It is 5:11am and I am on my way to the airport again. I have been crying all the way. I miss my family more than I can express with words. It is not just that I feel the present absence, but I also feel the future absence. My children are growing up. Age is laying its claim on my life, and that of my wife. Sometimes the horrific truth about my finitude breaks through. It is almost more than one can bear. Still, I realize all the more that it is in the midst of pain, I feel most alive. Life is meant to be lived within the current of my passions.
April 4, 2011
The Difficulty of Grasping the Concept of Non-Existence
Observations/Reflections: On the Difficulty of Grasping the Concept of Non-Existence
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 4/04/2011
Written: 3/15/2011
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Is death a form of existence? If the opposite of existence is non-existence, then the opposite of to exist is not to exist. Even for the scientist who does not believe in the afterlife, there is a belief in matter. A person, who dies, does not cease to exist. At the very least, their corpse simply changes its form. So, whether in life or death, we exist (though perhaps not consciously).
I don’t think it is possible to conceive of non-existence. Every aspect of the thinking process engages contradiction. I question at what point birth becomes existence. There is something here that I cannot fathom. Does birth (in the early stages of the womb), itself, produce existence? I cannot think so. Existence precedes birth. I don’t think I can marshal an argument for this point, yet. So I only hold the proposition tentatively. But one point, at least, seems clear: The greatest miracle is not resurrection, it is coming into being.
March 24, 2011
Honesty as a Missing Element in the Construct of Faith
Observations/Reflections: On Honesty as a Missing Element in the Construct of Faith
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 3/24/2011
Written: 2/20/2011
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Sometimes I envision a construct of faith which involves totality, a unity of the parts. This concept unites one’s intellectual, spiritual, and physical components. While all three terms are inadequate and even artificial, they serve as an approximation for my point.
A true faith response is inseparable from action. This is a point that is touched upon by other thinkers, but the essential component of honesty that response has often been missed or under-emphasized. Without responding to the truest part of one’s knowing, the rest of the process is impaired. I don’t think faith can be understood without a deeper understanding of honesty. Honesty is “hearing”.
March 1, 2011
My Inability to Live with Certain Assumptions and Complete My Writing Project
Observations/Reflections: On My Inability to Live with Certain Assumptions and Complete My Writing Project
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 3/01/2011
Written: 4/17/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I realize now that I am in full crisis mode. It is impossible, or at least it seems impossible for me to complete my book. This is not writer’s block. This is not just a season of difficulty. It is the simple fact that my current work is built on a set of assumptions that I cannot fully embrace. In the past, I have survived by working with a provisional set of assumptions. But I cannot engage in this piece without resolving the greater difficulties in my soul. I have spent twelve months in severe pain. I don’t think I can write my way through this condition. What shall I do?
February 24, 2011
On Inference to the Best Explanation as the Ultimate Theological Standard
Observations/Reflections: On Inference to the Best Explanation as the Ultimate Theological StandardStatus: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 2/22/2011
Written: 3/03/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Bibliography: Peacocke, Arthur. (2001). Paths from science towards god: the end of all our exploring. Oneworld Publications: New York.
I applaud the work of scientists like Arthur Peacocke, who are attempting to reconcile their faith with their profession (pardon the pun). Peacocke argues for an approach to theology that rest upon IBE (inference to the best explanation), sometimes referred to as abduction (Here I resist the pun). My concern is that the notion of subjecting theology to the IBE criterion defines the rational grounds for which Peacocke bases his plea for the IBE method. He offers a five point criteria: (1) comprehensiveness, (2) fruitfulness, (3) general potency, (4) internal coherence, and (5) elegance. While these are worthy characteristics, their use as THE criterion implies a misunderstanding of the unique thought category occupied by the principle subject of theology (the ultimate) — It would be hard to fit the paradox of the incarnation into a model justified by IBE. And even if one could, the problems with this criterion only proliferate.
