BEN REDMOND

For all who work at the Hub

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:42:50 PST

Here's a pretty cool reminder that no one walks through our doors or into our lives without a story.

the micro kingdom of youth ministry

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:09:59 PST

Here's the truth for most of us in youth ministry - we really like calling the shots.

We love making decisions, assigning roles to volunteers, planning services, organizing events, and setting mission and vision. For the most part, these are our responsibilities.

Just not the last one...the mission and vision one. This is hard for us to swallow sometimes.

If you are really young, it's hard to swallow because you don't know any better.
If you are really experienced, it's hard to swallow because you do know better.

All of this can lead youth pastors to attempt to quietly cast their own vision, rather than following the vision laid out by the leadership at their church. I get why it happens, and I'm tempted to do it in my context. I LOVE the vision of our church - but I also love creating and casting unique vision. Here's the deal though:

This is wrong.

If you want to have your own unique mission and vision...if God is doing something powerful in you..then start a church or become a senior pastor (although you probably aren't ready for that...that's some grass that looks greener than it is.)

BUT...

If you're on staff at a church, then recognize your position as a servant to the mission and vision of your pastor. Work hard within that vision to express it creatively and faithfully for your students and leaders. Be humble enough to recognize your role within your church and mature enough to play your part in the organization.

Make room

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:07:17 PST

"Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you." Colossians 3.13

Paul tells us to make room for the screwed up parts of the people around us.

I'm not very good at this.

Pointing out people's faults is much easier than accepting them. Accepting people's faults feels like giving them permission to screw up.

As if policing faults is our responsibility.

(It's not)

Our responsibility is to love...to accept...to make room...to forgive.

That is what has been done for us. That is what we should do for them.

This feels like the part where we should put a bunch of qualifiers about behavior...

What would happen if we didn't this time?

Clothed

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:23:34 PST

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 2.12

Paul says that we should be clothed...wrapped...draped...covered with mercy. With kindness. With humility. With gentleness. With patience.

These qualities should be like your clothes. The first thing that people see about you. Possessing mercy as an inner quality isn't enough if you aren't wearing it at work. Being a humble person on the inside isn't enough if your wife doesn't see it on the outside. Gentleness is not enough if your kids can't identify it in your life.

What clothes you?

Gospel Aerobics (via ragamuffin soul)

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:05:32 PST

Why hasn't Mike suggested this for the HUB?

What makes a great team?

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:32:12 PST

I have the opportunity to lead a pretty fantastic team of people. While we are continuing to grow and develop, there are some specific things that I believe have contributed to the continued success of this team.

* I invest my time: This is a sacrifice for me, because I naturally like to work alone. However, I recognize that my time is the greatest gift/investment that I have to give. It should be noted that the time I give isn't all connected to our mission. I invest time talking about marriage, life, theology, family, dating, school, and future. I do this because loyalty to the mission comes when someone believes that I love them for more than their contribution. My team gets my time...no apologies.

* I reward and surprise: This is a sacrifice for me, because I blow a lot of my own money on my team. I buy lots of meals, Christmas and birthday presents, and lots of little gifts along the way. I'm also a txt/facebook/email/card writer. I absolutely love doing this stuff, and I believe that it contributes to our team health. In fact, my favorite thing is to see our team do this stuff for each other!

* I listen and support: This is one I'm still working on, but I'm trying to be a great listener. Not only in direct conversation, but in general observation as well. If I see a member of my team loving something or pursuing an opportunity, then I do my best to support that. If someone makes an offhand comment about music or a new restaurant, I try to check those things out as well.

These are all really minor things, and I'm sure many others are doing them. I share them because I believe that the difference between an average team and a really good one is measured in the minors.

I'm frustrated when...

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:34:23 PST

A day doesn't follow my plan exactly

A person doesn't live up to my expectation for them

A task takes too long

A plan takes too long

A person refuses help

I'm generally pretty good at hiding this frustration from most people...but it churns around inside of me like poison. It keeps me from sleeping. It takes my joy.

