Tag Archives: ryan russell

Game of inches

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Football is referred to as “a game of inches” and often you will hear announcers describe scoring drives as getting “stalled”. Another artful cliche states that “a Super Bowl is won a play at a time”. So coaches implore  their players to “keep moving the ball down the field”. You gotta keep moving the ball down the field. Vary the plays. Keep your opponent off balance. Have your momentum carrying you forward. Do what ever it takes to keep moving the ball down the field.
Leadership on a daily basis looks exactly the same way; you have to keep moving the ball down the field. As the point person, that is your role. So how do you do that? Solve problems that can’t be solve. Encourage your team. Devise a strategy. Go with the forward momentum. Stay focus on one play or deliverable at a time. Enjoy the process along the way. You have the idea… Leadership often is play by play. One play at a time.
Master plans & 5 year strategic visions (do people do those anymore?) are useful and sometimes necessary — each long term component serves it purposes. But do you have your team moving forward OR are you in danger of letting your mission get stalled?

Unconventional Audio

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[I have been contemplating this idea for a while, so here is a new twist for the blog.]

I thoroughly enjoy sports talk radio to break up a long drive , as interesting listening while putting in the mileage on a long run or as a relaxer at the end of a long day. Some guys are quite talented and worth their paycheck. However, one stands above the others — Colin Cowherd. He is intelligence far exceeds his average listen, he understands that he is in entertainment so he doesn’t take himself too seriously AND he also has some brilliant insights about life and definitely about leadership. About once a week he ends up sharing a very insightful segment that lasts between two-to-five minutes. Here’s the first one. in what will probably be a semi-regular installment. Hang with it till the end. GREAT LEADERSHIP STUFF.

beginning to unfold

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For the better part of 6 months or more I have been mulling* over what it takes to meet and have friendships w/ new kinds of people. This processing really began some time after having lunch w/ Ron Jeremy & Craig. I am sure this sounds rather basic or maybe even odd, but to be honest, I am getting bored with having the same kinds of people in my circles of friendship. A better way of saying this perhaps is that most of my friends see the world the same way and I would like to get some more diversity of perspective and conversations. So with that in the forefront of my mind I have been endeavoring to strike up more conversations at random times with people I don’t know and who I did not meet at a place that would assume a unifying background or set of beliefs. I could elaborate more on the types of people I have met, but I don’t think it would make for engaging reading. Except maybe for the group of travelers I met in Sedona last spring while there with Rich & Ernie mountain biking — for that particularly unique evening I lack the creative ability to put the account down in type. Just ask me about it the next time we see each other in person.

This desire coupled with things I have learned from Craig and also experiences gained through StripChurch has begun to form some new ideas for what I plan to do here in Seattle. Rich (Nichol) and I have been batting around what God’s grace really could mean to those most in need of it and just how to go about dispensing that grace without the normal constructs or limitations associated with doing a brand new church launch in a city. What comes next will be rough when I first present it (October-ish) but I do think with some more thought-help and prayer that what we end up doing here in the city of Seattle (and other places as well) will be mostly unique and have a very powerful impact. More to come…

* “who uses that word?” – Jen

Ultimate Communication

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I was re-introduced to “Ultimate Frisbee” this weekend; the main difference this go around being that I played for real. ‘Ultimate’ (the players’ shortened name for the game) is like soccer meets football but with less contact, more scoring and a disk (frisbee). It evidently is a viable recreational sport with leagues and all in the Pacific Northwest. While taking part in the pseudo-competitive team atmosphere I was reminded again about just how far a small bit of well timed communication can take a group of individuals who desire to win together. In fact, I would say it was the differentiator between the ‘winners’ and the ‘losers’.