Indeed, the very nature of the IBE criterion perpetuates a misunderstanding of ultimate authority. Ultimate authority is the ultimate criterion and thus cannot be subjected to another without being supplanted by the same. If we subject God to reason, then it is reason which becomes our God. Peacocke argues that using IBE makes using our theology more persuasive, but theology cannot be formed on the basis of its appeal. Consensus does not equal causation.
February 22, 2011
My Work with the XEL-Defense Team
Observations/Reflections: On My Work with the XEL-Defense Team
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 2/22/2011
Written: 3/02/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Thus far, I have kept all of my observations regarding my work in XEL-Defense separate. I have posted nothing on the blog, and I’m not certain what I should do at this point. I’m still building a body of research in this area, and I am questioning what to do as I move forward. I think the multifarious work reflects an opportunity for synthesis. This synthesis connects to my understanding of worshipping with the whole being. I want to be careful that specialization does not warp my soul.
We live in a day when over specialization brings achievement, and thus honor. But I question such honor. The businessman who builds a mighty enterprise, but who discourages family in the process, is in error. We vaunt him for his work in business, and we quietly ignore his failure as a husband and father. I don’t want to be harsh on this person. I am in error in many areas. I do however; want to consider the effectiveness of the whole person. It is only in this way that we can measure the success of his business activities. I realize that this observation implies a two edged sword. I realize that when we judge any man by the whole of his life, especially me, there will be great disappointment. Nevertheless, I think that the compartmentalization of expertise keeps us from truly judging the effectiveness of a person. A man who is capable in business, and at the same time is establishing work life balance, may serve as a better model. His achievements may be less extreme on the surface, but in aggregate, they are more formidable.
February 16, 2011
Balanced Focus
Observations/Reflections: On Balanced Focus
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 2/16/2011
Written: 1/30/2011
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I have observed that men who do exploits are sometimes unreasonably focused. They are so focused that they often neglect many other vital areas in their lives. The word balance is important, but it can serve to undermine such intensity. What is the right approach? After reflection, it seems as though the best approach can be described in a paradoxical term; a balanced focus. One must balance focus with balance. This double layered truth supports itself by its own construct. A balanced focus is that focus which is intense as possible while still maintaining the other essentials. One must focus, then, on a balanced focus.
February 10, 2011
On Balancing My Concentration
Observations/Reflections: On Balancing My Concentration
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 2/10/2011
Written: 3/02/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
As I drive, I often dictate. I have my phone mounted on the windshield so I can keep my eyes on the road. This requires an audio operation, so that my hands remain free. Still, I must learn to balance the amount of energy vested in my road concentration, and my observation. I don’t want to be foolish. At the same time, I need to maximize the time I have on the road. I often have a driver, but lately I have tried to do most of this work on short trips. When I am not driving, I am listening to my research content, as it is in audio form. I think the point of this observation is that I need to learn, always to balance my attention. It is more than a matter of my driving. It has to do with my actions of everyday life.
I need to be careful that when my son is talking to me, he is not getting an 80/20 split in favor of my thought process. I need to be careful that when my wife calls, I disengage completely and give her 100% of my attention. I need to be careful that when I come home from work, I leave work behind. In all of these ways, I need to figure out my attention priorities and order them properly to achieve maximum productivity.
February 8, 2011
Dialogue and Meaningful Discovery
Observations/Reflections: On Dialogue and Meaningful Discovery
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 2/08/2011
Written: 12/21/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
It seems important to understand the nuance between definition and argument. Too often we argue over definition. It seems better to explain definition and then employ those definitions to argue one’s position. In most cases there is no absolute authority to select one definition over another. This is particularly true of abstract concepts. For example, your definition of theology may not match mine. I suppose I can argue with you about my definition attempting to prove that it is better than yours, but that can digress into a futility of semantic shuffling. What is more important is to be certain that we understand each other’s definition, that we find mutually acceptable terms in order to further the dialogue, and that from there we argue towards meaningful discovery.
