The Seabourns

Archives for February 2010

Initial thoughts on Linchpin by Seth Godin

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According to my Kindle, I am 32% through Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin. I think I like it now. I didn’t like it at first. The title grated against my understanding of humility and servant-leadership. The opening sections did nothing to change my perception.

But people I respect spoke highly of the book (such as Michael Hyatt here and here, especially since his company did not publish the book). Jay Lorenzen (onMovements) is reading it so I look forward to his thoughts.

It is growing on me. I’m intrigued by the concept of emotional labor. Some statements from Godin’s book:

  • Emotional labor is the hard work of making art, producing generosity, and exposing creativity.
  • Every interaction you have with a coworker or customer is an opportunity to practice the art of interaction [emotional labor].
  • One of the most difficult types of emotional labor is staring into the abyss of choice and picking a path. [This is especially meaningful to me as a leader where I regularly stare into the abyss of choice and am responsible for leading us in a path towards our mission.]
  • Emotional labor is available to all of us, but is rarely exploited as a competitive advantage. We spend our time and energy trying to perfect our craft, but we don’t focus on the skills and interactions that will allow us to stand out and become indispensable to our organization.

Then I thought about my partners in ministry — those who engage in the mission with Kay and me through faithful prayer, funding, and encouragement. Am I indispensable to them? Am I producing generously and creatively with them? Am I practicing effective emotional labor from their perspective?

I’m still working through thoughts. What about you? If you’ve read Linchpin and have thoughts, write them in the comments.

Intentionally Missional

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I read a great article by Jay Lorenzen Kindle the Missional Imagination. Jay explores how to be intentionally missional as a way of life. Words that come to my mind are connect with others where they are as part of your normal daily activities. Engage with others God brings across your path. Look for persons of peace who are seeking and inquisitive. Volunteer with non-profits. Walk your neighborhood, for the missional value connecting with others not just the aerobic value.

I think I’m going to take a walk now, with missional eyes.

Leadership Development you can do for yourself

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LeadershipOne of my favorite email newsletters is Breakfast with Fred. His newsletter today was powerful ways to grow yourself into a better person and a better leader.

I’m unable to find a way to link to it, so I am duplicating his newsletter of 16 Feb.

Self improvement is not short-term.  It is a way of life.  We can do quick sprints with shots of motivation, but it won’t last.  My friends call me Fat Fred for a very good reason —-I haven’t adopted a Svelte Smith way of life.  I eat grapefruit for awhile, then lapse back into gravy on the mashed potatoes.

Make a plan to change your thinking.  Make a plan to make self-development second nature.

I didn’t have the advantage of a college education, a monied background, or a network of contacts.  But, I knew I wanted to grow and to make something of myself.  I knew I needed a plan.  I analyzed my strengths, looked for mentors, and set a life mission.  For me, my epitaph will read “He stretched others.”

How does a young man from the mill district of North Nashville do this?  Here are four support posts in my development plan:

1. Read- We cannot be informed unless we read.  Unless we are informed, we are not improved.  However, reading must be in line with our development objectives.  I read broadly, but with discrimination. For example, I read the classics to stretch my mind, improve my vocabulary, and brighten my personality.  I read the scripture to strengthen my values and keep me focused on truth.  The old phrase, “Leaders are readers” is a simple way to say it.

2. Associate- We are all chameleon-like to some extent.  We take on the habits, actions, and thoughts of those around us.  Therefore, it is important to match our objectives with our associations.  It is not social climbing to identify and attach yourself to those who are higher than you and accomplish more than you do.  It is just good sense and good judgment.  If you want water, go to the well; if you want knowledge, go to the wise.

3. Speak – The ability to speak is important in all areas of life.  Accept all speaking opportunities and then prepare.  I actually enjoy the preparation much more than I do the delivery.  As I work on a talk I am “riding under the whip” and this results in growth.  Even if the talk bombs, no one can take away from you what you have learned as you prepared.  Speaking will give you poise before a group and poise before many results in poise before individuals.

4. Write – One of my favorite quotes is from Francis Bacon, “Writing makes an exact man.”  It is impossible to jot down on paper an understandable statement until you first understand it.  In speaking you can use gestures, voice inflections, eye contact, etc. and massage your point.  On paper, it must be exact.  My mentor, Maxey Jarman, always said “nothing is definite until it can be written down.”

As we develop, we are constantly surprised and excited by opportunity and challenge. A growing life is never boring.

This week think about: 1) What is my personal plan for self-development? 2) What is the latest book I’ve read? 3) What current thoughts would writing clarify?