Infinite Minded Spiritual Leadership

Just Cause – The key question is; “What is the big idea/cause for existing?” If we simply remain the same, that will lead to stagnation and death of your organization. Why would we expect anyone to follow us if our cause is “sameness.” Few non-profit organizations make their cause crystal clear to the community in which they serve. What we do as nonprofits and for-profits alike should be aligned to compelling cause that attracts others. There should be a higher cause than simply buy my product or attend my church. Your message is a word picture that shows others your passion and the size of your dreams.

People Over Profit – Infinite mindedness views the larger arch of life, not just the immediate payoff. The primary objective is to perpetuate your work into the future. Your focus is upon people development for the long haul, not short term payoffs. Since you are not looking to be declared WINNER, your passion and drive causes you to assess and utilize the assets of your business differently. Your objective is focused upon perpetuating your vision and passion beyond your lifespan.

Trusting Environment – It is sad to think this subject should be addressed. With the many illustrations of failure you would think that we would have learned some lessons by now. Yet, it is true that trusting environments are desperately needed. Our teams should feel safe to raise their hand and state, “I need help” without fear that their job may be part of the next round of layoffs.

Performance issues are more of a leadership issue than anything else. When the environment is safe and genuine our teams flourish and excel. There is a difference between “liking” your job versus “loving” you job. You don’t declare to the world, “I like my spouse” You would not say to your children, “Your performance is not acceptable, we are going to find you another home to live.” Trusting Environments motivates learning and acceptance not punishment for mistakes. KEY STATEMENT: Leadership is not about you being in charge, but rather caring for and developing those in your charge! 

Keeping The Game In Play – This point has a longer view of time and its importance. Leadership decisions are evaluated through a different lens. The ultimate goal is to keep the game in play far beyond our lifespan. You have to admit with this perspective you see everything – personnel, assets, money, and objectives far differently than trying to win the game of life or be the first to market. Your company’s mantra will sound different, your team leadership has a different sound to it, you cast a very different vision than others.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Birkman Assessment

Game Theory Resource Books

Game Theory for Business by  Paul Papayoanou 

Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

List of Games in Game Theory – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_games_in_game_theory

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com


Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Addicted Users

We are continuing our Blog series on Digital Addiction. In this blog article I specifically want to draw attention to the reality of being “ADDICTED.” To show you the magnitude of this industry understand that companies are spending approximately $7 trillion annually on studying how to attract you deeper and deeper into the digital world. That is a staggering amount of money. For additional insight I am linking the 60 Minutes program on Brain Hacking. Take the time to review this program.

I find it interesting that only Silicon Valley and Drug Dealers refer to other people as “USERS.” Tristan Harris, a former Google Ethicist stated of the digital engineers that they are Tabaco farmers in t-shirts not just trying to get your lungs, they want your soul. It is an understatement to say that we are literally overwhelmed by push notifications, chirps, burps, and chimes.

Is it any wonder the Millennials and Gen-Z-ers are without a doubt the most digitally connected and the loneliest of all generational groups? Perhaps we have been hacked and we are addicts. The first step of recovery is to admit that we are addicts. We regulate by age the use of Tabaco and alcohol, but not dopamine and cortisol. To my non-profit collogues who prepare weekly teaching and sermon materials, I caution to us regarding the over-worked mind that has been hit by dopamine and cortisol multiple times daily. Is our mind clear? Are we writing and delivering our thoughts from a context silence and solitude? If our message is not compelling, all of the digital technology in the world will not compensate.

Infinite Minded Spiritual Leadership

Stay focused upon words of our title – “Infinite Spiritual Leadership”. If we left our discussion solely in the realm business only, there would be no need to take this further into the spiritual arena of ideas. However, these podcasts are being built upon the Infinite-mindedness of the Spiritual Leader.

Understanding the meaning of “Infinite” in the context of leadership is a complete paradigm shift of thinking and acting. Especially in the spiritual context. The tension between the words Infinite and Finite have their origins in the most ancient of scriptural texts. When these terms are studied from a point of trajectory, what are some conclusions that can be made. Consider the following chart.

