Author: Eric

Forgotten


 

This post relates to a lonely time in my life.  It was a time of being forgotten, a time of isolation.  It made me better, but it did hurt.

The above video comes from Seal (one of my favorite artists) and I found it during that time of isolation.  The director portrays well the idea of being alone (notice Seal singing and all of the people walking past him).  I was struck by how connected I was to the theme.

Fortunately, I had wise mentors/advisors who told me that I would need to go through a period of aloneness.  That counsel prepared me, but it didn't take away the pain. If you're reading this and don't have someone to give you direction, then email me and I will.  No charge, just encouragement.

Now I can look back and see how that time was essential in remaking me into who I am today.

Life is sometimes like Hebrew.

Exposed and Transperent

"Never trust a leader who hasn't suffered."

    -John Eldredge

I've heard it many times before that who we really are is revealed in crisis.  I didn't fully own that reality until I tasted my own crises.  Taste is a humbling thing.

I'm sitting at church yesterday and we're listening to a message on marriage relationships.  And it occurred to me that my wife is probably the only human on the planet that can speak with authority on who I really am.  I did think about running out screaming a few choice words, but I refrained.

Last night I asked my wife about what she saw when I was exposed and found transparent a few years ago.  She told me she saw change.  The foundation/core was consistent with who she knew me to be.  But there was a change being formed before here eyes-with pain included. 

So why the attempt at avoiding the crises?  More than likely most have never been mentored/taught on the benefits.  Let's face it, we tend to prefer the yellow brick road.  I think the road to ruin is paved that way.  It's difficult these days to dispense words like these because there are far too many messages to the contrary.  Competing with those messages authentically can be a challenge.  I'm glad my heart is in this.

The conclusion is this; leaders are defined in the times of exposure and transparency.  This applies to all of us.

Diminishing Return

If you're like me, a type A, then the idea of one more call or sentence is a lure.  But the reality is we reach diminishing return well before we think.  This is not only an issue for type A people.  It really flows through our culture (in America at least) the idea of time versus results.

I know a COO of a new non-profit start up that is instituting a 35 hour work week-mandatory.  He believes efficiency fades after 35 hours.  How innovative! 

I wonder how many of our working hours are made up diminishing returns?  I would say a minimum of 20%, and I think I'm being conservative.  Especially when you line up work hours with the stated mission of many organizations.

In the end, the most important thing is to know the following:

  • What's the most important thing to be accomplished.
  • Figure out how to get the most important things done.
  • Make sure you have the resources needed to get those things done.
  • Measure success.
  • Stop when you know diminishing return has set in.

Real Change

The above speech is from 2002, but it seems to me that it is fitting on the eve of our election here in America. 

I have no idea where Bill Strickland stands on the issues or the candidates.  But his approach shows how change can be brought to people.

If you're citizen in/of America, I hope you'll vote and vote informed.

How Inspiration Works with Vision

 

I watched this video and thought of how inspiration sometimes comes. 

I told my wife that I wanted to cook her dinner at our home served on white table linen, excellent food and excellent wine.

The video is also representative of how vision connects to inspiration.  If you are inspired by someone, or something, you will be able to see it occurring.  Seeing the outcome living out is essential.

The best sight is the one that comes from your soul to your mind.

A Father’s Lesson

My wife and I were talking about family values a couple of days ago.  Don’t worry, this post has zero to do with politics.  We were discussing what’s most important to us and how it impacts the rearing of our kids.

The conversation was brought on by the reality of how busy many families are today.  Whether its kids in multiple sports, work, extended family obligations or general responsibilities.  Many people are overwhelmed, and not so sure their direction is sound.

As we spoke, it dawned on me how important my time is to my kids.  Time to look them in the eyes, time to smile at the miracle they are, and time to lead.  As tough as it is to live it out, my family is my second most important value.  Consequently, I have said no to many good things in oder to say yes to the best things.

The title of this post is very personal and worth sharing because the subject matter was double confirmed when I read this post (The Brand in the Sand) from Anna Farmery.  Anna has a wonderful blog that many of you may frequent titled The Engaging Brand.

Anna’s relationship with her father has inspired me before, but this story touched me in a way that can only be defined as profound.  You’ll understand after reading her post.  But I hope one day my son and daughter will look back and see me in the same brush strokes that Anna paints of her father.