On the field communication incorporates the the small and easily overlooked items. It takes into consideration the quick assignments of responsibilities in the heat of the action. Our ‘normal’ roles are accounted for by the definition of our pre-assigned position but in the heat of it all there are always fine adjustments to be made. Field communication doesn’t have time for egos, arm chair decision making or sulking about small assignments. In fact, it is usually less focused on what others need to do and more focused on communicating quickly and precisely what I will do and contribute; who I will guard on defense, where I am going on offense, immediate scoring opportunities and also urgent threats to the team which could result in a defeat or at minimum a score against us. And throughout the entirety of a game, teams with great communication skills assess their situation regularly, dole out encouragement, bark about adjustments to be made and remain committed to the blaring fact that the only way they win is if they work together as a team.

Failure to Experiment

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There is a danger that you are growing stagnant in your every day life — work or personal, you pick.
Are you doing what you do rather than doing what no one else is doing?
Here’s your opportunity… start taking some micro-risks.
Try running little experiments that cost you little to nothing.
Research is free.
Trying what ever ‘it’ is on your own time is free.
The internet is free.
Most of the best marketing is free.
You own labor is free.
Doing it your boss’ way and ALSO doing it a better way is free to you.
Heck, even your brain didn’t cost you anything.

So, stop suffering from a failure to experiment.

Search for creative options and solutions.
Too many people say “I can’t” or “I am not creative like that” or “that isn’t my skill set”
Reality = most just plain put off trying to be innovative cause they are lazy and not trying.

World’s Best Volunteer

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There are lots of great reasons to volunteer, so I want to provide some quick hitting basics to implement to make your time spent worth it… for you and for the people leading you.

Catch the vision | Don’t go into the situation assuming that you understand the vision/mission of the organization just because you have seen what they do. The YMCA has soccer leagues, it doesn’t mean that their priority #1 is competition. Get to know the leaders of the org. and the vision of where they are going.

Add to the dream | Your dreams are secondary to the mission of the project you are volunteering for… that is why you VOLUNTEERED. Do what they need you to do. But don’t just do it so-so. Add to it. Make your part GREAT! Go above and beyond. Considerer giving your best not your left overs.

Set some goals | Take it one step further and actually ‘Goal Set’ in your role. Set your sights on new levels of service, accomplishment & excellence. Stay engaged long enough with your volunteer pursuit to be more than just another person who rotates through. Don’t aim to just fill a slot.

Own it — Outright | Volunteers have a reputation for being undependable; don’t be one of “those people”. Just cause you aren’t getting paid doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be held liable, responsible or to a commitment. Show up early, not just on time. Don’t do last minute call outs or worse yet just “no show” cause it is just your volunteer commitment. Take up a role and be a person they can count on.

Jump on it now and run… Hard! | Don’t wait. Don’t get back to them in 4 weeks. Jump in and get going. Figure things out. Get trained. Start serving. Every organization that relies on volunteers has a need RIGHT NOW… and plenty of people that are getting back to them.

Stay connected to organization | Once you are jumped in and dreaming, you will find it very easy to get caught up in your area and very soon it will be the most important area in the whole organization. How can it not be… you are there! Truth is, while your area will be important it probably won’t be the most mission critical. This being a reality, work hard to stay up to date with the issues and challenges facing you favorite place to volunteer. It may give you a chance to make a greater impact and at the same time serve a purpose to keep you aligned with the values and the mission.

Yo-yo leadership

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Nothing can be harder to hit that a constantly moving target… especially when you don’t realize it has already moved. 

Traction for a new individual and for a team takes time to develop. If you add to that the challenge by consistently or constantly setting sights on new goals, different goals, additional goals then what happens as a bi-product is a loss of traction, a loss of energy, a loss of motivation and certainly a loss interest.

So… keep the target (goals) in place long enough to allow people to get locked in on the goals, devise a strategic plan and pull the trigger on some reasonable actions. The first time you have people aiming to accomplish designated goals within your organization it will take a little longer to get there than the second time or the third time. Be patient. Wait. Go on vacation. Check back in a week or two. Start your new projects with other members from a different team.