Here's what I'm realizing: The list above is not the source of my frustration. I pretend it is, because that keeps me from facing the truth:

I'm frustrated when I'm not in complete control of everything.

God is teaching me what it means to surrender to the Spirit and trust the sovereignty of God in both tasks and people. My responsibilities are love and faithfulness...both within my control.

changing the world

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:52:49 PST

Changing the world will most likely require you to add something to your equation...and it won't be what you want.

A dream PLUS some discipline that pushes and stretches you

Some passion PLUS some hard work that no one will acknowledge

Some celebration PLUS some failure that you didn't see coming

Some promises PLUS some character to back them up

Some risk-taking PLUS some patience when things take longer than expected

People love to talk about changing the world. It's in facebook statuses and tweets everywhere. However, world changing rarely begins with the dream, the passion, the celebration, the promise or the risk-taking. World changing begins with discipline, hard work, failure, character, and patience.

It begins when your desire to change the world trumps your need to be recognized for that desire.

So start on the second half of the equation...and know that the first half will take care of itself.

The Hub: update, opportunity, promise

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:13:09 PST

To all of my family, friends, and supporters,

Next week, the Hub turns six months old. During these six months we have experienced much more than we could have ever anticipated. We have seen kids come from all over Jackson county (over 1000 of them since June 10th), we have learned names and built relationships, and we are having lots of spiritual conversations with the kids of our community. When we started the Hub, we had three goals for the first six months. We wanted to become known as a concert venue, we wanted teens to hang out at the Hub, and we wanted to successfuly transition Student Journey (The Westwinds Youth Program) to the Hub. I am thrilled to tell you that we have accomplished these three goals. I'm also thrilled to tell you this:

We've only just begun.

Over the next six months (January until June) we are unleashing a number of programs and ventures that are designed to draw our new Hub community (Kids like Nick, Treyshawn, Kortney, and Sarah) into even deeper relationships...the kind of relationships that allow someone to tell them who Jesus is and what He has done. Not only that, these new ventures will reach new kids. Video game tournaments, art classes, bike classes, workout sessions, study halls, tutoring, dj/mixing classes and practice space for local bands are all new entry point into the Hub.

A project like the Hub is a rarity in our area, but especially during this economy. We have had plenty of people tell us that we are crazy for trying something that costs this much in an economy (and a city) that isn't friendly to "new" stuff. We agree. After all, we've always been a little crazy at the Winds, but also know this: Just because something is crazy doesn't mean it is wrong. God coming here is crazy...the church starting in Acts with uneducated people is crazy...people giving their finances, time, passion, and life to follow the movement of Jesus is crazy. Sometimes, crazy is right.

At the beginning of this year, we spent over $250,000 dollars to rent, rennovate, and launch the Hub. We still need about $50,000 to pay off that debt. This money was spent by Westwinds with a great belief in God's love for teenagers and His ability to take care of the finances through His people. This money represents a significant risk and sacrifice by the leadership of Westwinds.

The shortfall we are experiencing has put some pretty significant stress on our Church and the Hub. If you know anything about me, you know that mission always comes first. Westwinds (and our lead pastors) are the same exact way. We would love to ignore the financial parts and just keep shadowing God, building the church, and healing the world. In this case, however, we have to figure out a way to address these financial issues.

So the opportunity for you is to give financially to the ministry of the Hub. If you are reading this, it is probably because you know me, know Westwinds, or some combination of the two. chances are that you like me, or even love me. I'm asking you to pray about making a donation to the ministry of the Hub. I have never made an ask like this, so forgive me if it comes across the wrong way. I believe in what we are doing, and I believe that everyone who participates will share in something that has impact far into the future. To donate financially, you can go to http://www.westwinds.org/who_we_are/blog and click on the giving link. You can also contact me directly.

In exchange for your gift we give you a promise. Simply put, My staff, my volunteers, my family, and I will give everything we have to helping this generation know who Jesus is and what He has done. We will not stop when it is difficult, we will not hide when leadership is required, and we will not stop dreaming about what could be.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Blessings to you and your families this holiday.

