Month: February 2017

Does Leadership Have an Age Limit?

Posted on February 22, 2017 by - Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Latin America, North America, Stories

As the Summit grows around the world, more people are realizing that in order to bring radical change to their communities, they have to start with building up and empowering their youth.

It is becoming evident that there’s no age limit to leadership.

They know that the truth is, young, emerging leaders are coming up behind us, and if we do not prepare them for the future, we are doing a disservice for the next generation.

As a result, we are seeing a surge of youth GLS events popping up all over the world.

In 2017, the youth GLS movement will expand into more than 20 countries.

Here is just a small glimpse of what we saw happen through some of the youth events last year:

Tanzania

“We planned for 550 youth leaders, but on Friday night November 25th, we had 796 youth leaders from over 25 universities and colleges; and 30 volunteers.”

 

 

Mexico

Puebla, Mexico had such a good response with 410 attendees in all. Due to such an incredible turnout, they made the decision to create an additional event so they could meet the demand of youth wanting to learn more about leadership.

 

 

Malawi

“It was great to hear the visions the young people have of building schools, helping orphans, championing girls’ education, advocating for youth on the streets, working with people with disabilities and setting up agro processing industries. The list goes on!”

 

Trinidad and Tobago

There were 212 attendees and 54 made decisions to put their faith in Christ!

“I was reminded that everyone has untapped and limitless potential, waiting to be unlocked. Young leaders were inspired to imagine impossible futures and change the order of things.”

 

Cuba

“For us, it is like a dream to be able to do something like this!”

 

 

 

 

Our goal in 2017 is to have 75 youth GLS sites around the world by August!

The countries on board for 2017 include: Belarus, Burkina Faso, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

 

Are you interested in supporting this movement? Learn more by contacting us at together@willowcreek.com.

 

What Giving a Presentation I Knew Nothing About Taught Me About True Confidence

Posted on February 21, 2017 by - Articles, Leading Yourself, Learning Agility, Resilience

“In fast times, it’s not what you know that matters.”

We’re all familiar with that sinking feeling of being in over our heads or frozen with fear while staring at a monster challenge that seems impossible to conquer.

For me, the horror show began with a seemingly simple request. I was invited to speak at a business forum in Seoul celebrating the inauguration of President-elect Park Geun-hye, Korea’s first female head of state. The conference would be a gathering of Korea’s top business leaders, government dignitaries and some power players in international economics. I was asked to give a presentation on “leadership for the future” based on one of my leadership books that had been recently released in Korean. Having done some research on the management challenges facing Korean businesses, this seemed easy enough. I accepted and booked my flight.

Two weeks before the forum, I began to smell trouble. I received a briefing document outlining the topics and questions I was to address. The list included issues ranging from national economic policy to government’s role in establishing new social structures. I completely panicked when I saw the question about diplomatic and economic relations with North Korea. Surely they had sent me another presenter’s brief by mistake.

The organizers assured me that this was no mistake, but I soon understood how the mix-up came about. The preface I wrote for the Korean edition of my book addressed a few economic issues—raising questions more than providing answers, really. I had simply made a couple of good points and was now being mistaken for an economist. If you’ve ever rattled off a few well-pronounced phrases in a foreign language and had someone mistakenly assume you were fluent, you know the predicament. Not only was I out of my league, I was in an entirely new game.

I had little choice but to scramble up this unexpected and steep learning curve and get smart fast. I spent the week consulting with experts and reading every report I could find on Korean economics and politics. I sorted through mounds of data and analysis until I understood the issues and developed a reasonable set of talking points. By the end of the week, I felt confident, even excited. But, just for good measure, I packed my two favorite suits—the ones that make me feel put-together, powerful and capable of handling the toughest situations.

Upon arriving in Seoul, I received more distressing news. As I unpacked my suitcase, I caught a waft of an unpleasant odor—it was a foul, yet familiar smell. Imagine my horror when I remembered that, while packing, I had left my open suitcase unattended and in the vicinity of my bad cat, the one that thinks every rectangular, plastic object is a litter box.

Now, there’s nothing like smelling like cat pee to rattle one’s confidence.

