Idea Factory
“I wish I had thought of that.” ”I had this idea.” “I just had this thought but I forgot it.” ”I thought of that first.” I thought, I thought, I thought. Ever say one of those statements? Ever get frustrated when a thought passes in and out of your mind before you can write it down or act on it? I used to, now I have an app on my iphone that allows me to capture those thoughts but that is not the point of this blog post. When I think of a leader I immediately think, thinker, dreamer, vision caster, dream setter and idea generator. Leaders must be thinkers if they are going to survive in leading others. It is said that managers spend 70% of their day thinking about today where leaders spend 70% of their day thinking about tomorrow. Leaders think potential and what if and how can it be done? Leaders constantly ask questions inspiring those around them to dream and think potential as well.
Here are a couple thoughts on leadership.
- Leaders think BIG. Visionaries have the potential to see what others don’t. They also have the ability to communicate that vision clearly and compel others to rally around the vision.
- Leaders think details. How to get from point A to point B.
- Leaders think continually. More importantly they listen continually.
- Leaders think bottom line.
- Leaders think improvement.
- Leaders think innovation. How can we make it right, better or more inspiring? How can others be as passionate about this as we are.
That’s Why It’s Here
A person who has always intrigued me is Walt Disney. When you think of vision you have to think of Walt Disney. Here is a man who had a dream to build a world that would capture and engage the imagination. What I didn’t know is that he died before the completion of the project. Soon after the completion of The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, someone said, “Isn’t it too bad Walt Disney didn’t live to see this?” Vance replied, “He did see it. That’s why it’s here.” Even after Walt Disney passed from this life, his vision for the future held strong. He had established firmly in the minds of all those he came in contact with the vision he held for the future. He had a passion and a desire and those things are contagious. Because of that passion and desire people today plan their entire year around visiting the Magic Kingdom.
Walt once said, “As a leader you must live like everyone matters… too many leaders keep their distance from employees physically & emotionally.” Walt said, “The ability to relate with all types of people and backgrounds is not a gift, but a learned behavior.” Disney has learned that people will return on two things: 1.Satisfied with first visit. 2.The biggest return is positive interaction with Disney staff.
All that to say, for a vision to be complete and for it to last it has to be all about people. Walt Disney was an example of connecting with people and connecting people with the vision. Walt Disney World exists today because people bought into him as a leader because he lived out the vision in every area of his life.
What are you trying to sell? What is your vision? Are you fighting to be heard or do people listen because you care about people and your vision is compelling?
Vision 2009
I love vision. I love leadership. I love seeing the local church step up and become what God created it to be. I can’t even begin to tell you how important this previous series we just did was. Gus did a great job communicating what the vision of Fellowship Church is. We are here to redefine church through relationships not religion.
As Gus said all of our resources, time and energy go into what we call the BIG 5: Sunday Morning, Life Groups, Children, Missions and Students…
Everything we do is focused around those five areas. The reality is we could do more, but to do more would cause us to a lot of stuff good but nothing great, we know what God has called us to do. The how is always evolving. That is why our six core values could change at any time as God changes our heart and our focus.
Our six core values are:
Embrace People
We welcome, include and love all people from all walks of life. We reach out to everyone without expecting anything in return.
Live Authentically
We are transparent and honest about who we are and where we’re at in our lives. We do not hide behind a spiritual mask.
Engage Culture
We value culture as a way to connect with people across generational and ethnic boundaries. We leverage culture to communicate our and God’s love for people.
Apply Truth
We seek to live out biblical truth instead of just gaining knowledge. We learn how to apply truth so it makes a difference in our everyday lives.
Empower People
We give everyone the opportunity to dream and be who they are, enabling you to participate in church life regardless of where you are at in your spiritual journey.
Building Bridges
We reach out to others to be good neighbors and meet needs in our local community and across the world.
Jump on board with us as we redefine church for the lost, broken, hurt, confused people in the Delaware Valley.