Together,

ben

Mike LaFrenier: Personal trainer

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:54:00 PDT

This is Mike. He's my friend, my co-worker, and (as of September 1) my personal fitness trainer. I believe that Mike is the best trainer in the Jackson area, the great lakes region, and quite possibly...the universe. Here's why:

1. He doesn't make you feel dumb. Let's be honest - this is the number one reason that most of us don't do personal training. It's not the time or the money - it's the fear that some muscle-bound idiot (who is entirely too happy) is going to laugh in our faces when we can't do push ups on our knuckles. Mike isn't like this. He makes you feel comfortable with whatever you can do, yet he continues to push you to improve.

2. He is affordable. This is another big hang up for most of us. We can't afford $500 dollars a day for someone to cheer us on and force us to drink green protein shakes. Mike is reasonably priced, and is able to customize what he offers around your financial needs.

3. He is flexible. Seriously, he can bend in some really weird ways! Mike is able to work around your schedule and your goals. If you are looking to lose weight, get stronger, or (like me) beat your wife in arm wrestling, Mike can help you meet those goals.

4. He is a great person. This might not matter to everyone - but it does to me. I don't want to be trained by someone who is arrogant, dishonest, or mean. Mike is very humble and he is very honest.

5. He is knowledgable. Mike isn't growing a pony tail and selling some weird piece of fitness equipment that he calls, "The Antelope". Mike has gone to school, received certification, and he knows what He is talking about. I learn something new about fitness, my body, and making healthy choices every time I have a session with Mike.

If you're like me - you'd like to be in better shape, but you aren't quite sure how to do it. I have spent the last five years failing to meet my fitness goals, and struggling to find motivation to keep trying. Working with Mike has given me the motivation and accountability to take ownership of my goals. I'm just getting started, but I definitely would not be this far without the training I'm receiving from Mike.

Mike didn't ask me to write this, and I'm not receiving compensation. I secretly hope that he will, "take it easy" on me as a result of this endorsment...but I'm not holding my breath. I'm writing this because, for the first time, I'm finding success in workouts.

If you'd like more info on hiring Mike, you can contact him below:

Phone: 218.355.8453
Email: mike.lafrenier@gmail.com
Web: mikelafreniertraining.info

Bad Lip Reading

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:19:13 PDT

This site is hilarious. The concept is changing the audio track to reflect what it looks like a person is saying. The results are absolutely golden. Take a look, and check out the site here.

Hub Stories: They are getting closer

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 16:15:22 PDT

People often ask me this question: "Why do something like the Hub?"

This past Saturday the Hub was absolutely rocking with teenagers. Part of our crowd was a group of guys from Jackson High School. These guys were playing video games, shooting some basketball, and having a great time.

Fast forward to Sunday night. This same group of guys showed up...about ten minutes before Student Journey was scheduled to begin. When SJ starts, we turn off all the video games and fun stuff in order to focus on our 60 minute service. When these Jackson High School guys found out that we were "pausing" in ten minutes, they were pretty bummed out. We invited them to stay, but they decided to leave and come back after the service.

Instead of leaving, however, these guys decided to wait right outside of the building. As our service progressed, the guys came back inside and stood in the back. Within a few minutes the guys moved up to our cafe. By the time the message was going, this group of guys had moved all the way up to the back of the auditorium. The gospel was preached, and these guys heard it.

This story represents "why" we started the Hub. It's why we spent the money (we still need to raise more!)...it's why our staff quit other jobs and gave up money to work at the Hub...its why you should volunteer at the Hub...and it's why I have fully given this season of my life to the development of the Hub.

We got to see teenagers in our city take steps towards a relationship with Jesus.

We had a fantastic youth group at 1000 Robinson road, but this group of kids from Jackson High would not have come within ten miles of that place. The environment at the Hub got them within 100 yards...then 50...then 10...and ultimately in a place where they could hear who Jesus was and what He has done.

And here's the thing: We are only 3 months old!

The Hub is still wearing diapers and learning to walk! We are right at the beginning of everything. We're going to introduce thousands of teenagers to Jesus, and we're going to watch in faith and hope as the Spirit does His thing in their hearts.

