Ron Edmondson

MAY 16, 2011

Do you seem to struggle to get where you hope to get in life? Do you watch as others accomplish their dreams, but yours never seem to materialize? Why do some people move forward after difficulties, but others stall? In my experience, there are a few common reasons people are held back from accomplishing their dreams, even their God-given dreams and why people stall in life.

Succession 60

Succession Planning 60

Ron Edmondson

MAY 4, 2011

Leaders lead… Leaders are going somewhere… And taking others with them… I love leadership… I love leading… I love leaders… I love the word leader…. I wonder though… If we’ve popularized the team leader so much that we’ve made everyone a leader… But not everyone is a leader… Certainly not everyone is leading….

Leadership 59

Leadership Influence Team Positioning 59

Ron Edmondson

MAY 3, 2011

My friend Scott Williams has a new book called Church Diversity. He’s addressing a little talked about, but important issue in the church…DIVERSITY. Church Diversity is a movement encouraging book, a quick, fun read, and Scott is passionate about this issue. You can find out more at ChurchDiversity.com. Watch an interview I did with Scott recently and then see below how to enter to win this book.

Diversity 58

Diversity Books Blog How To 58

Ron Edmondson

MAY 11, 2011

One of the most dangerous things I see leaders do is forget that people are trying to follow. I know because it’s one I have to continue to remember personally. It’s one reason I invite our staff to evaluate me each year. Have you ever tried to follow someone in a car? Some are good at that kind of leading and some aren’t… It’s that way with a team or organization also.

Self-aware 58

Self-aware Leadership Follow-up Team 58

Ron Edmondson

MAY 1, 2011

Have you ever been curious about the 10 Commandments, specifically how we can implement them into our life today? A couple years ago, I wrote a series about each one. I’m a grace guy…if you read this blog much you know that. We are not under the law, but under grace. There are great Biblical principles, however, that these commandments have for us to live better lives today.

Blog 57

Blog 57

Ron Edmondson

MAY 6, 2011

A Fresh Look at Career and Success. Its time to dust off the resume. Not because of a job search, but rather to gain a new perspective on your career and how it lines up with “success.&#. If you were to take your resume and truly list the successes and failures without all the hype, how would it look? What would it look like? Try it. Take out a piece of paper and list three columns.

Books 56

Books Leadership Career Influence 56

Ron Edmondson

MAY 12, 2011

I see a growing interest in encouragement to sacrifice everything for the sake of the Gospel. I love that kind of passion. We see so many examples of it in Scripture and many are listed in the chronicles of faith in Hebrews Chapter 11. There have been a few times in my life where I’ve sensed a specific call to do something so drastic, so seemingly bizarre, so faith-stretching, that even thinking about those decisions today seems scary.

Examples 56

Examples Advice Course Process 56

Ron Edmondson

MAY 24, 2011

I frequently get asked questions about team development that I’ve addressed before. Here’s a recap of the top 10 posts, according to Google Analytics, that I’ve written about teams. The titles speak for themselves. 10 Characteristics of a Healthy Team or Organization. 5 Characteristics of an Excellent Team Member. 7 Aspects of Healthy Team Member Correction.

Team 56

Team Development Organization Leadership 56

Ron Edmondson

MAY 25, 2011

In what I do, if I don’t know how to communicate with people I don’t already know, I won’t be very successful. I have an occasion to speak to strangers frequently. Thankfully, our church attracts dozens of new visitors each week, I’m invited to speak other places often, and I encounter new people daily through this blog. I’m learning (it’s a continual process) that there are some specific ways I should and shouldn’t speak publicly to someone who doesn

Audience 55

Audience Learning-by-Doing Blog Process 55

Ron Edmondson

MAY 23, 2011

Many leaders avoid conflict at any cost… It seems this is true especially of pastors… Yet conflict is often necessary for healthy relationships… When needed conflict is avoided, people grow bitter, relationship development stalls, and teams suffer… Here’s one thing I’ve learned about conflict… Perhaps this well motivate you to confront what you need to confront… Conflict, when handle correctly, often turns out better than expected… It does

Tips 54

Tips Motivation Team Cost 54

Ron Edmondson

MAY 5, 2011

I’ve only made 7 bad decisions in my life… Or something like that… The problem is I’ve just multiplied the same bad decisions over and over again. Here are my 7 bad decisions: Following my way over God’s way… Choosing temporary pleasures over a lifetime of joy… Abusing grace and love… Ignoring an opportunity and failing to take a risk… Not saying enough is enough soon enough… Holding a grudge rather than offering forgiveness… Unde

Cost 53

Cost Power Planning 53

Ron Edmondson

MAY 18, 2011

I met with a young man recently who is passionate about growing in his relationship with God, being a better husband and father, becoming more active in the church and community and excelling in his work. He’s sensing an internal, self-induced tension to do more and be better in each area of his life. His question to me was basically, how can he balance all the things he wants to do or feels he needs to be doing?

