new terminologies……same practices March 21, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: packaging, practice, terminology, words
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Last week, I had the privilege of attending a 2 day training event. There was very little that was new but it was clear within the first few minutes that we would have to learn different terminologies, in order to receive the most benefit. However, the new terminologies helped people to believe that what they were listening to was new. It was not until reflection had taken place that folk realised that they already knew this ‘stuff’.
So often in life, we operate in exactly the same way – we repackage the old material as if it was new. The difficulty is that when we take the wrapper off, we discover that things are exactly as they were before. How different the world would be if, when we took the wrapper off, we discover something new and fresh……now that would be something.
Meanwhile, we continue to learn new terminologies but maintain the same practices.
Supervision Thoughts March 15, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts, youthwork.Tags: development, leadership, supervision, training, youthwork
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The whole nature of management and supervision of youthworkers (or anyone for that matter) has been a constant source of frustration and tensions in the Christian world for some time. In regard to youth workers/ministres/pastors etc., we have raised the understanding in training which in turn has increased the expectation of the line manager by the worker. Often, those responsible, in church settings, are ill equipped to deal with problems and issues. Below are some pointers in dealing with problems;
Instead of reacting to the difficulty/problem, attempt to understand why there may be a problem. Just a subtle shift, but still important. As you understand the problem and define it more clearly, then there is a greater chance of dealing with the problem in a constructive way.
to do this, think through these questions:
a. What evidence is there that suggests a problem?
b. Where is the problem occurring?
c. How is the problem occurring?
d. When is the problem occurring?
e. With whom is the problem occurring? (Not; Whom is causing the problem at this stage?!)
f. Why is the problem occurring?
None of this is rocket science but it helps to be reminded once in a while
in too deep? March 2, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: control, deep, leadership, leading, question
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How deep is too deep? In the sea, it does not really matter how far you are from the shore, if you cannot swim, as 10 yards may be too much.
So how deep is too deep?
Too deep is when you have no chance, no hope, no place to go – there are very few of us in that deep, if any at all.
Crushing the creative environment March 1, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: creativity, destruction, leadership, negative
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If you want to cruch creatvity then all you have to do is……..
- control everything – micro manage your team
- give no feedback, if you must, make it poor
- overwhelm people with unnecessary meetings
- offer no praise
- receive all the plaudits for yourself
- ignore supervision meetings
- email overload
the list goes on……but stifling creativity is far more prevelant than we would believe.
developing the creative environment February 29, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: creative, creativity, environment, ideas, leadership, teamwork
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As a leader, it is important to create an environment where the team can grow and develop their creativity. How is this achieved? Simple steps such as…..
- listen to your team carefully – without prejudging them
- honour their ideas
- credit their ideas without claiming credit for yourself
- continually seek opinions from team members
- help the team turn their ideas into reality
- thank the team for ideas and then thank them again
- show them that you care – have a pastor’s heart
- demonstrate with action as well as words
- accept challenges to your own ideas
- reward people for ideas – even if they are not actioned
none of these ideas will be new to you – implementing them does, however, take time and effort – that time and effort will be well rewarded
How do you know when an environment is creative? February 28, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: creativity, environment, leadership
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It will be a place………
- where you are heard
- where you are treated with respect
- where you have room to grow and develop
- where you feel comfortable
- where you are appreciated
- where you actions matter
- where you can dream crazy dreams
- where you can try out new ideas
- where trust is a given
- where respect is shown
Tomorrow we will look at ways of providing a creative environment
value of meetings February 22, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: meetings
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“let’s have a meeting” are words that can inspire some people but for others it can lead to frustration or even fear. Meetings are an important part of life, they cannot be avoided and if organisations are to run smoothly they are necessary.
Meetings that are led well, have good action points and lead to progress are meetings that we all would enjoy. If we are responsible, we need to take time to make sure this happens – plan, prepare, produce……then maybe meetings could change the world.
give it time? February 16, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: fortune, hard work, luck, management, time
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Many people point to Manchester United and their loyalty to Alex Ferguson as manager, so that they can say longevity brings results. After 20 years of unparalleled success it is easy to forget that ‘Fergie’ was one match away from the unemployment statistics.
Was longevity the answer? Was the threat of losing the job alongside a couple of fortunate results the catalyst? What is the secret?
The truth is that most managers have what it takes….the difference is that run of good fortune, the timing of good things and the need for consistency are all necessary to achieve long term success. Timing and good fortune are not always within your own control but consistency usually comes from hard work and a one track mind that never loses sight of the winning post.
As Jack Nicklaus once inferred – it is amazing how lucky you get when you work hard for it.
Which road to choose? February 12, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: Choices, road
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The road that seems smoothest, most comfortable and with the least obstacles is not always the best road to choose.
The hurdles and troubles often strengthen us so that we can achieve greater things. Be strong and courageous, choose the right road.
delegation, control or balance? February 10, 2012
Posted by thehutch in thoughts.Tags: control, delegation, leader, leadership
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Leaders claim to be good delegators, followers claim that leaders are too controlling but, in truth, what is the place of balance?
I believe that the best leaders provide boundaries yet allow complete freedom within those boundaries. The point of control is the boundary line, the place of delegation lies within the boundary line. If people work at the appropriate place, there should be balance.
