Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 16, 2011

Sure I’m a leader. So this may appear to be a self-serving post. I understand the risk. The fact that I am a leader, however, gives me a certain credibility in speaking on behalf of leaders. There are certain things that every leader needs to hear that fuel his or her passion for leading. This is true regardless of whether or not the leader is considered a “good” leader.

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Self-aware Influence Succession Leadership 74

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 15, 2011

This is a guest post from Jeff Goins. Jeff is a writer, speaker, and blogger. Jeff has also become a friend and I’ve enjoyed the times to hang out with him. He’s a sharp young mind you should get to know. You can find him on Twitter (@jeffgoins) or on Facebook. For a limited time, you can get a copy of his eBook The Writer’s Manifesto for free at his blog.

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Sharpe Micromanagement eBook Learning-by-Doing 73

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 5, 2011

Hezekiah ruled over Judah and was a good and faithful king. Hezekiah often became the target of warring nations. The king of Assyria, which was a much more powerful nation, decided to attempt a take over of Hezekiah’s kingdom. Throughout the stressful time in leadership, Hezekiah consistently used the same battle plan. He went before the Lord in prayer and followed the Lord’s commands.

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Letter Learning-by-Doing Follow-up Stress 72

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 23, 2011

Are you truly thankful? I find at times I am, and at other times, I’m like the rest of God’s children. I can be a grumbler. What would it take to learn the secret of contentment…to be thankful all the time? Here are 7 way to be more thankful: Consider what you could NOT have that you have now – Don’t forget your toothbrush, your socks, and clean drinking water!

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Globalization Content Learning-by-Doing Review 61

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 24, 2011

Introducing…from the men of Culby X … A Christmas Album. It’s free, it’s inspiring, and it’s good. Forgive me, but this is a personal privilege post. My son Nate , a pastoral student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, released his first Christmas album today. This was his brainchild. He recruited the guys on his dorm floor, Culby 10th floor, to help.

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Download Morale Participative Project 60

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 29, 2011

You. want. to. reach. people. for. Christ. That’s all there is to it. Of course, you want more explanation if you’ve questioned it so far. Let me just say this: If you want to reach people, you have to go where people are… Any questions? Related posts: 7 Reasons You Need Social Media as a Christian Leader. Friday Discussion: Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse?

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Media Course 60

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Some of life’s greatest lessons come packaged in a hard personal experience. I’ve learned a few things in life, but truly, the greatest things I know came through mistakes, failures and disappointments. Here are 10 hard to learn life lessons: A “lesson in humility” teaches far more than a “ego boost”… Often…in my experience…what I don’t want to do is the very thing I need to do the most….

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Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 20, 2011

Some things you have to live to fully understand. All my life I’ve heard the phrase, “You’d have to experience it to understand it”. The older I get the more I know that statement to be true about many things. I was reflecting recently about ways I’ve heard that statement used and ways it’s come true in my life. Some of these below I have experienced; some I haven’t.

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Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 14, 2011

I work with a lot of church leaders. One thing I’ve discovered, if they let me get close enough inside their real world, is that many are hurting. They are facing burnout. They are tired. Many are worn down from carrying the stress of everyone else, yet finding few people they can trust with whom to share their burdens. They face the pressure of dysfunctional leadership and the loneliness of being a leader.

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Stress Maturity Definition Leadership 59

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 22, 2011

I’m fairly productive as a person, but the truth is, I get distracted easily and have a hard time staying focussed at times. There are a few things that help me focus. I’ve listed a few here. Here are 7 things that help me focus: Rest – It could be a 10 minute walk or a nap, but taking a break from what I’m doing helps me better focus when I return to the work.

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Motivation System Energy Tips 59

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 3, 2011

Are you feeling the stress of leadership? Are you in the midst of chaotic times? Are there more times of crisis right now than times of celebration? Are you facing decisions which appear bigger than you today? Are you wondering how you should respond? Perhaps we can gain some insight from the life Jesus. Imagine the setting. In the midst of one of the busiest periods in Jesus’ ministry, Jesus received word that John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin…the one who had been preparing the

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Stress Leadership Crisis Tools 59

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Recently my friend Guy Chmieleski asked me to write for his blog Faith on Campus. I wrote under the heading “If I were a college pastor today.” Here is that post adapted for my blog. Living in a college community, I can’t imagine not investing in the next generation intentionally at that college. Austin Peay State University, our local university, is not only the fastest growing university in our state (Go Govs!

