted today.
• He changed the music business with Itunes and a monetary system to pay for mp3 music files.
• He changed music with the ipod.
• He changed the phone business with the iphone.
• He changed the magazine/newspaper business with the ipad
• He changed the movie business with Pixar movies.
• and more...

Here's some lessons we all could learn:

• Be an original.  Steve Jobs wasn't trying to be anyone else.
• Be passionate. No one gets anywhere by being pasive about their work, life, and future. 
• Do something unique. Don't just be a cog, do something unique with the gifts God has given you.
• Create great experiences. Don't just create products, stuff that will rot, seek to impact people.

God's blessing on his family at this difficult time.

David Curry

Volunteer: It's bigger than you

  

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There are so many reasons why North Americans get calloused to news of disasters, pain, crisis, that it's hardly worth listing them, they're well known.

What is important is that you don't let yourself forget that you are blessed, no matter what your circumstance, if you live in North America, and that blessings have responsibilities that accompany them. (If you don't believe you are blessed than you haven't seen much of the world)

Horace Mann once said, "Until a man a has done something for humanity, he should ashamed to die".  The point being, make it a goal not to respond to the crisis de jour, but instead to determine to make a mark in life for the good.  

Find your passion, volunteer, serve, and go for it.  It's not just about you, it's bigger than you.

David Curry

Poverty to Spirit

  

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We spend our life trying to stay out of poverty, to have enough stuff to survive.  When we see someone without physical provision, we feel bad, because we don't want to see anyone without.

But what about Poverty of the Spirit?

Poverty is more than being without physical stuff, it exists whenever necessity or desirable ingredients are absent.

A far greater challenge is poverty of the spirit, when you lack peace, love, acceptance, clarity, direction and spiritual healing.  

There are many impoverished people who are happy, having worked in the third world for nearly a decade I can assure you of that. But there is no spiritually impoverished people who are satisfied and truly happy.  

What should we make our first priority?

David Curry

Talking to a Parade: a secret to non-profit leadership

  

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My friend John Pearson often quotes his mentor George Duff, the long time leader of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, when he says, "Remember, you are talking to a parade, not a crowd."

What a great image for non-profit leaders and managers to remember when frustration rises from having to repeat yourself on the goals, values and direction of the organization.  

Why repeat, reinforce and explain?  

• Staff changes
• People forget
• They need to be reminded
• They get distracted
• They need to be reenergized

in other words...

You are talking to a parade, not a crowd.

David Curry.