Not matter what your field—ministry, business, not for profit, or education—you always want to be on the lookout for new ideas.  The question is, “Are innovative ideas more likely to come from established participants or from novices?”  According to professor Amir Goldberg at Stanford University, we should focus on the fringes for breakthrough ideas. In his research, Goldberg found that prescient thinking—the creation of novel ideas that prove productive-- was more likely to emerge from the fringes of a field. In business, prescient ideas were eight times more ..read more

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.”  She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). --John 20:15-16, NIV   Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.  He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”  “No,” they answered.  ..read more

Coaching in various forms is increasing, so it is getting more attention.  This means that change is at hand.  In a recent blog, Edmée Schalkx addressed “Trends in Coaching 2017-2022” and specifically noted what this means for users and coaches.   As one who believes both in the effectiveness of coaching and its usefulness in religious settings, I suggest what these changes in coaching means for those of us who work with churches.   First, faith communities will recognize that they need trained coaches.  Churches, judicatories, and other fait ..read more

In his newest book on leadership, Mark Miller challenges the reader to a choice: Will you be a common leader, accepting the “common wisdom” that informs that stance, or will you be an uncommon leader who realizes there is a better way?   Miller has written the book to serve leaders who believe they can make a difference in the world, who care about personal excellence, and who are energized by producing tangible results.  These attributes apply to all leaders, not matter where they serve in the organization.    The five fundamental movements that the author delineat ..read more

Do you have what it takes to be a coaching leader?  A coaching leader is someone who encourages another person to identify his or her goals, discover the resources available to pursue those goals, develop action plans together, and then walk along beside that person in the process of achieving the person’s goals.  A coaching leader can apply these skills in working with groups and teams as well, multiplying his or her impact as a coach by including others in the process.   A coaching leader is strong in the elements that Daniel Goleman attributes to emotional intelligenc ..read more

The Gallup organization did a meta-analysis of 100 million employee interviews to identify what makes a highly engaged team.  The key factor is the manager, but one with a particular style of leading.  In a recent blog post, Jim Clifton reported, “Gallup has discovered -- through studying what the best managers do differently -- that great managing is an act of coaching, not one of directing and administrating.”   At the center of compassionate accountability is coaching.  Good managers engage in regular coaching conversations to encourage, develop, and sup ..read more

For those who have never experienced theological education, the response to this question might Your “Isn’t that what theological education all about?”  Well, “yes” and “no.”  Theological education is a spiritual, educational, and skill development experience.  In addition to learning about biblical interpretation, theology, and doctrine, seminary students learn how to lead worship, preach, provide pastoral care, and lead congregations.  Although one would assume that spiritual formation is an intrinsic part of this experience, the assumption is based ..read more

Very often people confuse the terms “coaching” and “mentoring.”  (What we mean by coaching here is life or leadership coaching.)  Coaching and mentoring both involve supporting an individual's growth and development, but they have some key differences. Here's a breakdown: Focus: Coaching tends to focus on the present and future, helping you define your goals, overcome obstacles, and move toward your full potential. Coaches don't necessarily need direct experience in your field since they guide you to discover your own solutions a ..read more

In a study conducted by the International Coaching Federation on “Building a Coaching Culture with Millennial Leaders,” Alejandro Campos,
 Head of Talent Management and Organizational Development at Continental Tire Worldwide, is cited in this quote: “Coaching is one of the instruments that we see can really boost performance and also help realize potential for people. We see it as something that is important to leverage our culture. So especially now that we are trying to be a more progressive and attractive employer, we’re trying to move from a culture of more top-down approach t ..read more

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV) I came across this passage the other day and, as sometimes happens, it caught my attention for some reason.  Perhaps it was because of the various challenges that come from the permacrisis in which we now live—religious disillusion, factionalism, economic stresses, violent conflicts—you get the idea. In digging a bit deeper, I found this translation by Eugene Peterson from The Message: So, watch your step. Use yo ..read more