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Mentor Blog Stress Operations 58

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 15, 2011

I’m a pastor. I love pastors and one of my favorite things to do is help pastors be better pastors. If I can find a tool that will make life easier or more efficient then I want to share it. I’m not a techie. In fact, I have a Mac, an iPad and an iPhone, but someone is always having to help me use them. That’s why I wrote Evernote for Pastors!

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eBook Price Download Tools 57

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 19, 2011

Cheryl, You may have noticed, I’ve written quite a bit recently on mid-life. You may recall, for example, that I wrote recently 10 Thoughts on Mid-Life I’m Learning (I’m trusting you still read my blog ). As I’ve been so intentional about this phase of our life, moving downtown, exploring writing and speaking opportunities, etc…some may question if this is a mid-life crisis of sorts…though tame it may be.

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Letter Crisis Commitment Reference 57

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 2, 2011

This is a guest post by Ally Spotts. I love hearing from the next generation of leaders. Ally Spotts is a 20-something writer & blogger who believes that what feels like a crisis is almost always an opportunity to step out in faith and do something courageous. To read what she has to say about all things life & dating follow her on Twitter or be her friend on Facebook.

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Short-term Long-term Leadership Energy 54

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Leadership is full of decisions…. Some decisions become routine…. Others are difficult to make…. Recently I asked online: What’s the hardest decision you have to make as a leader?” Here are some responses I received: Dealing with lower performing team members in a high expectation culture. Being told you have to eliminate _ number of people from your team.

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Efficiency Cost Team Organization 54

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 11, 2011

I’m looking for some new blogs to follow. I may or may not know you have one. Today, I’m giving you permission to brag on yourself. Gotta blog? Let me hear from you. Comment on this post and give me your blog link. I’ll check it out (and so will many of my readers. (For even more exposure, retweet or share this post on Facebook.). Let’s find some great new blogs!

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Blog Survey 54

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 29, 2011

This is a guest post from online friend and pastor Nathan Rouse. Nathan is Lead Pastor at Raleigh Christian Community , in Raleigh, North Carolina. Check out these thoughts from Nathan: With those I lead, my words carry a lot of weight. With these weighty words I’ve blown it and crushed people and on other occasions by God’s grace I’ve brought healing.

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Leadership 53

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 27, 2011

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38 NIV. I have been told that the stern is the strongest part of the boat. The Creator of the universe was asleep there. The One who made the waters and was there when the waters were parted; who led Moses as Moses led the people through on dry ground had His head on a cushion.

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Course 53

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 20, 2011

The more dependent you on achieving other people’s approval…. The less willing you’ll be to follow God’s will at any cost…. “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4. Related posts: Strong Words For Preachers (and others).

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Tips Cost Leadership 52

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 17, 2011

…can often be the best day for the organization! Leaders are called to make difficult decisions. Leaders are often forced to be unpopular for a season. Leaders can’t make everyone happy and be successful. Leaders are sometimes forced into a lonely position. Leaders make decisions others can’t or won’t make. Leaders take people places they may not even think they need or want to go.

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Positioning Leadership Organization Succession 51

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 1, 2011

I’m what many would say “middle-aged”… Of course, mid-life is a relative term, and based on average ages of life-expectancy, I’m past that point, but where I am is in between raising my family and becoming a grandparent. I’m concentrating on the next half of my career. I’m “mid-life” I previously wrote 10 Benefits of Being Middle-Aged.

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Learning-by-Doing Career Course Planning 51

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 12, 2011

I love a good leadership principle learned from observing Jesus. There’s a story in Matthew 14:22-33. Perhaps you’ve read it, but in case you haven’t, let me summarize. After a long day of teaching, Jesus made His disciples get into a boat at night and head out to sea. After a few hours had passed, Jesus came to them walking on water.

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Leadership Stress Leadership Development Team 50

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 26, 2011

Dream. Far reaching, seemingly impossible, worthwhile, dependent on faith and huge personal risk, with no guarantee of success. Goals. Defined aspects of realizing the dream. Attainable, stretching and measurable. Plans. Action steps written to systematically complete goals. Assigned, scheduled and accountable. It won’t be easy, there may be moments of despair, disappointments and setbacks along the way…you’ll need to learn prayer and patience like never before…but someti

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Goal Planning Succession Innovation 49

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

As a blogger, there are some posts I love more than others. There are other posts that get more traffic than others, often to my surprise. I assumed this is true of some of my blogging friends also, so I decided to ask them. I emailed some of the bloggers I read most frequently and asked them to send me a post that met one of the following criteria: Their favorite post.