The BIG IDEA in becoming an Infinite Spiritual Leader is……..

Spending your life for a passionate cause that is bigger than your ability to accomplish in your life-time.

Since winning is not the objective, the development of people over profits is key.

You seek to build trusting environments where people can ask for help,

Perpetuating my vision into the future so that others can continue the work is the essence of winning.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Birkman Assessment

Game Theory Resource BooksGame Theory for Business by  Paul Papayoanou 

Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

List of Games in Game Theory – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_games_in_game_theory

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com
Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Digital Addiction

The purpose of this series of blogs regarding digital addiction is not rail and complain about the use of technology. Our digital devices and service providers are nothing more than tools that can assist our life greatly. Throughout the history of man, tools have been used to assist human beings in their quality of life, So let us agree on this point.

But we must also come to terms that the use of this technology is controlling our lives, social interactions, friendship connections and even dating in ways that we could not have imagined. So, it is time to do a serious evaluation regarding the use of digital technology in our daily routine. Below are some instructions to evaluate your usage. Take a few minutes to create this worksheet on a blank piece of paper. Afterwards review what you have discovered about yourself.

Take a few minutes to list the various devises that you use on a daily basis that is not work related. Once you have completed this exercise, below the first list create another list of services that controls how you interact with others that is not work related (I.e. FB, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).

In a second column write out a brief description of the device and service provider beside each item listed.

In a third column write out a one or two description that describes why you need this device in non-work-related activity.

The Spartan Way

As you prepare for the New Year 2020, consider these 10 Spartan Qualities that Joe De Sena teaches in his book, The Spartan Way. Learn to live your life with a “long-view” in mind. Start working on these qualities one-step at a time.

Self-Awareness: Know who you are and who you are not. If you don’t, you’ll be confused daily.

Commitment: Stick to it because the world is filled with people who don’t. You’re better than that.

Passion: If you’re not passionate about what you do, you’re not going to be great at it. Take things seriously and learn to be passionate.

Discipline: Set your rules and stick to them. Be disciplined about it.

Prioritization: Deal with the important things—important being what you define as important—first.

Grit: Get gritty. Break out of your comfort zone. Do the hard, scary stuff. Find your passion and persevere.

Courage: This is the ability to stay focused and work relentlessly with both intensity and passion through virtually anything, especially through failure.

Optimism: See the world as you want it to be, not as it is. Be ever hopeful.

Integrity: If you’re not honest with yourself and others, then what are you?

Wholeness: Live the life of a complete and whole Spartan.”

Infinite-Minded Spiritual Leader

WELCOME on this last podcast for 2019. I am so very excited about this podcast today. We are going to set a foundation of information that will help you make a significant paradigm shift in your leadership capability. I want to position you for success! 

In the business marketplace of ideas the loudest voice on the subject of Infinite Leadership is Simon Sinek. If you follow his materials and public keynotes, he has been speaking on this topic for a couple of years. These speeches have culminated in his most recent book Infinite Leadership. I would highly encourage you to read it. 

However, there is a larger discussion that centers around the topic of “Game Theory.” To start with let me give you my basic definition of Game Theory.

Game Theory is the study of how people, companies, and nations develop strategies based upon their perceived circumstances. I am including in the show notes additional links for a more in-depth study of Game Theory. Check it out!SO WHAT?, may be your question at this point and I can’t blame you for asking. Stay with me – turn you attention to a keyword in this podcast – INFINITE. To assume this word is also to include its opposite – FINITE. The tension between these two words cannot be overlooked in this podcast. So let me give a basic comprehension of these two powerful words and then we will give some illustrations on applying them to modern leadership theory.

Finite – It is understood to mean that which has defined and understood boundaries that limit. There is a hard conclusion.

Infinite – It is understood to mean that which cannot be fully defined or understood in terms of self imposed boundaries as though something could be contained and yet declared to be infinite at the same time.