The best is yet to come.

p.s. if you're interested in becoming a key part of this amazing movement (aka: volunteering), contact ben.redmond@gmail.com or 517.914.8377

Letter to my staff

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:58:40 PDT

I have an incredible team that I lead at Student Journey and the Hub. I believe that my "claim to fame" will someday be that I knew these people. This team is unique, committed, and lots of fun. 3-5 times a week, I try to send a quick email to my team in order to encourage, inspire, or teach. I'm definitely not the smartest or the best...but I do have the most time! If you lead a team, communication is central to the health and momentum of that team. Here's a sample of a recent BOA (Board Of Awesomeness is our playful name for our team) email:

There is an ongoing tension that we need to address as we move through this crazy, busy season at the Hub and SJ.

We want to change the world...but...we do not want to experience change.

This is where I live every day. I believe in my soul that I am put here to change the world. Let me try to say that a bit more humbly....I am invited to shadow God - to join him in his restoration movement - and I want to participate. However, this passion I have fights against another force: resistance to change.I don't want things to change...and I mean it. * I don't want people to change their roles at SJ

* I don't want to change my daily routine
* I don't want to change the way our team works
* I don't want to change the way the Hub works

Change sucks. Change is scary. Change makes everything feel shaky and uncertain. Here's the thing though - changing the world, by definition, involves change. There is no way around this. When we take risks and start new things, we will experience some scary stuff. Failure, uncertainty and fear are always present when the world is being changed.

Changing the world involves change. This reality leaves you with three options:

1. Don't change the world, and the tension goes away. This is always an available option. Changing the world will always be hard, but we will never face resistance if we just stand still.

2. Refuse to embrace change, and you won't change the world. We can create routines for ourselves that are safe and predictable, but we can't change the world without embracing change.

3. Embrace the change, and change the world. We can decide that God has called us to change the world in His name, and part of the cost is embracing change.

We need to be clear. Not everyone is called by God to risk and change in the same way. We are all loved by God and given different roles in His church. You are not less...you are not unqualified...you are not a coward if you don't live up to someone else's standards. Each one of us is responsible to listen to God and do what He says. The point here is this: If God has called you to change the world, you will have to endure some change.

Love you all - proud to kick Satan in the face with you!

Brain splits and the art of focus

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 07:55:34 PDT

There is a little conversation that plays out in my head every time I sit down to get things done. Maybe it happens to you as well:

"Ok...I'm really going to get this task done."

"Oh man...I really need to get that other thing done as well."

"Wow...I have several things that I need to get done."

"I can't get things things done...there are just too many."

"I better check my facebook."

My assistant and I refer to this move as "brain splits". It is that moment where you try to focus on two tasks, resulting in no tasks being accomplished.

I have found that this little trick is often responsible for my lack of productivity. I try to accomplish multiple things and end up accomplishing nothing. The brain splits limit my productive power and ability to focus.

I find it fascinating that the thing I choose to do when the brain splits happen is always something that takes no mental discipline:

*Check my facebook
*Look at my phone again
*Check my fantasy sports team for the third time in an hour
*Try to make up a good tweet

These easy actions reveal the actual problem. I'm not fighting against the task, I am fighting against working. So I've started trying something different - I'm just focusing on one thing. I might list out ten tasks for the day, but I will accomplish them one at a time. When I'm tempted to do the brain splits, I recognize what is happening and I focus on task at hand.

Try this experiment for yourself today: Decide what needs to be done, and get started. When you are tempted to split your brain power, don't do it. Finish what you are doing and then move on to the next thing.

So...what works for you? How do you make sure you stay on task?

First Day

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:54:00 PDT

Today starts another year of school in Jackson...barring a snow day!

Our family has a senior, a 6th grader, and a 4th grader. We're so proud of all three, and we believe that this will be a fantastic year.

The SJ nation has kids in more than 10 schools. We believe in these kids, and we are honored to play a role in their lives.

The Hub has a big goal of helping all the kids in Jackson. This means that we are working hard to introduce ourselves to the students of every school in Jackson County.