There was no time for shopping, and no amount of dry cleaning would remove the stain. Calling in sick wasn’t an option, either. I reminded myself of something a former boss told me: “When you play in the big leagues, sometimes you have to play hurt.” So, I washed my dry-clean-only clothes in the hotel sink, and with injured pride, I left to meet with the dignitaries in a state you might call, “dressed to unimpress.”

I delivered my presentation, which was actually fairly good. During the panel discussion, I discovered that after my desperate and diligent preparation, the tough questions weren’t all that tough. And luckily, I wasn’t asked about North Korea. No one brought up the cat pee issue, either (although some might have wondered).

From my reluctant and awkward foray into global economic policy, I learned two things:

First, our true power comes from what’s in our heads, not what we’re wearing. So next time you’re feeling out of your league, look for your strength from within—even when you’re a hot mess on the outside.

Second, big, steep learning curves can be scaled, sometimes rather quickly.

My research has shown that we are often at our very best when we know the least—when we’re newcomers and outsiders. Facing a daunting challenge can propel us into learning mode, where we not only do our best thinking, but also experience a sense of wonder and exhilaration, even a sense of joy.

Rapid learning is especially critical now, because in fast times, it’s not what you know that matters. It’s how fast you can learn.

A Life Well-Lived: 3 Steps to Build Your Legacy

Posted on February 20, 2017 by - Articles, Calling, Leading Yourself

Will your legacy be celebrated for WHAT you do or for WHO you are?

 Will you be remembered for what you accomplished or who you were behind the scenes?

Will others celebrate your life for the grand feats you tackled or for who you were when no one was watching?

How do we truly measure a life well-lived?

 As a leader in her early 20s, I am often asked questions such as:

  • What’s next?
  • What project are you tackling right now?
  • How is your organization growing?
  • Is your platform expanding?

However, very few individuals will look at me, a young millennial, presumably at the beginning of my life, and ask, “How are you building your legacy?”

Known for our “Live in the Moment” mentality, millennials are working harder than ever to craft the perfect storm of busyness, fulfillment and happiness. My generation is nearly obsessed with seeing their accomplishments glamorously promoted in public, celebrated in newspapers and reported on television.

However, my view of legacy was forever transformed by the life of a young friend.

Only six months ago, I put on a black dress and walked through the doors of a church, my surroundings blurred with the tears hanging in my eyes.

It was the day I would say goodbye to a dear friend for the final time on this earth.

As I sat through a service filled with people deeply changed by the brief life of this 25-year old, I was forced to reflect on the beauty and impact of his life.

My friend had never been CEO of a fortune 500 company, or appeared on the front of Time Magazine or won an Olympic medal.

 That wasn’t his legacy. His legacy was much more beautiful.

Don’t get me wrong, my friend was an accomplished young leader with a list of outstanding achievements.

But those achievements did not define his life.

He had naturally poured his life, his time and his passion into something he valued so much more.

 People.

He was crafting his legacy long before cancer invaded his body.

It wasn’t a flashy or glitzy legacy.

It was a humble, honorable, heroic legacy.

As I sat through the service, I heard story after story from people sharing how my friend loved people with a radical love. Laughter and tears mixed over tales of his hilarious humor, his gentle spirit, his quiet strength and his unwavering faith in the midst of unimaginable suffering and pain.

My friend understood his legacy was not so much about what he DID. His legacy was much more about who he WAS.

 His story on this earth is written and complete.

And in his death, his legacy has impacted lives across the globe.

However, your legacy is still being written.

What story will your life tell?

If you are serious about crafting your own legacy, there are three steps you can take today.

  1. Define Your Legacy

What stories will your family and friends share one day? Will they share stories of your business empire, your financial gains and your skyrocketing success? Or will they share stories of selfless leadership, deep relationships and unwavering faith?

No one else can craft your legacy for you.

You cannot outsource this.

Reflect over your life and the priorities you want to center your life around.

  • Select a few stories or moments you desire to be represented in your legacy.
  • Write them down.
  1. Make Time for Your Legacy

It is easy to say we want to be defined by love and relationships.

However, when we’re confronted with the opportunity to choose our families over our colleagues, relationships over competition or service over financial gain, the choice becomes more difficult.

