Posted on 3/20/2011 by Dave Travis in the Books Blog Learnings Blog
Today’s post comes from my friend, Joe Calhoon. I recently read his new book, The 1 Hour Plan for Growth and we talked for a bit about it. He said he was developing a special tool just for churches. He has a special offer for you at the end of the post. Enjoy
At 29,029 feet, Mount Everest is the highest achievement to climbers around the world. In 1984, Warren Thompson envisioned a climb with men and women from China, Russia, and the United States. With leadership from Jim Whittaker, the first American to climb Everest, the international team reached the highest place in the world on Earth Day in 1990. They achieved their vision of putting men and women from all three countries on the top of the world and returning them safely. Their mission to bring greater awareness of environmental issues and international understanding was also accomplished.
Likewise, you and your team have a mountain to climb. Your mountain represents your highest aspirations for your organization. The role of effective leadership is to engage people's talents, passion, and energy to climb that mountain.
Unfortunately, according to Gallup research most people are not engaged. Consider these three types of people.
| Percentage of People | Gallup’s Descriptor | Label |
| 28% 54% 18% | Engaged Not Engaged Actively Disengaged | Climbers Campers Quitters |
Climbers are relentless in their ascent. They are constantly learning, growing, adapting to change, and experiencing the abundant life. These individuals are energized by challenges and refuse to be insignificant in their life's work and their relationships.
Campers are often retired climbers. They've lost their edge. They've exchanged their highest hopes and aspirations for the comfort and security of the common life. They put in their time. They're getting by.
Quitters have retired on the job. They're often bitter and depressed. Adversity has shut them down. They resent the climbers. According to Gallup Chief Researcher, Jim Harter, these people destroy their organizations and the people around them.
It has been my privilege to work with more than 500 organizations over the past 25 years – getting people on the same page, accelerating growth, and developing leaders. It is also been my pleasure to visit more than 100 churches. I'm always encouraged to see the diversity in the body of Christ. I often wonder how many people are engaged in the work of the ministry.
Here are seven questions for leaders to more effectively engage the saints in the work of the ministry.
| What mountain are you climbing? | Vision |
| Why are you climbing it? | Mission |
| How will you treat each other along the way? | Values |
| How will you measure progress? | Objectives |
| Where are you now? | Current Realities |
| What work needs to be done? | Strategies |
| Who will do what by when? | Priorities |
It all starts with vision. An effective vision is inspired (by God) and inspiring (to people). Burt Nanus says that the right vision "is an idea so energizing that it in effect jump-starts the future by calling forth the skills, talents, and resources to make it happen."
I love the Farcus cartoon that pictures Moses coming down Mount Sinai with the 10 Commandments. The children of Israel are partying around the golden calf. The caption reads, "Oh no, not another mission statement". Leadership is not always welcome. However, leadership is always required.
Joe Calhoon is a business growth consultant, author, and keynote speaker based in Kansas City, Missouri. He has worked with dozens of churches and non-profits to create High-Trust, High-Performing organizations. His new book is entitled The 1 Hour Plan for Growth.
To learn more about Joe Calhoon, please go to www.JoeCalhoon.com or call 816-285-8144. To receive a complimentary planning template, please email Joe@JoeCalhoon.com.
Thanks for sharing with us Joe.
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