So my prayer for the fam...the SJ nation...and the Hub family is this: SHINE BRIGHT! What our city needs the most is a group of passionate teenagers who live compelling lives. This is what will change the world.

Hub Stories: Meet The Spouses

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:28:00 PDT

Just so we don't forget...

Corey is married to Kendall

Mike is married to Laura

Ben is married to Patti

Each of these incredible ladies are the reason that their three dopey husbands can do ministry in this city. Kendall, Laura, and Patti are all involved in SJ and the Hub; and they are tremendous models of faithfulness and servanthood.

The same can be said for the extended support system of each of our staff members. We are all who we are because of the people behind the scenes.

Hub Stories: Meet Nate and Mel

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:11:58 PDT

Position: The Mayor (Nate) / Graphic Designer (Mel)

The Snapshot: Nate and Mel have an amazing passion for Jackson, Westwinds, SJ, and the Hub! They have been around Jackson and Westwinds for longer than anyone else on our team. As the Mayor, Nate uses his business sense and design savvy to help us move forward on anything and everything. As a graphic designer, Mel uses her great eye and amazing artistry to make us look perpetually cool. When they aren't with us, you might find them working on their house, playing with their apple products, or getting ready for their brand new baby boy (due in late September).

I have known Nate and Mel since the first day I interviewed at Westwinds, (almost 6 years) and they are among Patti and my closest friends. I have watched them serve where ever they were needed, especially in the spiritual discipleship of our students. What I appreciate most about Nate and Mel is their faithfulness. No matter what season they are in personally, I know they are always committed to the mission and the team. Our team is better because Nate and Mel are a part of it...no doubt!

Happy Birthday Old Man

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:32:00 PDT

This is my Dad...Mark Redmond.

He believes that he is a cowboy...and I have not been able to convince him otherwise.

He is 58 years old today...The average life expectancy of a cowboy is 37.

I owe him a lot...and I mean a lot. There is no way I would be who/where I am today with his love, support, and example.

I love you Dad....and I'm proud to be your son.

Hub Stories: Meet Brooke

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:35:00 PDT

Name: Brooke Pieske

Position: Hub Cafe manager / ministry assistant

The Snapshot: Brooke has a passion for serving and encouraging people. She oversees the volunteers and operations for our Hub cafe' and store, which gives her a great opportunity to build relationships with everyone who comes to the Hub. She is also Ben's ministry assistant, making sure that everything stays on track. Brooke has been a part of SJ for the last four years. First as a student, then as an intern, and now as a part-time staff. When she isn't at the Hub you will probably find her laughing with her friends, running from spiders, exploring lake Michigan towns, or locked away doing pursuing her youth ministry degree at Spring Arbor University.

*I have known Brooke since she was a junior in High school. I have had the privilege of watching her give her life fully to Jesus, get baptized, and answer a call into ministry. People like Brooke remind our whole team of our mission and our goal: we want to see teenagers turning into adults who follow Jesus! The thing I appreciate most about Brooke is her servant's heart. She is consistently looking for ways to serve our staff, our ministry, and our students, and she always does it with a smile. We are so glad that Brooke is a part of our team.

Hub Stories: Meet Mike

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:27:53 PDT

Name: Mike LaFrenier

Position: Hub Manager

The Snapshot: Mike has a passion for the teenagers on the margins...the one's that the Church has missed. This passion caused him to do the unthinkable...leave the great state of Minnesota and become part of our team here in Jackson. Mike helps us coordinate things such as security, events, and volunteers. Mike's other passion is physical fitness. As a licensed personal trainer, Mike brings a unique ability to attract students with an interest in sports or general training. A big part of the Hub moving forward will be the small fitness studio that Mike has built in the back of the Hub. Mike is always working out, even when He is sleeping. If you happen to catch him in between "reps" he will probably be hanging with his wife Laura, while secretly obsessing over his fantasy sports teams.

