Whose time is it anyway?

 

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I try, as best as I can to stay organized with “my” time. Being organized and efficient are some of the traits that typically make the “traits of effective leader” list. What I always tell people is, “getting organized isn’t the problem, it’s staying organized that gets,me.” My calendar and my to-do list are important tools. To keep track of my time I use Google Calendar. I can schedule my time from several devices and keep everything synced. I use Google Keep to create reminders and to-do lists.  I write out my to-dos and check them off on a regular basis.  The work ethic I inherited from my parents leads me to make sure I am being productive and getting things done. I try to make every hour count.

I’m not obsessive about it, but when there are interruptions or intrusions to my plan I can feel a little surge of anxiety or even frustration with the person or situation getting me off track. Maybe the source of the discomfort is because I forget that the hours I have in the day aren’t really mine. They are given to me by the one who created time.

This week I had a couple “intrusions”  that gently reminded me that the the creator of time may have some things to add to my day. Early in the week I was hunkered down plowing through my to-do list. One of the crisis counselors at the  agency I am the director of ask for me to help with a person in crisis because all the other staff were tied up. My first thought was, “I don’t have time for this.”  Despite my initial reaction I jumped in to help. I did the crisis intervention, and for about an hour I had the privilege of entering into someone’s valley of the shadow of death. It was a sacred time. This person, in complete trust, shared their deepest pain with me. I found myself feeling blessed by the opportunity to be a listening ear. I realized after the conversation that God had orchestrated this. He wanted me to be an extension of his grace to a suffering soul. This was better than anything on my list for the day.  The second happened as I was leaving the YMCA to get back home after working out. I had planned just enough  time to get in some exercise then get ready for a meeting. On my way out I ran into a friend. I did the quick “Hey how you doing?” Instead of the normal quick “okay” he chose to spend the time to actually share how he was doing. Once again, I felt that twinge of anxiety and my internal dialogue was , “shoot, I don’t have time for this.” I spent about 5 minutes listening and offering support. We parted ways with a smile and a “nice seeing you.” The conversation was not long but it was meaningful. It was enough time to demonstrate to my friend that I cared about him. Once again, a chance to reflect some grace into someone’s life. It was time not blocked out on my schedule but it was a sacred encounter.

So I will start a new work week again Monday.  I have my schedule and my to-do list. I am praying though, that I will be sensitive to God’s plan for what’s ahead and leave room for the creator of time to drop in a few interruptions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glimpses of the Kingdom

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This past week I saw glimpses of God’s Kingdom. What am I talking about you may ask? First of all it  had absolutely nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats. Nothing to do with commerce, tax plans, borders, boundaries, or talent acquisition. The glimpses I saw had to do with quiet, simple acts of kindness and generosity. Some of them happened in places no one was looking. Let me share four examples with you. Example one. Early this week we experienced a major clog in our kitchen double sink drain/disposal. It was my fault. I’d tried to flush down a huge pile of rice noodles. They got hung up in some grease on way down the drain. I plunged, took the under-the-sink PVC apart, plunged again, all to no avail. I called a locally renown appliance repairman. He happens to go to my church. I explained the dilemma to his wife who relayed the information to him. Based on his experience he thought it was a plumbing issue rather than the disposal malfunctioning. He told me to use two plungers. I only had one. He said “I’ll be right over.” He came over and in 10 minutes using boiling water, dish detergent, and bleach had it open. When I went to pay him he replied, “No charge. We love you guys.” Example two. I got an out-of-character text from a friend. He asked to meet me for lunch. I was a little nervous because his request implied something was going on and I wasn’t sure what it was. When we met he shared he had recently been struggling with panic attacks. In the middle of Wendy’s he bore his soul. He talked about his fears and stressors. I was able to encourage him and give him some resources to help cope. I’ll be following up regularly. Example three. For three hours  twice a month on Saturdays, fifteen or so people volunteer to hang out with children are physically handicapped so their parents can have time to recharge. These adults, all who could be doing other things, choose to  walk laps, paint pumpkins, play with sand, eat pizza, and whatever else it takes to help the kids have a great time. Parents return recharged and the children have a  great night with new friends. Example four. This week two Ashlanders relayed to me the account of how, for the past two years, they had  befriended a troubled individual in our town who was marginalized and distanced by others. These two Ashlanders determined, based on the leading of the Creator, to love this person rather than try to change them. They relayed that by doing this, even when it was difficult, they saw the individual slowly soften and begin to be more reflective and loving of others.

There you have it. Four short instances in the span of seven days that are reminders that in spite of all that looks dark out there, God is regularly using everyday people to shine his light. My advice, be on the lookout and choose to participate.

God is at work 

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Despite the tempestuous ramblings, mudslinging, and doomsday forecasting, irregardless of which U.S. candidate wins the presidency, the Church is still the Church. It is alive in this world and at work. It works inside the world  like yeast or like salt. It is not political. It is not government. It is a community of disciples.  It is the love manifested first in Christ,  reaching out, loving others, worshiping God and serving. Bringing his kingdom to earth, one person, one neighborhood, one village at a time. Praise God.

Friends

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Yesterday I had the incredible blessing of getting together with four of my closest childhood friends. It was a  hastily put together reunion because one of the group lives outside of the U.S. and was in visiting. We all drove in to one of our group’s new house out in the countryside. We were only together for a few short hours but what a special time. I came away feeling so uplifted. We shared great stories. We consoled each other. We made fun of each other. We encouraged each other.