January 25, 2011
Withdrawing from My Core Ministry Activities
Observations/Reflections: On Withdrawing from My Core Ministry Activities
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 1/25/2011
Written: 10/2/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
For some time I have been withdrawing from my core ministry activities. I believe this was the right thing to do. I sensed it in my spirit and I also believed it was the right thing to do. I am no longer qualified. Because of this intense sacrifice I am able to see a bit clearer. It enables me to focus. Still, I feel the pain of the withdrawal. I cannot engage in such activities until I am safe. I am most certainly not safe.
January 21, 2011
Convergence and Spiritual Health
Observations/Reflections: On Convergence and Spiritual Health
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 1/21/2011
Written: 8/25/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Elsewhere I have written about the principle of unity. I have also written about convergence. I want to suggest that health in the fullest sense is often identified with convergence. That is a unity or synchronicity of parts, or more the parts working as a whole. The opposite is divergence. Divergence is the breaking down into factions. I am not speaking of the word diversification, with its positive connotation. But I am looking to employ two terms in two very specific ways. Both ways will eventually work their way into my theological writing. The aim is convergence. The bane is divergence. One might say that dishonesty is a reflection of divergence. That is that the parts don’t really agree. They are out of alignment.
In some sense integrity equals convergence. Love equals convergence. Even the sexual act is a form of convergence. The sexual act in proper context is a kind of ultimate convergence. Much more can be written about these two concepts. One might be able to discern a threat to their spiritual health by detecting an early indication of divergence.
January 19, 2011
Development of a Philosopher
Observations/Reflections: On Development of a Philosopher
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 1/19/2011
Written: 4/16/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
The more I read, the more I realize that my formative years of philosophy occurred between the ages of 6 and 14. Much of what I discover now harkens back to my struggles in those earlier years. I am grateful that our library was limited. We had some three thousand volumes in our family library, but very little on philosophy. Today, as I read the works of Tillich, Heider, and Kierkegaard, I can relate to my own struggles. The early years grounded me existentially to attend to the central problems that I would grapple with for the rest of my life.
January 17, 2011
Communication as a Means of Actualizing Perception
Observations/Reflections: On Communication as a Means of Actualizing Perception
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 1/17/2011
Written: 3/20/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
It would seem to me that there is more to communication than imparting information. The best communicator articulates what his audience has already intuitively perceived. Often the audience recognizes the truth, though they have never been able to express it. In some sense, effective communication brings to the surface those insights deeply submerged within the subconscious. In this way, effective communication is a matter of helping the audience to realize what they already know.
January 13, 2011
Expressing the Totality of My Being
Observations/Reflections: On Expressing the Totality of My Being
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 1/13/2011
Written: 10/02/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
As I continue to explore the differential between a life with purpose and a life as purpose, it grows increasingly clear that the latter is essential. It seems that a physical expression of life is so precious, so unique; actualizing it must be one of the highest acts of worship. If I am icon of the Ultimate, then the full expression of this being is ultimate worship.
January 10, 2011
The Kingdoms of Light and Darkness
Observations/Reflections: On the Kingdoms of Light and Darkness
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 1/10/2011
Written: 3/11/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
While there is a danger in overstating the activity of evil in the world, the greater danger lies in underestimating it. Indeed, it is difficult to maintain credibility, and yet consider the possibility of the demonic — the possibility of “other world”. It is difficult to be respected as a rational thinker (in modern Western society), while embracing such a possibility. But I think it is irrational to rule out such possibilities. Moreover, if you accept the message of Christ as reflected in the gospels, you cannot deny that there is significant concern with evil and its personification in spirit form. I think that it is impossible to understand the Kingdom of light without reflecting upon the kingdom of darkness.
January 5, 2011
The Ultimate Prayer
Observations/Reflections: On the Ultimate Prayer
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 1/5/2011
Written: 11/8/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I think, experentially, and inferentially, perhaps logically, that the ultimate prayer is this: Oh God, rescue me from myself.
