Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

Cheryl and I were in a grocery store out of town some time ago. We turned the corner from one aisle into a main aisle and instantly saw a gentleman slip and fall. He wasn’t injured – or at least he said he wasn’t – but it shook him up quite a bit before he scrambled to his feet. We then noticed he had slipped on something liquid on the floor.

Edmondson 64

Edmondson Retail Learning-by-Doing Blog 64

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 21, 2016

These will work every time! Do you want to grow as a leader? Do you want to keep growing? One reason I write this blog is I want to help others grow. At the same time, I have to keep growing as a leader. The people who look to me for leadership need me to continually strive to improve. So, how do we keep growing? Here are 7 ways I guarantee you will grow as a leader: Desire growth.

Learning-by-Doing 63

Learning-by-Doing Maturity Edmondson Conference 63

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 27, 2016

I’ve seen it so many times. A leader could be doing everything else right and one flawed mindset can overshadow – jeopardize all the good leadership principles we know. One constantly repeated action. One trait. One habit. One mindset. And, sadly, many times it’s not even the person isn’t a good leader – it’s one mindset gets them off track.

Leadership 63

Leadership Long-term Absenteeism Maturity 63

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

Which will last a lifetime Most parents want to develop a close, lasting bond with their children which goes beyond the years a child lives in the home. Having a relationship with children which transcends time begins early in a child’s life as the heart of the child bonds with the heart of the parent. I’m happy to say my boys are grown, but they are two of my best friends.

Tips 63

Tips Bond Stress Maturity 63

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 1, 2016

I frequently receive questions from churches who want to welcome a new pastor and do it well. I’ve written extensively about some of my own transitions. I assume people think I might have advice to give a congregation for how to best help the pastor and pastor’s family feel welcome and acclimate. And, the fact is I do have some thoughts.

Learning-by-Doing 63

Learning-by-Doing Stress Edmondson Advice 63

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 13, 2016

Dear Lord, Please help him to learn and manage healthy balance – between work, family, and play. Allow him to know his full potential and how much his family believes in him. Give him confidence in his God-given abilities. Soften his heart to appreciate and enjoy the things which please you most. Remove guilt from his life and let him rest in the sufficiency of your grace extended to him.

Edmondson 63

Edmondson Management 63

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

I deal with people who feel like failures. Everyday. It could be because of relationships gone bad. Business setbacks. A personal life – which was private – but is not anymore, because of intentional bad decisions or circumstances out of the person’s control. And there are so many other examples I could share – but, the person feels like a failure.

Learning-by-Doing 63

Learning-by-Doing Edmondson Examples Succession 63

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 12, 2016

Over the years I’ve walked with dozens of people through the stages of grief. Grieving is mostly associated with loss – it could be the loss of a job, a relationship, or even a life. Whenever we lose something we value we grieve. It’s natural, healthy, and expected. I have learned no two people grieve exactly the same way. For me, for example, I’m often a delayed griever.

Comparison 62

Comparison Long-term Edmondson Learning-by-Doing 62

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

I am often asked how to know if the plans we make are God’s will for our life. I’m not referring to which cereal to have for breakfast. For the most part I think God would simply say choose your favorite (and, like a good parent, try to steer you to a healthier option). I’m talking about those life-altering decisions, such as career choice, relationships, or decisions requiring huge steps of faith.

Edmondson 62

Edmondson Planning Reference Career 62

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 15, 2016

The way you begin your day often determines the quality of the day. For this reason, throughout my adult Christian life, I’ve tried to spend some time focused on the God I love and trust. It truly does make a difference. I often encounter people, however, who want to begin a daily quiet time, but they aren’t sure how. They’ve perhaps tried before, but it didn’t last.

Objective 62

Objective Goal Edmondson Travel 62

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 31, 2016

I spent my first few years of ministry as a bi-vocational pastor. For those who may not know the term, I sought other work to supplement my income I received as a pastor. I still have a heart for those who hold down two jobs – sometimes both of them approaching full-time. Additionally, I think more pastors are going to have to consider bi-vocational ministry in the years ahead as economies change and the level of committed givers in the local church.

Long-term 62

Long-term Edmondson Learning-by-Doing Commitment 62

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

There are two things all good leaders do for their team. These are vital if you want to lead a healthy team. First. They help their team say yes. Good leaders give their team the freedom to dream. They empower the team to take their ministry in new directions. They make sure they aren’t so distracted with mindless and burdensome tasks they can’t pursue the things which spark their interest.

Team 62

Team Edmondson Leadership 62

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 3, 2016

Leadership advice from airline safety If you’ve spent any time flying commercially, you’ve most likely memorized the flight attendants instructions prior to take off. Perhaps this will sound familiar: Oxygen and the air pressure are always being monitored. In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you.