I realized I had a bond with these tremendous people that maybe others do not always experience. As my wife and I were driving home I talked about  the overwhelming sense of being blessed that I experienced. I began to reflect on  the role friendship has in our lives. Friendship is a one of the most important healing forces God has given us.

Why would I say that? Here are five reasons.

We laughed together: Whether we were remembering the antics of our junior high basketball coach, flunking chemistry, or the times shared in high school marching band, we laughed the kind of laughs that make you cry and that wash out your insides.

We were genuine with each other: My friends have seen me at my best and my worst. They’ve seen  my ups and downs, success and failures. I do not have to pretend.

We validated each other: No matter who was talking, we took the time to listen and accept what was said. It is not because we all agree about everything but we give each other the right to have an opinion. We accept each other’s lived experience.

We sought to restore each other: We believe the best about each other and we spoke words of encouragement to each other.

We shared God’s blessings with one another: As we were leaving, I commented for the umpteenth time how much I loved my friend’s  new place, especially the spacious backyard. He made sure I knew I was welcome back any time.

So there it is. Five things about my life long set of friends that added some healing to my life this weekend. They are a gift. I pray that God gives you the same blessing…a few good friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treat the organization you lead as sacred.

I have come to the conclusion that in order to lead an organization so that it thrives at accomplishing its mission, a leader must treat it as sacred. I use the word sacred because leaders are the protectors of their organization. They protect the mission. They protect the culture. If it is done with vigilance and perseverance organizations are able to continually adapt to challenges and improve.  If leaders are not vigilant at proactively dealing with internal threats and actively adapting to external threats then an organization slowly collapses.

 Practically this means several things. These things I have leaned the hard way.

1)  Deal with problems whenever they arise.  

 2) Hire managers and supervisors with the greatest scrutiny. The wake left behind by an        emotionally unhealthy leader can be devastating.

3) Celebrate every victory.  Celebration affirms the work your team is accomplishing.

4)Screen out any worker who is unethical, subversive, or not mission driven. 

5) Reward good hard work. Find as many ways as possible to say thanks to those who are making the mission happen.

This list is easier said than done. Often times there are pressures  that compete to be the priority and that make straying from this list more convenient. Stay true. I have learned I am always glad when I do.

 

Community

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I am reflecting on the blessing of living in a town where in a seven day span several hundred people gather to hear the local symphony and choir celebrate our nation’s birthday, dozens of local businesses and hundreds of residents partner with the Rotary Club to put on an amazing fireworks display, a team made up completely of volunteers put on a three day hot air balloon festival, the high school cross country teams have a 5K to raise money and scores of runners from the area participate, 100 Harley riders join forces to raise a couple thousand dollars for the local domestic violence shelter, and area vintage car enthusiasts fill the downtown in an event to demonstrate our town is someplace special. All of this happening with law enforcement and civilians working side by side.

These things are happening at the same time our country is grieving multiple tragedies. I lift up prayers for my fellow Americans and their communities that are experiencing turmoil and strife. May God’s healing, peace, humility, and power of forgiveness prevail.

The joy (and humor) humor of having daughters.

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I have loved being the dad to three wonderful daughters.

For all my father friends out there, I began to think about all of the questions my 18 year old daughter asks me that I have no answer for. Here is a sample from the week leading up to prom:

Krista: “Is this dress too short?”

Me: “I thought it was a shirt.” (I’m guessing that means it’s too short)

Krista: “Do you think all I need to buy is eyeliner?”

Me: Blank stare.

Krista: “Should I wear heals or wedges?”

Me: “There’s a difference?”

Krista: “Should I wear a kimono over this shirt?”

Me: “Isn’t that Japanese?”

Krista: “Does Wal-Mart sell seamless underwear?”

Me: “I didn’t know they made that.”

 Hang in there dads. Smile and enjoy your girls. They grow up way too fast. Be the kind of dad that they feel they can these kinds of questions to.

 

5 skills every executive must have | Behavioral Healthcare Magazine

Photo by: ralphbijker
Photo by: ralphbijker

Donna Marbury hit the nail on the head identifying the traits mental health leaders need to embody during this time of transition. Ohio Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) are going through a period of fundamental change.

In her article she highlights the need for executives to 1) Embrace technology, 2) Encourage program innovation, 3) Be in tune with staff, 4) Understand patient needs, and 5) Have patience.

For Ohio CMHCs, technology is going to be one of the keys to staying relevant. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Ohio Behavioral Health Redesign (BHR) are emphasizing outcomes. Agencies that are stronger  at demonstrating patient improvement will have an edge. Being successful at this means embracing a powerful technology system that makes data easily accessible. Knowing the patients that are  served and how to adapt programming to increase accessibility and help them accomplish their goals will be essential. It also means finding ways to help each patient holistically. The outcomes that the ACA and BHR want to see reflect both physical and mental wellness.

Great clinicians and support personnel make this happen. No director can succeed without excellent staff that works well as a team.    Gary Humble of Pinnacle Partners, who is quoted in the article below says it well, “the infrastructure of the organization—the clinical and administrative pieces—must be in unison.”

There are many articles out there about what it takes to be a leader. If you’re in the behavioral health field, this one is  worth the read.

http://http://www.behavioral.net/article/5-skills-every-executive-must-have