November 29, 2010
Internal Integrity and Seeing Through our Predisposition
Observations/Reflections: On Internal Integrity and Seeing Through our Predisposition
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/29/2010
Written: 9/26/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
One needs a way to escape the integrated nature of their acceptance of faith claims. When a person fully embraces a faith claim, it tends to (as it should) provide a framework for their relationships and efforts. This framework becomes closely integrated with their essence. The deeper the integration, the more difficult it is to “see” clearly. If one is to fully examine the truth of their position, they must identify this “integrated network” – their predisposition. This is nearly impossible, but it becomes more possible in moments of crisis: a tragedy, or a failure. At such times, we may be able to catch a glimpse through our deep-seated predisposition.
November 23, 2010
On Physicality and the Potential for Delight
Observations/Reflections: On Physicality and the Potential for Delight
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/23/2010
Written: 4/05/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I think there is much to be derived about the potential of the ultimate and the condition of human kind by imagining the human being’s full potential for delight. At times I catch glimpses of what it would be like to experience total delight. I use the word delight rather than the word joy. I believe this delight would be a contributor to joy. It would be more cause than ultimate effect. But what about the delight I sense when my children throw their arms around my neck, or the delight I sense when I see the perfect sunrise, or the delight I sense when I feel my body straining in athletic effort? At such times I taste delight, but it remains only a taste.
Sometimes, I fathom what it would feel like for all of my senses to be fully saturated. I realize then that we underestimate the gift of our own physicality. What if there is the ultimate, and what if the ultimate intends to maximize this potential? Such thoughts are overwhelming.
November 17, 2010
Maggie’s Prayer
Observations/Reflections: On Maggie’s Prayer
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/17/2010
Written: 4/10/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
This is Maggie’s (she is six years old) prayer today, “Dear Jesus, thank you for not making me fat, and help me to make enough money from my lemonade stand to buy one of those i thingies”. She was referring to an iPad. The two greatest influences on her life? Jesus Christ and Steve Jobs.
November 15, 2010
The Cognizance of my Limitations as Worship
Observations/Reflections: On the Cognizance of my Limitations as Worship
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/15/2010
Written: 4/16/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
As the years pass, I am painfully aware that all of my lamenting about the pain of uncertainty and the inadequacy of language represents an immature mind. Life in its fullest begins on the other side of that lament — not on the other side of the experience, but rather on the other side of the complaint. Life for me in its fullest begins as my very grieving itself becomes worship. I am awed by the ultimate. My growing cognizance of my limitations is the ground of my growing wonder for the unlimited. Life can be a psalm.
November 11, 2010
The Essential Task of the Leader as Leading
Observations/Reflections: On the Essential Task of the Leader as Leading
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/11/2010
Written: 3/20/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
In an organization where a leader must lead other strong leaders, I question as to whether or not his best judgment produces the right way forward. In many cases, I believe that his best efforts produce a way forward. If he is a good leader, it might produce a good way forward. The point is not that the leader’s way is best, but rather that the leader’s direction is consistent. The principle job of the leader is to lead, not to make perfect decisions. There is something essential in the leading itself that contributes to the integrity of the whole.
November 4, 2010
Personification and Possibility of Commonality Between the Inanimate and the Animate
Observations/Reflections: On Personification and Possibility of Commonality Between the Inanimate and the Animate
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/04/2010
Written: 1/18/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Ancient literature, even the scripture, perhaps especially the scripture, seems to personify the inanimate. It speaks of the rocks crying out. It speaks of the stars that sing. Of course, there are many other examples. It does not limit such personification to the inanimate. In some ways it personifies even states of mind. It references the spirit of evil, the spirit of anger, and the spirit of fear.
This tendency may be considered as only literary device. The more skeptical may consider it as primitive ignorance. But I wonder, I wonder if our modern/post-modern constructive reality is too limited. Things are. Living things are. Inanimate things are.
The subject predicate expression is universal. But perhaps there are more commonalities in the predicate that we have realized. If so, then these commonalities originate in the subject. Our notion of what it is to be alive may be too limiting.