Your legacy will never reflect what you do not have time for.

Crafting your legacy begins with your calendar.  Take a look at your schedule.

  • In what ways are your priorities out of order or inconsistent with the legacy you long for?
  • What items need to be taken out of your schedule?
  • What priorities are missing?
  1. Consider Your Legacy A Priority For Today

If you are a young leader, do not just assume you have the rest of your life to craft your legacy. Your legacy begins now.

It’s never too early.

And it’s not too late.

Begin to recreate your legacy from the inside out today. It is up to you to decide what story you will write with your life and your leadership and what legacy you will be remembered for.

A beautiful legacy is not built accidentally.

It is built through intentionality and consistency.

Begin crafting your own beautiful, compelling narrative and leave a legacy that truly matters.

4 Things Kenyan Leaders Do Because of the GLS

Posted on February 20, 2017 by - Africa, Stories

The GLS in Kenya continues to grow every year, reaching more people who are taking what they learn and applying it to their spheres of influence.

The impact is inspiring!

Thanks to all of you who pray and financially support the GLS in Kenya. You’re inspiring and empowering leaders to transform their spheres of influence.

Because of the GLS, Kenyan leaders take risks, experience personal transformation, build teams, and hear God’s voice.

Take Risks

  • The Summit was amazing. It has not only opened me up to different opportunities I previously saw as impossible or too risky, but it also allowed me to build on my faith by showing me how He works wonders in people. I’m inspired to grow.­—Nickson Otiengi, GLS attendee, Kenya

Experience Personal Transformation

  • There has been a great transformation in my life since attending the GLS over the last couple years. I’ve especially grown in self-confidence and purpose. I believe with the knowledge I’ve gained, I will continue transforming lives. The Summit is for everyone.—Regina Wangare, GLS attendee, Kenya

  • The GLS was life changing. I feel like I have just awakened from living a dead, mediocre life. I need a mentor, an accountability partner and just someone to help me upstream. I am committed to adding value to people. With God, I can do much to fulfill my purpose.—Ann Nyakio, GLS attendee, Kenya

  • The GLS was an amazing empowerment and training ground. I personally realized I still have a lot to work on. I watched all the videos over and over throughout the year. My constant reflection on the lessons of the GLS brought the best and biggest growth in my life. Thank you very much for the sponsorship.—Franka  Aguko, GLS attendee, Kenya

Build Teams

  • The GLS empowered me to empower those I work with at the hospital. I’m constantly sharing tips on building teams and the team is embracing them. I’m excited to share these lessons with more people.—Judy Machuka, GLS attendee, Kenya

Hear God’s Voice

  • This is life changing! I have been to so many international and continental conferences, but God is using GLS to refocus me in business and ministry. He directly spoke to me through Jossy Chacko. God wants me to expand my leadership reach. I was broken by Jossy’s testimony and what he is doing. I leave here not just with information, but tremendously transformed to impact my ministry and business. Thank you for the chance to attend.—Judone Mimosi, GLS attendee, Kenya

 

Thanks again to all of you who pray and financially support the GLS in Kenya!

 

How Smart People Work Less and Get More Done

Posted on February 16, 2017 by - Articles, Leading Yourself, Productivity, Replenishment

Some people have an uncanny ability to get things done. They keep their nights and weekends sacred and still get more done than people who work 10 or 20 hours more per week than they do.

A new study from Stanford shows they are onto something.

The study found that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, and productivity drops off so much after 55 hours that there’s no point in working any more. That’s right, people who work as many as 70 hours (or more) per week actually get the same amount done as people who work 55 hours.

“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”—William Penn

Smart people know the importance of shifting gears on the weekend to relaxing and rejuvenating activities. They use their weekends to create a better week ahead.

This is easier said than done, so here’s some help. The following are things you can do to find balance on the weekend and come into work at 110% on Monday morning.

