Archive for 2012
A Saved Turkey is Still a Turkey
When people have a dramatic salvation experience and step into the Christian faith, we often expect an immediate, corresponding dramatic change in behavior. After all, according to scripture, they’re “new creatures” right? But time after time, we don’t see that immediate change, and as a result, get frustrated and often just give up on them – or worse, Read the full article »
Is Your Office Inspiring?
You spend at least a third of your life there. You’re there for most waking hours. It’s where you work most closely with other people. And yet, it looks plain, uninspiring, and probably outright depressing. Your surroundings have more of an impact on your creativity and productivity than you may think. That’s why you need to be more intentional about your Read the full article »
Uncreative People Can Be Extremists
First of all, I believe all people are capable of being creative. Don’t believe me? Just check out a kindergarten class. Who’s not creative in that bunch? We’re all born creative, but somewhere along the line, some people choose to follow a different path. Which is why I believe you’re either a person who doesn’t realize how creative you could be, or a person who chooses to be uncreative. And in some cases, some choose to be Read the full article »
Great Ideas Don’t Happen Without Controversy
Trust me on this – in the vast majority of cases, the minute you come up with a great idea, someone will try to shoot it down. Maybe it’s a “devil’s advocate” who tries to look like a hero for punching holes in your concept. Or maybe it’s just a jerk who realizes that the only way to get noticed is to criticize someone else’s idea. Either way – if your idea is really good, it will Read the full article »
Stop Listening to the “Devil’s Advocate”
In every creative or leadership meeting there’s a “devil’s advocate.” No matter how great your idea, there’s always someone who pops in with “Let me just play the devil’s advocate for a minute…” And then proceeds to trash your concept. This will be a short blog, because here’s your answer: Read the full article »
What’s The Future of Television for Sharing the Christian Message?
Recently I was interviewed by Charisma magazine on the relevance of using television as a tool for sharing the Christian message. In a world where most churches, ministries, and nonprofits are moving to the Internet, why think about TV anymore? I thought you might be interested in my answers. Let me know what you think: Read the full article »
Stop Blaming Everyone Else. Your Future is In Your Hands
I worry that we live in a culture today where growing numbers of people look outside themselves for success. And when they fail, it’s always someone else’s fault. But the government, your parents, your education, and your job aren’t the key to your success – you are. Whenever I feel my dreams losing steam, I always think of Booker T. Washington. Born a slave in 1858, his childhood years were anything but pleasant. The family’s farm cabin had no glass windows, and any opening to let in light also let in the freezing wind in the winter. The floor of the cabin was dirt. The life of slave was Read the full article »
Why So Many Movies Fail
There is no end to the opinions of why most movies – particularly “Christian” genre movies – fail at the box office. Some cite the lack of quality, others, the over-emphasis on the message, others, ignorance of storytelling, and more. But this post from Larry Poland, Founder of MasterMedia International is a much more comprehensive view. After spending decades in Hollywood, working with professionals at the highest levels of the industry, Larry has noted the top reasons he believes so many well meaning filmmakers miss the mark. Look over this list and let me know your thoughts:
Want to Know About an Organization? Ask The Janitor
When I visit a client organization, they often send someone to pick me up at the airport. It might be a full time driver, someone’s assistant, or a janitor. But I’ve discovered that I can find out more about the organization from that person than anyone else I meet during the visit. They have the least to lose, and are the most free to share what they know. Likewise, when I have an appointment with a leader, I’ll often show up Read the full article »