November 2, 2010
Capacity and the Organization
Observations/Reflections: On Capacity and the Organization
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 11/02/2010
Written: 2/06/2006
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
As the leadership model in my life unfolds, I understand more pointedly why I focus on capacity. I typically view an organization in three parts: health, capacity, and production. An organization must increase its health, its capacity, and its production. An organization that concentrates exclusively on output will soon have issues with its health (and could well outstrip its capacity). An organization that focuses solely on capacity will have health issues and thus anemic productivity (it can become too self-focused).
I could go on with the implications, but the point is only this: time and time again when I am not sure as to where God is leading, I focus on capacity. At best I am just a middle manager in the Kingdom. I really can’t move forward until I get the “memo”. I need a directive. In the absence of a directive, I focus on capacity. This ensures that I am ready, very ready for production.
October 29, 2010
Leadership as Sacrifice
Observations/Reflections: On Leadership as Sacrifice
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/29/2010
Written: 3/26/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
A prerequisite for leadership is to be willing to sacrifice. Many of us are willing to sacrifice time and energy. Most of us are not prepared to make the sacrifice of honor. If one seeks leadership as a means of self-validation, they should flee before it is too late. It will be better for that individual to become a policeman or teacher. Leadership will strip you. It is not the road to confidence.
The effective leader will constantly be second guessed. He must be prepared to be wrong and then admit it to his entire team. He must be prepared to be right, and still be thought of as wrong by his entire team. You will not gain status, you will lose status. The only relief comes when you have reached the age of one like Billy Graham, and during those final hallowed years you may receive some recognition. If one desires to lead, they need to lay down the need to be respected. Leadership does not equate with popularity.
October 27, 2010
Ending Well
Observations/Reflections: On Ending Well
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/27/2010
Written: 8/5/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Often in your association with a group of people or team there is a lifecycle. Working relationships come to an end. I think I have learned that in many cases the relationship only ends well because you choose for it to end well-not because it is ending well on its own. At times of transition, even healthy transition, there is organic tension. One must recognize the tension as a sign of transition, and not as an evidence of broken relationship. It’s important to remember that it will not end well, unless you choose to end it well on your own.
October 18, 2010
Being Convinced in the Face of Uncertainty
Observations/Reflections: On Being Convinced in the Face of Uncertainty
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/18/2010
Written: 8/5/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
What does it mean to say that I am convinced of something? What does it mean that anyone says that they are convinced? I suspect that the limitation of words makes this particular declaration dangerous. It likely means different things to different people. Being convinced might be a state of mind, based on something someone feels in terms of certainty, or probability. It might be a decision made in light of the fact that one cannot establish probability. One man needs a criterion, such as “inference to the best explanation”, another, needs a sense deep down in their spirit.
For me, being convinced is a very important statement. It is important because it is distinguished from being certain. I may not be certain, but I can be convinced. All of my life must be lived out of this place. I cannot live out of a condition of absolute uncertainty. Though I recognize my incapability of ever being certain, I affirm that I can reach a place where I am convinced. For me, this convincing equates with risk. It is a statement that embraces risk.
I am not certain of anything, but I am convinced of many things.
October 13, 2010
Making Peace with the Unknowable
Observations/Reflections: On Making Peace with the Unknowable
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/15/2010
Written: 8/5/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
There is great danger in contemplating infinity. The great mathematicians that have gone down this path have not been able to return. Many of them have been declared insane. The problem lies in seeking an unfathomable answer. There is something inherently dangerous about an equivocal passion to know. I reflect on this danger, because I must be alert to it in my own life. Making peace with the unknowable is one of the ways to preserve my sanity.
October 11, 2010
Simultaneous Experience of Joy and Agony
Observations/Reflections: On Simultaneous Experience of Joy and Agony
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 10/11/2010
Written: 8/5/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I don’t understand how joy and agony can co-exist within the same person, even within the same instant. Life is an inversion of paradoxes. One can be full of joy, and yet full of agony. The human container is too frail. A soul cannot contain the whole truth. This is what separates me from the ultimate. I cannot bear what I know. I cannot bear the knowing of what I don’t know either. But amidst the overwhelming desperation is a sense that the edge of beauty is only experienced at the edge of frailty. When all I experience is too much, I come to value the marvelous potential of life. Joy and agony can co-exist. Beauty is evidenced when they touch.