Advice 52

Advice Succession Planning 52

Ron Edmondson

MAY 2, 2011

One aspect of leadership is appreciating the people one leads. I must admit, this has to be a discipline for me, because I’m not naturally wired for this. I expect much from people, so I don’t always feel the need to acknowledge the excellent work I feel everyone should do naturally. I realize, however, that all of us, including me, enjoy hearing we did a good job, so offering praise is a necessary part of a leader’s responsibility.

Creativity 52

Creativity Team Development Leadership 52

Ron Edmondson

MAY 12, 2011

There is one missing step that many teams forget… You’ll find it in meetings… In planning… In goal-setting… The missing step? Asking “Who’s responsible?&#. Who is the one person who will be held accountable for each task? Many teams brainstorm wonderfully… They come up with awesome plans… But they never assign the person responsible… For anything to be successful… There must be… Systems in place… Built in questioning&#

Brainstorming 52

Brainstorming Tips Planning Goal 52

Ron Edmondson

MAY 4, 2011

Someone needs to read this… I sense it… The Psalmist wrote: Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9). Have you ever felt like this before? Have you ever felt like all hope is gone?

Learning-by-Doing 51

Learning-by-Doing Planning 51

Ron Edmondson

MAY 25, 2011

It seems every time I Tweet, preach or write a blogpost about forgiveness it stirs people. Most of us must struggle with this issue at some point in our life. With that in mind, here are my top posts about forgiveness: 8 Reminders for Granting True Forgiveness. 7 Things Forgiveness is Not… 7 Things Forgiveness Is… 3 Benefits of Forgiveness.

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51

Ron Edmondson

MAY 26, 2011

This is a premature post. My boys will probably balk at it, but I’ll be honest. I’m a people watcher. That’s especially true when I’m out of town where I don’t know anyone. This week I’m in Florida to perform my oldest son’s wedding. He and his soon-to-be wife have been together for many years, so we feel she’s already part of the family.

Commitment 50

Commitment 50

Ron Edmondson

MAY 14, 2011

Let’s write a story together! We did this last year and it was a lot of fun. You can read our finished story HERE. Several asked if we could repeat it. I’ve picked up a few readers since then, so this is new for some of you. Here is how this works: (Please read carefully). I will write an opening set up sentence. You add the next line. Read the other comments first, to see how the story is flowing.

Participative 49

Participative Creativity Blog Goal 49

Ron Edmondson

MAY 10, 2011

In an organizational setting, when little issues arise, I try to consider the bigger issue at stake. Not everything has a bigger context worth considering, but strategic leaders consistently consider if there is one. For example, if a staff member makes an awkward or unusually negative comment during a meeting, I try to consider the bigger issue. Did he or she simply make a random remark, was the comment limited to the meeting, or is there something unspoken going on that could point to a bigger

Cost 49

Cost Examples Organization Positioning 49

Ron Edmondson

MAY 19, 2011

Authenticity is a necessary trait for leaders these days…. People are less likely to follow people they don’t feel are transparent or real…. Here’s a word of advice to leaders…. In your attempt to protect your reputation…. Don’t hide your true identity…. The fact is that your painful past and failures…. May be used to heal someone else’s brokenness….

Reputation 48

Reputation Advice Leadership Management 48

Ron Edmondson

MAY 26, 2011

God said something to me today! I’ll be honest, as someone who is supposed to teach others how to have a relationship with God, and to actually hear from God, I’m always somewhat startled when He chooses to speak to me. Anyway, today He said something to me. Let me set up the scenario for you, so you’ll understand the context. This week I’m at the beach.

Process 48

Process Power How To Planning 48

Ron Edmondson

MAY 9, 2011

Recently I shared 7 Suggestions When Interviewing for a Church Staff Position. Rightly, someone commented they would like to see the reverse post. Here are 7 Suggestions for Hiring the Right Person: Pray for wisdom – This should be an obvious step, but many times we let our emotions cloud our reality when it comes to hiring. Ask God to make clear this is the right person or give you an uncertainty if it’s not the right person.

Uncertainty 47

Uncertainty Reference Environment Education 47

Ron Edmondson

MAY 13, 2011

Recently I was reposted my parenting model I’ve called “Grace Parenting&#. You can read the article HERE. One of the principles in my model is to Major on the Majors, Not on the Minors and I stated that there are certain non-negotiables I think a parent should enforce in their parenting. A reader commented on the post, asking, “ What are the non-negotiables ?

Morale 47

Morale Quality Article Leadership 47

Ron Edmondson

MAY 9, 2011

I read recently that the creators of Google weren’t looking to create Google when they discovered the complex way of indexing pages. They were working on a research project for their PhD program and stumbled upon the genius of google page ranking, did a little more exploration, and the rest is the incredible history of Google. In fact, I also read where, learning from their history, Google allows employees up to 20% of their time to explore new ideas and innovation.