*I met Mike right when he moved to Jackson to attend Spring Arbor University. Very early on I was struck by his heart and passion to reach teenagers with the gospel. Over the last four years, I have watched Mike and Laura make personal sacrifices to ensure that the Hub dream becomes a reality. Every team needs a utility player...that person who will do whatever it takes to see the mission lived out. Mike selflessly plays that role with great faithfulness. We're lucky to have him as part of our team.

Hub Stories: Meet Chad

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:16:00 PDT

Name: Chad Cecil

Position: SJ Worship leader / Hub Venue manager

The Snapshot: Chad has a passion for Jesus and for music. For the last couple of years, He has been helping our students develop a heart for both Jesus and music through a wide variety of experiences. In addition to leading our weekly music/worship at SJ, Chad oversees the venue aspect of the Hub. This position allows him to build relationships with the musicians in Jackson while helping the Hub to become a great music venue. Chad is a gifted song-writer, and his band "Chad Cecil and the Family Dentistry" is about to release their first EP.

*I've worked with lots of musicians and worship leaders over the past 15 years. The thing that I appreciate most about Chad is his heart. He is a musician to the core - but He is a Jesus follower first and foremost. I have watched him patiently lead and develop young musicians, even when it meant that quality had to take a hit (a really hard thing for good musicians to endure). Chad's heart for Jesus and belief in good music are what make him such a big part of SJ and the Hub

Hub Stories: Meet Corey

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:01:52 PDT

Name: Corey Grazul

Position: Community Designer

The Snapshot: Corey has a passion for community (helping students connect in spiritual relationships) and the community (helping the Hub and SJ create inroads into the larger community of Jackson). Corey has been a part of our ministry since he was a college student. With experience in business, non-profit, and the church; Corey brings a unique perspective that helps us fulfill our mission in Jackson. Corey is also an "outdoor survival expert", and you will most likely find him skiing or hiking with his wife Kendall and their dog Bodie.

*I've worked with Corey for the past four years, and I am proud to call him my friend. Corey is faithful...to Jesus and to our ministry, and this quality makes him a "must have" team member. As a leader, the thing I appreciate most about Corey is his passion for community. He is constantly helping us create better community, and his work has made us better as a team and a ministry.

Hub Stories: an introduction of sorts

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:09:31 PDT

Starting this week I will be featuring stories that are emerging from the Hub (our youth center). The Hub has been open for two months, and we have seen some exciting things happening already. The problem is that, occasionally, these exciting stories get lost in the shuffle of busyness. We want you to know what is happening so that you can pray, support, and serve more effectively.

I will start later this week with some, "meet the staff" posts, and then transition into some stories of the ministry that is happening at the Hub.

Pass the ball

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:10:11 PDT

This picture hangs above the bookshelf in my office. As a life-long Chicago Bulls fan, I keep this picture to remind me of the thrilling 1993 finals victory the Bulls enjoyed over those genderless whiners from Phoenix. It was this shot in game 6 in Phoenix that won the title.

I keep the picture for another reason as well.

During the 90's the Bulls won 6 championships. They were led by the greatest player in the history of basketball - Michael Jordan. People remember Jordan for his 6 finals mvps, his big shots, and his ability to dominate a game. What you might not know, however, is that Michael Jordan won more championships passing than he did shooting. While the Bulls won the 1998 championship on a last second Jordan jumper, it was technically his last second passes that won the 1993 and 1997 championships. (I know the Bulls would have won nothing without Jordan...but stay with me here.)

My picture of John Paxson reminds me of this leadership principle: Great leaders pass the ball. You can be a good leader and always take the last shot for yourself - but you will never become a great leader until you trust the people around you enough to let them shoot with the game on the line.

Many of us in leadership positions struggle with this. After all, our game matters...a lot. What we fail to understand is that if we do not allow the people around us to take shots with the game on the line (make or miss) they will never be able to do it when we really need them to.

Here's the thing: the people around you don't want your job...they just want to feel like they have a role on the team (value, responsibility, opportunity). If you micromanage your team by making every decision, it will cost you in the end.

How are you passing the ball to your team this week?

Students and technology

noreply@blogger.com (ben redmond) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:53:00 PDT

Via: OnlineEducation.net