September 22, 2010
Prerequisites to an Existential Transformation
Observations/Reflections: On Prerequisites to an Existential Transformation
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 09/22/2010
Written: 4/16/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
There are a series of conditions that are a prerequisite to an existential transformation. The first is awareness. One must become aware of the differential gap. The second is dissatisfaction. The term dissatisfaction is mild, but it may be thought of as encompassing a continuum. The end of that continuum is despair, or even hopelessness.
Until there is awareness, and dissatisfaction, true change cannot take place. The hardest man for God to reach is the man that has deluded himself into a state of self-satisfaction. Blessed are the poor in spirit, they shall see God.
September 20, 2010
On the Ultimate as Revitalized Soma
Observations/Reflections: On the Ultimate as Revitalized Soma
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 09/20/2010
Written: 3/12/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Elsewhere I have written on the difference between the conditions of the incipient and the ultimate. This condition reflects my extreme limits. Once one recognizes that uncertainty is the hallmark of the incipient, then one may ask, what is the point of questing for truth? It is a valid question. I cannot ever be certain I have acquired truth. I am not certain that I can be certain-even after the ultimate has communicated proof to me in the form of a revitalized soma. Even if I were to gain this glorified body, as promised in the scripture I would still be incipient. Even if I became immortal I would still be incipient. I do not believe, though I cannot be certain, that I will never be ultimate. This means that while I may have more assuredness, I will not have that particular state of certainty. The implications are remarkable. For one, I must question the whole notion of certainty and its value. But, for the purpose of this observation, I must ask, what is the point of seeking truth?
The only value in seeking truth lies in the hope that truth will seek you, perhaps in response to your seeking. One does not have to hold a Christian viewpoint to realize this point. In this way, the process of seeking truth could be as important as the result. We do not reflect enough on the implications of our limited existence.
September 17, 2010
Extending Theology beyond the Written Revelation
Observations/Reflections: On Extending Theology beyond the Written Revelation
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 09/17/2010
Written: 3/12/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
It seems to me that a missiological theology must do more than provide paradigm for its recipient. It must do more than provide model or method. I had argued for this approach elsewhere. I think it must provide the means of interaction with God that enables the recipient to extend their knowing past the limits of written revelation. Theology may start with knowing things, but it must end with knowing him.
September 15, 2010
On Superior Strategic Position
Observations/Reflections: On Superior Strategic Position
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 09/15/2010
Written: 1/19/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
In my previous work with the Xel Defense Team, I emphasized a key principle. Strategy is better than skill. This is true in combat, but it is also true in business. Management ineptitude is not a guarantee to failure. Some businesses have a strategic position so superior that they can survive despite inferior practices. In my own group, we have placed a high value on management. We want to see excellence across all of our processes. Still, this is not ENOUGH. Strategy is better than skill. Being the best at what we do is not a guarantee of first position. Improving our performance is not enough. We need to seize superior strategic position.
September 10, 2010
Choosing between “Growth by the People” and “Growth by the Numbers”
Observations/Reflections: On Choosing between “Growth by the People” and “Growth by the Numbers”
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 09/10/2010
Written: 10/16/2006
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
It is clear that every venture I’ve been involved with involved the discipleship/pastoring process. I’m not sure that taking the business out of that context is healthy for me. This has impact on how I expand the Growth Engine possibilities. I feel the pull necessary to establish a strong, dominant presence in the Fortune 500 companies. But it shifts us from a business “by the people” approach to a “business by the numbers” approach. And while I am cognizant that business involves both aspects, I am hesitant to pursue this radical number-focused approach that leads to growth at high personal cost.
I am aware of the fact that the dichotomy between the two approaches is not always so stark. But there is something troubling me as I embrace the plan for 2007. I also have a sense, that I would rather build business around the ministry model that God has given us. It is slower, and it requires personal investment in people. Is the Lord asking me to do something different? I’m not certain, but there has always been a sense that the New Testament growth model is better than the American capital model – even for a business.