Long-term 47

Long-term Innovation Project Team 47

Ron Edmondson

MAY 23, 2011

The larger our church gets the more I have to say no… It’s become a necessity… To maintain my health, the health of my family and the church, I have to discipline myself to say no more often… No I can’t counsel you, but I can refer you to someone… No I can’t do your wedding, but I know someone who can… No I can’t meet with you today, but we can look at something next week… No I can’t answer that question, but I know where we can g

Reference 45

Reference Advice Development Leadership 45

Ron Edmondson

MAY 1, 2011

My friend Casey Graham is a game changer. When he is passionate about something, he doesn’t just talk about it, he does something. This past week, Casey’s home state of Alabama was devastated by one of the worst tornado disasters in history. Casey knew that in any disaster, the greatest need is always money, because money allows the team on the ground to do what is necessary to address the greatest needs.

Insurance 45

Insurance Finance Team Process 45

Ron Edmondson

MAY 4, 2011

I have a basic policy… I’ve held it almost as long as I’ve been in a management/leadership type of role… Whether paid staff or volunteer… If you come to me ready to resign… I won’t attempt to talk you out of it… I may try to: Understand your heart. Make sure it’s not a knee jerk reaction. Make sure you aren’t being treated unfairly by someone else… Make sure there are no misunderstandings between us… But, if those check out,

Policies 45

Policies Succession Leadership Management 45

Ron Edmondson

MAY 30, 2011

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.&#. Thank you for those who have committed their life to protecting our nation’s freedom!

Insurance 44

Insurance Commitment 44

Ron Edmondson

MAY 18, 2011

Recently I spoke to a group of church planters. My assigned task was to share the “ 3 most important steps to launching &# a church plant in my opinion and experience. After the times of prayer…when you know you have a God-given assignment to plant a church…what next? Here is what I shared. I believe these are similar for beginning any project.

Team 43

Team Benchmarking Strategic Planning Project 43

Ron Edmondson

MAY 14, 2011

Jehoshaphat was a great king, because he followed the ways of God. In an incredible example of humility, Jehoshaphat was willing to admit, in front of the people he was leading, that he didn’t have all the answers. When facing a powerful rival nation, Jehoshaphat prayed a prayer. This week’s memory verse comes from that prayer. Here is this week’s memory verse: Do you ever feel overwhelmed, not knowing what step to take next?

Examples 43

Examples Power 43

Ron Edmondson

MAY 13, 2011

I have traveled a fair amount the last few weeks and I’ve been thankful for the opportunities to speak at various conferences and events. When I’m on the road, I’m more of a people observer than normal. I learn a lot about me by watching others. For example, one night recently I sat at an outdoor concert observing the family in this picture.

Travel 43

Travel Conference Advice Examples 43

Ron Edmondson

MAY 10, 2011

If I had to name one senior person in ministry who has most impacted me from a distance as a believer, it would probably be Chuck Swindoll. I grew in my faith listening to his radio program and reading his books. He was contemporary and applicable in his preaching and not afraid to be innovative in reaching people. I recently read an article in Leadership Journal interviewing Swindoll on his newest book, The Church Awakening.

Budgeting 42

Budgeting Article Books Media 42

Ron Edmondson

MAY 22, 2011

This is a random Sunday afternoon post… I want to encourage us to have a great week this next week… I believe and strive for continual improvement… In my experience, this happens best when we make intentional changes… That’s the point of this post… This next week, I want to encourage…challenge…even dare you to make an intentional change to improve something in your life … I’ll go first… This week, I plan to pray more specifically&

Efficiency 42

Efficiency Planning Innovation 42

Ron Edmondson

MAY 16, 2011

I want to offer a special niche consulting opportunity to church and ministry leaders. Before I share it, please consider these questions: Do you realize the influence you have as a leader and what effect it has on your team or organization? How much would it be worth to know the real health of your organizational culture? What does your team really think about your leadership?

Consultative 41

Consultative Survey Process Team 41

Ron Edmondson

MAY 28, 2011

Last week we started memorizing what’s been called “The Roman Road&#. You can read last’s week’s verse HERE. Here is this week’s continuation and memory verse: I’d love to know that you’re committing to memorize these verses. Leave me a comment and tell me so. Thanks! Related posts: Scripture Memorization, Week 1.

Commitment 41

Commitment 41

Ron Edmondson

MAY 28, 2011

It’s been an incredible few days. Cheryl and I returned tonight from Florida where our oldest son Jeremy married Mary, his high school sweetheart. They are a beautiful couple. The beach wedding was wonderful, they wrote their own vows, and God was glorified (I’ll share more about this later). I performed the ceremony and our youngest son Nate was best man.

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Ron Edmondson

MAY 20, 2011

Some experiences’s just mold your character faster than other experiences… Today, let’s share those experiences with each other. Let’s do that by completing this sentence: Sometime in a person’s life they need to experience _. I’ll share 2 of my answers as examples… Working in retail at Christmas… Having to fund a weekly payroll for other people… What’s your experience you would share?

Retail 40

Retail Examples 40