In the book Finite and Infinite Games by Professor James Carse New York University wrestles with the tension between something that is Finite or Infinite in the context of daily life and business. This book seems to be the genesis of Simon Sinek’s writings and public speaking. However, there is still a greater comprehension to consider that comes from ancient history. This brings me to the other part of the title for this podcast – Spiritual Leader.

It is at this intersection that the God of scriptures comes into view. The meaning of something being finite or infinite becomes impactful when applied to “God versus man”. Faith systems require that we live in a finite world while espousing the principles of an infinite God. As human beings we are definitely finite. How do we comprehend that which is infinite from our limited perspective? This brings us to yet another tension – Incomprehensibility versus  Knowability. We will explore this tension in upcoming podcasts. Also I am working on a study guide for you on how something can be incomprehensible and yet knowable at the same time. Watch for this resource.

I want to illustrate this so that we can begin to engage this new paradigm in leadership. There are times that we can add knowledge or reframe existing knowledge through a new lens. This is one of those times to view leadership through a new lens.

Keep in mind the tension between that which is limited versus that which is not. How would you develop your leadership? Consider the following;

Business Finite – concerned about competition and being number #1.

Spiritual Finite – concerned about latest methods and trends while attempting to keep up with other spiritual communities of faith.

Business Infinite – one question is asked; “How can I make Myself, my Team, and Products better tomorrow?”

Spiritual Infinite – One question is asked; “How can I make Myself, my Team, our Followers better so that our vision is perpetuated into the future?

What is obvious in these comparisons? What is missing in these comparisons?

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “Servant Leadership Questions” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Birkman Assessment

Game Theory Resource Books

Game Theory for Business by  Paul Papayoanou

Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

List of Games in Game Theory – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_games_in_game_theory

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

Conquer Your Digital Addiction

Starting with this last Blog Article of 2019 and beginning in 2020 I am going to focus upon Digital Addictions and how this impacts our daily work and our most important relationships. Watch for our upcoming blogs for more information that will shock you in some ways but will encourage you to make significant changes in 2020.

Study the infographic below to allow the power of the digital world to sink into your conscious thinking. Question: What do I need to change now?

Personal Growth

I want to give you 5 insights  on Personal Growth.

Growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow will be better – Here is one fact of life – with each passing day we are growing older. That does not mean that we are getting better. Think about this…

  • Stay inquisitive, if you stop asking questions you start to lose your interest on life.
  • As you grow older, set the bar of excellence higher. Don’t slow down.
  • Keep others in your focus. Do not become self-absorbed.
  • Stay in the present – Stop looking backward, keep a forward look on  tomorrow.

Growth means change – If you do not change you do not grow. If you do not grow, you are not really living. In order to grow you have to give up security for a season. What needs to change in your life TODAY? Do you need to give up ideas that you do not believe in any longer? Perhaps certain relationships have lost their purpose and goals that need to be realigned. Consider…

  • What do I need to learn today what I did not know yesterday?
  • What do I need to let go of that I held onto yesterday?
  • What do I need to change that I was doing yesterday? 

Growth is the great separator from successful people and those who don’t – So what does it mean to be AVERAGE? Average is good isn’t it? Consider these insights on average…

  • Average is the top of the bottom and the bottom of the top
  • Average is run-of-the-mill
  • Average is mediocre
  • Average is the lazy person’s cop-out
  • Average takes up space for no purpose
  • Average is passing away one’s life with time instead of passing away one’s time with life
  • Average kills time instead of working it to death

Growths highest reward is not what we get from it but what we become because of it.

For growth to be maximized it must become strategic – The most important project that you will ever undertake in life is your own life. It is sad, but people plan their vacations better than they plan their life. Being strategic is nothing more than having a consistent system or pathway by which we achieve growth goals. Being strategic considers the following:

  • Where do I need to focus my growth? Strengths, Decision making, Faith
  • How will I measure my growth?
  • How can I grow daily? The secret of your success is based upon what you do daily.

Growth is joy – Dolly Parton stated that once you find out who you are, then do that on purpose. What does that mean to me?