Along the way you could coach, encourage, assist, give pointers, train on tools or skills OR trust leadership of the goals to someone else.

Resist the temptation to change directions or take on a volume of new initiatives. Give your people the sensation of victory. Allow them to ‘work it out’ for a bit. Big wins are built upon small wins. Small wins only come with practice and opportunity to succeed. Changing gears before achievement doesn’t afford any victories.

Vegas PLUS 2 weeks at Pathways

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Vegas (www.stripchurch.com) is going GREAT! I am very excited about the addition of Jessica who is heading up our local clubs & brothels initiatives. She is also working with our gal interns. Our prayers our that her leadership continues to flourish this summer and she will stay on a permanent staff. Check out the site — we are making lots of new headway into new territories. Going places where most Christians dare not going. Stephen who is charge of our guy interns and our strip outreaches is also doing a great job. All of the new efforts and the prayers are really starting gain some practical traction.

Also, for the next 2 weekends I will be filling in preaching for our man Dean up at Pathways. Our family attended there last weekend and the church is mostly made up of young couples with young kids — fits Dean well! I will write more about the ministry there as I fill in preaching and volunteer some with him.

Look for NEW CHURCH updates starting in Sept.-ish.

the Big 2′s

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Whole days can pass by very easily without accomplishing much if anything at all. The stress of your work load can lock you up. It is natural to slip into the ‘doing what is easiest or convenient’ mode. Here are some quick tools to help you… and yes, I have stolen or borrowed most of these suggestions.

Boil your job down to the 2 most important things that you are being paid to accomplish. I am quite confident that you have more assigned to you than just 2 things, BUT there are very few things that keep you employed and that only you are being counted on to do. So what are those? Keep them right in front of you ALL of the time! Be excellent at those things. Be the best. Knock these items out of the park and you will get paid and you will get raises and you will get better projects and responsibilities.

Each day know what the 2 most mission critical big tasks or projects you must work on are. Do NOT let anything else get in front of them. Rarely, if ever, is a meeting one of these 2 things unless your leading someone else is 1 of your 2 top responsibilities.

Give your Big 2′s your undivided attention for 2 hours everyday! Turn off everything. Tune out everyone. Sequester yourself in your office, you bedroom, your car, your hole, your _______, until you get them done. Don’t read email. Don’t twitter or facebook. Don’t talk to anyone not directly related to getting these done – not even your wife/husband, mom or your hot date for the night. Be an ass if you have, but get really focused! You will be amazed (and so will others) what you can accomplish with just 2 focused hours on your most important responsibilities.

Do your other assignments, meetings, conversations, and errands with your other 6-8 hours —

Can v Will

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“Can you do it?” isn’t the question that will separate you from others and move you towards your dreams.

“Will you it?” is the differentiator.

People of desire, grit. self-reliance, determination, resourcefulness and a willingness to try-&-fail prove themselves far, far more valuable in leadership and in life than people who possess ability, intelligence, phenomenal grades and credentials, the right answers, the best looks or an incredible resume.

Talk is CHEAP. Good ideas and intentions are even cheaper. Regurgitating other people’s ideas is the cheapest of all!
[I hope you didn't pay too much for that diploma that might have only taught you what other people think but hasn't moved your butt towards action or difference making.]

So take an inventory… what do you keep telling people you CAN do, but that you have yet to accomplish? Are you that guy or gal sitting at the table with all of the right answers and good ideas, but who never puts them into action? Do you need someone else to ‘come along’ with you or are you going to go out and get it done regardless? Do the conditions have to be ideal and perfect or are you willing to get started, figure it out, overcome a few obstacles and move forward with big plans and new ideas? Do you settle into doing the easy things, the things that other people line up for you to do?

How far out is the future date when you will turn your potential into reality?

You don’t have to be incredibly intelligent, brave, masterful or lucky… what you need is to do is TRY.