Airlines 78

Airlines Travel Edmondson Advice 78

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 25, 2016

And other scary times of life. Can we just admit this has not been our favorite presedential election season? I’ll admit. I’m one who tends to see the more positive in every scenario and it’s honestly difficult to do this time. A man with a young children asked me recently how should he and his wife parent their family during this season.

Politics 62

Politics Edmondson Energy Course 62

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 7, 2016

Answer to a reader's email. After a post about people-pleasing, I received the following email: Ron, Have just finished your blog post “ 7 Casualties of a People Pleaser in Leadership “ I recognize I am a People Pleaser Pastor. How do I turn the tide on this? How do I stop? I am seeing tension mounting on the team. There is frustration on our staff and it is even spilling over to our spouses, and my vision has hit a brick wall.

How To 62

How To Edmondson Commitment Follow-up 62

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 16, 2016

Or When Your Brain Can Only Think Routine I’m an idea guy. No on has ever accused me of not having an original thought. Most of the time the opposite is more accurate. The teams I lead usually fight overload with the number of ideas I produce. I have to discipline myself to “unthink” and give teams I lead permission to tell me when something is a bad idea.

Creativity 62

Creativity Library Edmondson Process 62

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

I have been involved in church planting for most of my ministry career – whether as a planter or as a supporter of planting. I love the process of planting. I love the energy and the enthusiasm a new church brings to a community. Having planted two churches, I’ve learned a few things. Some of the things I’ve learned are things I wouldn’t do again if were were planting another church.

Learning-by-Doing 62

Learning-by-Doing Edmondson Resistance Process 62

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 24, 2016

Have you ever made a bad decision in leadership? Of course, we all have. It is actually part of the way we grow as leaders. I’ve made many bad decisions in my leadership. Thankfully, the longer I lead, the more I have developed some warning signs I’m about to make another. There are certain clues which help me pinpoint a potential bad move – even before I pull the trigger of decision.

Leadership 61

Leadership Consensus Self-aware Edmondson 61

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

What Now? Pastor burnout is a common problem in the church today. I hear from pastors on a regular basis facing the stress of ministry. Here’s a common scenario, which can cause burnout to happen. These may be some of the more common ones I hear. Perhaps this is your story. The church gets to a certain level. Things start to slow down. The church stops growing.

Stress 62

Stress Edmondson Learning-by-Doing Resources 62

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

I speak frequently to pastors and ministry leaders – and some business groups – about leading healthy change. Every time I mention one thing any leader attempting change needs to understand – the emotions of change. You cannot lead successfully if you do not understand every change has an emotion. Plus, if you don’t emphathise with those emotions – and, I’m not trying to sound dramatic here – you are either being cruel or ignorant as a leader.

How To 61

How To Edmondson Objective Commitment 61

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 23, 2016

Want a guaranteed better Thanksgiving? Perhaps even the best Thanksgiving ever? I actually believe Thanksgiving may be one of the most “Christian” holidays we can celebrate. As believers, we are to give thanks always – in every situation. And, we have reason to be thankful. Our God is on His throne – JESUS IS ALIVE – and we are loved with an everlasting love.

Edmondson 61

Edmondson Learning-by-Doing Content Examples 61

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

Reflections for parents of young children. It seems like only yesterday our boys were living in the home at 9 Canterbury. The house was full. The house was loud. (What does “inside voices” even mean to an 8 year old boy?). Balls were constantly flying through the air. (A lamp or two may have lost its life during these days.). The floor was used as a wrestling ring.

Edmondson 61

Edmondson Project Planning Motivation 61

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 22, 2016

Healthy marriages are built on communication. Almost without exception – if you improve communication you improve the marriage. A couple with poor communication will have a difficult time building a successful marriage. By the way, every marriage could stand to improve in this area. Here are 7 tips for better communication in marriage: Be a good listener.

Tips 61

Tips Edmondson Definition Learning-by-Doing 61

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 26, 2016

Pastors need to know these. One of the hardest parts of leading for me has been the things I’ve had to learn or do which may have been contrary to the way I would have naturally done them – or wanted to do them. For example, I like to be in control of my surroundings. I don’t like the feeling of being out of control. (Strength Finders says control is a “strength” of mine.

Learning-by-Doing 61

Learning-by-Doing Micromanagement Edmondson Uncertainty 61

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 2, 2016

I’m convinced. After years mentoring younger leaders, there is something all of us leaders with more experience need to know. Every young leader shares some common fears. Granted, I’ve mostly worked with young male leaders (and I am the parent of boys), but I suspect these fears aren’t gender exclusive. And, they aren’t talked about much – or even admitted.