  • I want to make a difference
  • I am called
  • I want to use my gifts
  • I do not want to stop growing
  • I have a strong sense of responsibility
  • I love new challenges
  • I will create a lasting legacy

Paul Harvey stated that you can tell you are on the road to success because it is uphill all of the way.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “The Black Line Paradigm” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Developing The Leader Within You 2.0

Birkman Assessment

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!


Learn These 5 Soft Skills

Our digital world causes us to learn hard skills just to keep abreast in the speed of life. As a result we are becoming weak on crucial soft skills. Here are 5 Soft Skills to prepare you for 2020.

LISTENING – Our techno-world causes us to become shallow in our relational skills. Give your full attention to people when they are talking to you. Act like you genuinely  care for the person. Learn the art of “Active Listening.”

SELF COMPASSION – It is important to admit that you don’t always have an answer. Be open for feedback. This will strengthen the “learner attitude” in you. Be comfortable with the unknown.

EMPATHY – This is perhaps the greatest soft skill needed today. STOP for one-minute and put yourself in the other person’s shoes and attempt to feel what they feel. This will radically change how you lead – guaranteed!

VULNERABILITY – As a leader, if you are not willing to open up, do not expect others to open up to you. Don’t hide your concerns. Don’t manipulate people to get them to answer the questions the way you want them to respond. Show your team that even you do not have all of the answers.

HONESTY – It’s embarrassing to even list this soft skill. It is blatantly apparent that our world is starving for honesty. Honesty builds trust so that others will be honest in return.

Make 2020 your greatest year!

The Self-Disciplined Life

The genesis of being “self-disciplined goes back to the first century in a word group that means to be self-controlled, to exhibit control over desires and wants. It implies to gain control over areas of our life that will bring success or failure.

In leadership, we must first gain control over ourselves first before we can truly be effective in leading others. You stop short of your potential when you become unwilling to pay the price of success, Shortcuts in leadership never pay off. The KEY truth in life is that everything worthwhile is uphill! “Everything” is an all inclusive statement. “Worthwhile” is to imply the hopes, dreams, and goals of life. Anything and everything worthwhile in life is going to be uphill. This idea explains why self-discipline is so essential to a successful life.

I want to give you seven insights on living the uphill self-disciplined life.

Self-Discipline gives you the energy to go uphill – Self-discipline is what moves you from good intentions to good works. It is what separates words and ideas from actual results. Self-disciplined is what paves the road to results.Self-Discipline is the difference between temporary and sustained success – All of the knowledge on leadership is useless unless you have the discipline to enact them. Consistency is what will compound our efforts so that success shows up one day.

Self-Discipline makes habit your servant and not your master – I truly believe that we all have uphill aspirations. However it is the downhill habits that keep us from success. Downhill habits focuses upon:

Losses

Repairing

Low-morale

Low-self respect

No improvement

Aimlessness

Good intentions – no action

Proverbs 23:7 – As a man thinks within himself, so he is.

Self Discipline is developed, not given – The first step to developing self-discipline is awareness of where you are falling short. Self-disciplined people 

Avoid Temptation

Know where to expend their energy

Understand the principle of pay now – play later 

Make sure that you understand everyday what is most important.Self-Discipline is developed easiest in the areas of passion – Your passion is the fuel for your self-discipline. It is hard to stay motivated in the areas that are not your strengths. Your energy fades quickly when you strive for things outside of your passion zone.

Self Discipline and respect go together – Disciplined people will do the right thing first and then feel good. They are commitment driven. They will make principle-centered decisions. They are momentum creators.Self-Discipline makes consistency possible – We are prone to gravitate towards words like charisma, Excitement, innovation, and creativity. Consistency is just not that sexy of a word. What we fail to realize is that consistency compounds over time.

LINKS

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on iTunes – SUBSCRIBE

Shepherds Advantage Leadership Podcast is now on Stitcher SUBSCRIBE

FREE GIFT – “The Black Line Paradigm” – Click on the icon at the bottom of the page

Executive Coaching Service– Private message me for details on this customizable service

Developing The Leader Within You 2.0

Birkman Assessment

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com
Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!