Disconnect. Disconnecting is the most important weekend strategy, because if you can’t find a way to remove yourself electronically from your work Friday evening through Monday morning, then you’ve never really left work. Making yourself available to your work 24/7 exposes you to a constant barrage of stressors that prevent you from refocusing and recharging. If taking the entire weekend off from handling work e-mails and calls isn’t realistic, try designating specific times on Saturday and Sunday for checking e-mails and responding to voicemails. For example, check your messages on Saturday afternoon while your kids are getting a haircut and on Sunday evenings after dinner. Scheduling short blocks of time will alleviate stress without sacrificing availability.

Minimize chores. Chores have a funny habit of completely taking over your weekends. When this happens, you lose the opportunity to relax and reflect. What’s worse is that a lot of chores feel like work, and if you spend all weekend doing them, you just put in a seven-day workweek. To keep this from happening, you need to schedule your chores like you would anything else during the week, and if you don’t complete them during the allotted time, you move on and finish them the following weekend.

Exercise. No time to exercise during the week? You have 48 hours every weekend to make it happen. Getting your body moving for as little as 10 minutes releases GABA, a soothing neurotransmitter that reduces stress. Exercise is also a great way to come up with new ideas. Innovators and other successful people know that being outdoors often sparks creativity. I know that a lot of my best ideas come to me while I’m surfing. While you’re out in the ocean, the combination of invigorating activity and beautiful scenery creates the perfect environment for an influx of creativity. Whether you’re running, cycling or gardening, exercise leads to endorphin-fueled introspection. The key is to find a physical activity that does this for you and then to make it an important part of your weekend routine.

Reflect. Weekly reflection is a powerful tool for improvement. Use the weekend to contemplate the larger forces that are shaping your industry, your organization and your job. Without the distractions of Monday-to-Friday busy work, you should be able to see things in a whole new light. Use this insight to alter your approach to the coming week, improving the efficiency and efficacy of your work.

Pursue a passion. You might be surprised by what happens when you pursue something you’re passionate about on weekends. Indulging your passions is a great way to escape stress and to open your mind to new ways of thinking. Things like playing music, reading, writing, painting or even playing catch with your kids can help stimulate different modes of thought that can reap huge dividends over the coming week.

Spend quality time with family. Spending quality time with your family on the weekend is essential if you want to recharge and relax. Weekdays are so hectic that the entire week can fly by with little quality family time. Don’t let this bleed into your weekends. Take your kids to the park, take your spouse to his or her favorite restaurant or go visit your parents. You’ll be glad you did.

Schedule micro-adventures. Buy tickets to a concert or play, or get reservations for that cool new hotel that just opened downtown. Instead of running on a treadmill, plan a hike. Try something you haven’t done before or perhaps something you haven’t done in a long time. Studies show that anticipating something good is a significant part of what makes the activity pleasurable. Knowing you have something interesting planned for Saturday will not only be fun come Saturday, but it will significantly improve your mood throughout the week.

Wake up at the same time. It’s tempting to sleep in on the weekend to catch up on your sleep. Though it feels good temporarily, having an inconsistent wake-up time disturbs your circadian rhythm. Your body cycles through an elaborate series of sleep phases in order for you to wake up rested and refreshed. One of these phases involves preparing your mind to be awake and alert, which is why people often wake up just before their alarm clock goes off (the brain is trained and ready). When you sleep past your regular wake-up time on the weekend, you end up feeling groggy and tired. This isn’t just disruptive to your day off, it also makes you less productive on Monday because your brain isn’t ready to wake up at your regular time. If you need to catch up on sleep, just go to bed earlier.

Designate mornings as me time. It can be difficult to get time to yourself on the weekends, especially if you have a family. Finding a way to engage in an activity you’re passionate about first thing in the morning can pay massive dividends in happiness and cleanliness of mind. It’s also a great way to perfect your circadian rhythm by forcing yourself to wake up at the same time you do on weekdays. Your mind achieves peak performance two to four hours after you wake up, so get up early to do something physical, and then sit down and engage in something mental while your mind is at its peak.

Prepare for the upcoming week. The weekend is a great time to spend a few moments planning your upcoming week. As little as 30 minutes of planning can yield significant gains in productivity and reduced stress. The week feels a lot more manageable when you go into it with a plan because all you have to focus on is execution.

Bringing It All Together

What do you do to make your weekends great?