Sharpe 60

Sharpe Edmondson Mentor Follow-up 60

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 28, 2016

I hope you learn from my error. One of our boys has always been such a deep thinker. When he was 3 years old, watching a movie with him was a chore, because he would analyze every aspect of the plot. We would try to explain to him it was only a cartoon, without a ton of hidden meanings, but it was never enough. Even today he’s the analyzer of life.

Edmondson 60

Edmondson Resistance Follow-up Definition 60

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 10, 2016

I believe there is a fourth “C” to finding good team members. Unfortunately, I had to discover it the hard way. You’ve possibly heard of the 3 C’s of finding the best team members. I think Bill Hybels is often credited with them. Chemistry. Competence. Character. Bill Hybels appears to be a genius leader. I agree with all of them.

Team 60

Team Edmondson Quality Course 60

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 15, 2016

And you should learn. The best principles we learn in life, apart from revelation in God’s Word, comes from life experience. Experience is a great teacher. Here are some of my favorites. Granted, these are random. Let me be clear, I’m not saying I live by these always, just that I’ve lived long enough to know they are true. Here are 15 lessons I have learned from life: Above all else guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.

Rogers 60

Rogers Learning-by-Doing Edmondson Sports 60

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 12, 2016

Which actually get read. Can I be candid with you? I don’t read every email I receive. I’m not even talking about forwards of cute stories that get massed emailed. I almost never read those. I’m talking about informational emails. The emails which have information in them I probably need. I don’t often absorb all of it. I know.

Information 59

Information Tips Open-book Bottom-up 59

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 7, 2016

I always advise young leaders, if they can, to sit under a seasoned leader for a while, learning all they can, before they venture out on their own. I realize that’s not always the advice a young, ready-to-go leader type wants to hear – and I get it, since I was one of those younger leaders. And, we learn mostly by failure, so there is something to be said for jumping out on your own, getting both feet wet (to use another cliche metaphor), and starting something new.

Positioning 74

Positioning Micromanagement Advice Loyalty 74

Ron Edmondson

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

Especially when people are involved. You’ve heard silence is golden – and it’s true. One of my favorite verses is Ecclesiastes 5:2. “God is in heaven and you are on earth. Let your words be few.” James tells us to guard the tongue. I often get in less trouble when I talk less. And, maybe this is exactly the encouragement you need from this post.

Edmondson 59

Edmondson Morale Information Project 59

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 11, 2016

A Key to Leading Organizational Change There was a saying when I was growing up an older generation used often – I don’t hear it as much anymore. “Don’t forget where you came from.” And, if you were one of my relatives – talking to me – you might have said it with emphasis. “Don’t forget where you came from – boy!

Edmondson 59

Edmondson Environment Energy Leadership 59

Ron Edmondson

OCTOBER 19, 2016

How do you know when God is closing one door in ministry and opening another? I get this question a lot and have previously addressed it, but recently I have received it more frequently so I decided to update this post. Several times in my ministry, first as a layperson and since then in vocational ministry, God has called me to leave one ministry and begin another.

Edmondson 59

Edmondson Process Review Succession 59

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 30, 2016

There is a fine line of when to jump into the leading position. I work with lots of young leaders. And, they ask the question a lot of whether I think they are ready to be in a lead position. And, I want to be helpful. Don’t misunderstand – most of these people are leaders now – they are usually leading some area of ministry, but they aren’t in the “leading position” They aren’t yet the senior leader – but they believe they want to be someday.

Positioning 59

Positioning Edmondson Advice Process 59

Ron Edmondson

DECEMBER 10, 2016

All marriages go through periods where things just aren’t as they should be. It’s a natural occurrence in any relationship involving people. (I suppose this would include most marriages). The stress and pace of life causes tension in the best marriages. Even good marriages suffer at times. Cheryl and I have had several of those times, usually due to external pressures we did not cause or invite.

Stress 59

Stress Commitment Maturity Edmondson 59

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 10, 2016

A very successful business mentor of mine once gave me a vital tip about a necessary meeting all leaders should consider. Unfortunately, I have had to use his advice several times. You don’t ever want to have this meeting. You certainly don’t want to have it very often. But, having this meeting could avoid you having other even harder meetings than this one.

Edmondson 73

Edmondson Mentor Advice Energy 73

Ron Edmondson

NOVEMBER 8, 2016

Previously I wrote a post on how to create environments which attract and retain first chair leaders in a second chair position. Read that post HERE. The post was well received, but as expected, I received numerous questions after the post. The most common had to do with how to spot a first chair leader – or when a second chair leader should consider being a first chair.

Learning-by-Doing 73

Learning-by-Doing Maturity Positioning Edmondson 73