vision leaks - part 2 (reminders)

We ended our last post promising to share 6 keys every leader needs to be reminded of as well as then reminding their teams.  Vision leaks and we need a constant flow of the why behind the what.  We discovered these keys in 2 Peter 3:1-9 and we'll be sharing a couple of them today.

"Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,"

A Couple Thoughts... (2 of the 6 keys)

1. Words - Peter calls them beloved and then tells them their minds are pure.  He first uses his words to encourage and compliment his followers and then reminds them of previous conversations.  We need to be reminded of how powerful our words are to those we lead.  They need regular doses of positive and uplifting interactions with us.  You can never "over encourage".  Be sure you're regularly injecting vision, life, and encouragement into your teams.  It will take them and you a long way.

2. Commandments - There are things we say in passing conversation and then there are rules, policies, and guidelines.  Even though we've taken the time to craft and write out the most important words of our organization, we will still need to have regular times of reminder.  We'll need to remind people of not just what is written but why it was written in the first place.  These are the vision, mission, values, processes, job descriptions, etc.  Don't underestimate the importance of reminding your faithful of the pillars of your organization.  They are not just the compass that points the way, but they are the rudder that turns and directs the entire ship.

? If your team was asked, what would they say was the last time you encouraged them?
? How can you creatively remind your team of the most important words of your organization?

Vision Leaks - part 1

Vision leaks because people are leaky!  We have this problem where we are enamored with the immediate.  That immediate can be pleasure or pain.  And, under the weight of the immediate, everything else gets pushed out.  The pressure and enormity of the immediate squeezes out clarity for the big picture.

Its amazing how quickly we forget or lose sight of the vision of our organization when we're feeling the pressure of staffing difficulties, financial shortages, and people conflict.  But its not just the negative that blurs our ability to stay focused on our vision.  Vision leaks under the weight of success, too.  We've spent money, added staff, purchased buildings, created ministries or positions, and overlooked people issues because everything was going "too good".  Those decisions in the good times, that weren't filtered through clear vision, have or will come back to haunt us.

Its obvious that a God given vision requires constant clear focus.  So what do we do to make sure vision, mission, and values remain in the forefront no matter what season we're in?

A Couple Thoughts...

1. Make sure your vision, mission, and values are clear!
Not just clear in your mind but clear on paper.  Get these guys fleshed out and in your organization's language.   Its okay to be inspired by another org's statements, but be sure you wrestle with the language and the feel of the statements to ensure they represent who God has called you to be.  And then get those puppies written down on everything and anywhere you can.

2. Remind everyone constantly!
One of the most important jobs of a leader is to be a reminder.  We need to remind our leaders to remind their teams and to teach their teams how to be reminded.  I regularly tell our staff that they are to be "tanker trucks" driving around and refueling people with our church's vision.

There are 6 Reminders that will help us stay focused on our vision no matter what season we're in.  We'll be sharing these over the next few issues.

So, sign-up for this blog so that we can REMIND YOU when there are A Couple Thoughts ready for ya.