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Blog Follow-up Influence Power 47

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 8, 2011

People oppose you! “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door of effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” 1 Corinthians 16:8-9. Few people worry about the people doing nothing. Have you noticed the more you do for good the more opposition you receive? . Related posts: An Encouragement to Stay Faithful to God’s Call.

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How To Leadership 46

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 28, 2011

If you follow this blog regularly, then you know I have a goal to help leaders, especially church leaders, be more effective in their work. That’s why I asked for a guest blog post from my friend Jesse Phillips , former Web Content Manager for Catalyst. Jesse is now full time dream follower and creator of the Seize the Year calendar. Here is a guest post from Jesse Phillips: Seize the Year is a stylish and innovative calendar designed to help you suck the marrow out of 2012.

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Efficiency Planning Follow-up Goal 46

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 17, 2011

This is a guest post from my good friend Jenni Catron. Jenni is Executive Director of the fast-growing, energetic Cross Point Church in Nashville. I consider Jenni a partner in ministry, because I’ve learned so much from what she and the Cross Point team does and we’ve collaborated together several times. Jenni is influential in any leadership circle, but is especially being used of God to mentor female leadership.

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Learning-by-Doing Follow-up Mentor Blog 46

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Satan often tempts most those with the greatest capacity to give God glory! Example: Jesus. If you’ve been given influence and opportunity… Be on your guard. Have you been tempted recently? . Related posts: 12 Random Things I Learned from My Time with Rick Warren. The Temptation to Fabricate or Exaggerate Numbers. 15 Important Life Lessons I’ve Learned (Add Yours).

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Influence Examples 45

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 24, 2011

It’s always interesting to compare Thanksgiving practices with others. I thought it might be fun to hear some differences in how we celebrate. Take a couple minutes to answer these questions in the comments. Which of these is most like your story: Travel or stay at home? Traditional celebration or always something new? Turkey, ham or other? Your house or another?

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Survey Books Travel Review 45

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 25, 2011

This is a guest post by Dr. Paul White is a business consultant and psychologist, and is the coauthor of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace with Dr. Gary Chapman. For more information, go to www.appreciationatwork.com. Here is Dr. White’s guest post: How to Reduce Holiday Stress for Your Ministry Team. “The Christmas Rush” is something everyone experiences at some degree during the holidays, but it takes on a whole new meaning for church leaders and volunteers.

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Stress Team How To Consultative 44

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 6, 2011

If you are ever doubting how much God loves you…or if He even does… Take a look at the Cross… But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8. Related posts: How Can I Be Sure I’m Saved? Who Do You Love? Experiencing God’s Unconditional Love.

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Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 5, 2011

It’s another Saturday night prayer chain. It’s simple: You share a prayer request. Others pray. It can be personal, for someone else, for a nation, as a praise to God… You comment and we pray! You can pray with us too! Will you join us in prayer? Related posts: Saturday Night Prayer Chain 2, Let’s Pray for One Another. Saturday Night Prayer Chain: Let’s Pray for One Another.

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Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 27, 2011

Cheryl and I went on our first cruise recently. It was the Giving Rocket cruise with my good friend Casey Graham. We went because we love Casey, we needed a break and we always wanted to try a cruise. It was a Royal Caribbean cruise and sailed to the Bahamas and a private island. I’ve heard people say they could never try a cruise. Some of the same people say they would never try a bed & breakfast.

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Price Motivation Cost Productivity 38

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 26, 2011

It’s hard to believe we are closing in on a year of Scripture memorization. Thank you for those faithful few who have stuck with this all year. I thought this verse was appropriate for the week and the season. Here is this week’s memory verse: Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song. Psalm 95:2.

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Video 36

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 19, 2011

I like a memory verse to be something I can cling to when difficult days come. I think that’s why the Psalmist said he had “hidden thy word in my heart.” When trouble or temptation or trials come, the Word of God is a strong tower. Here is this week’s memory verse: Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Video 36

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 23, 2011

Are you worried? Having doubts? Do you need some encouragement to trust again? The Trust of a Widow from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo. Related posts: Pastor Fred Winter’s Widow Shares Her Testimony (Faith Example). The Believer’s Response to Grief. Necessary Roughness: Communication.

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Examples 35