This sense may come from the predisposition of my heritage, but it feels more like a leading in my spirit. I must pay careful, careful attention.
07:59 a.m.
As I am praying, I am reminded of this continuing word I have been experiencing. In the end, it will come down to management. I keep hearing this in my spirit. For several weeks, now, it has been a constant refrain. If God is leading me, why does he keep emphasizing this point? Am I not truly hearing him?
It may be this: I may need to set aside the larger vision for this organization in favor of a tighter focus on its management. Is this “school”, again? Are we back to the old maxim: until you know the objective, focus on capacity? Something in my spirit goes awry when I embrace expansionist thinking. Father, are you saying that I should focus, now, on developing a well-managed organization as opposed to the dominant, market-conquering organization? I’ve always embraced kalos as opposed to scale.
If this observation is muddled, it is because I am muddled. The enemy has a subtle tactic: when a person receives profound spiritual insight, it is often accompanied by a great energy dynamic. The enemy tries to shift the dynamic slightly off course. The difference is hardly perceptible in the beginning, but as time passes the angle becomes more obtuse.
As I look back over my life, I’ve seen my spirit grow excited with profound spiritual truth, but I have seen that it is very easy for me to extend this truth in the wrong direction. This may be happening now. It might be helpful to review an example:
Previously, I had great excitement about the nature of the church, to the extent that I almost launched a major new church. Nevertheless, I could not find peace about this goal. So, on the one hand I had profound excitement about the church. On the other hand, I had something inside beginning to feel awry as I envisioned myself starting a major church. I know now what God was doing. He was restoring my clarity on the church as the primary distribution system. He was also confirming the strong pastoral calling on my life. The temptation was to twist/convert this spiritual gift. The ambitious leader in me contemplated charging off to build something. This would have interfered with God’s plan. Thankfully, I heeded this unsettled feeling before I declared and/or overcommitted to a wrong course of action.
Somehow, as ridiculously simple as it sounds, the Holy Spirit is drawing my attention to the process of management. It is almost embarrassing. It feels like I’m being brought back to elementary school when I need to graduate. But I will not neglect this leading/correction. So then, I must reconcile this profound emphasis on management with the organization’s need to move forward in the marketplace.
09:33 a.m.
As I continue to pray, I recognize the need to balance my earlier statements with a cautionary. One can go on about forever trying to build a well-managed organization. For as soon as one has one aspect in tune, the other aspect becomes out of tune. There must be a standard of output that one measures which reflects the quality of the management. Certainly the numbers are part of this measurement, but only a part. So then, one must be careful about becoming too introspective about the organization’s management system. One must tie internal excellence with external results.
September 9, 2010
Goldman Sachs Model for Refining Sales Focus
Observations/Reflections: On the Goldman Sachs Model for Refining Sales Focus
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 09/09/2010
Written: 10/21/2009
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Goldman Sachs had a simple philosophy that drove his approach to sales organizations.
Prune losers; feed winners. This is an interesting concept. This follows on philosophically with Peter Drucker’s notion of focusing on results. Drucker said, “One should not focus on minimizing weaknesses, but rather maximizing strengths.” This concept deserves more attention.
September 8, 2010
The Condition of Peaceful Urgency
Observations/Reflections: On the Condition of Peaceful Urgency
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 01/13/2010
Written: 03/22/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
Elsewhere, I have written about the need to infuse an organization with a healthy spirit of urgency. While one must avoid frantic activity, one must also avoid a passive mindset. As I continue to explore the need to infuse urgency throughout my organization, I realize that there is a balanced condition that might be typified with this term: a peaceful urgency.
At first, this might seem like an oxymoron. If not, at least a semantic contradiction. But I think there is a way to sense the need for aggressive, productive activity, while maintaining a spirit of haste. One might rapidly, urgently prepare for a coming hurricane, and still maintain a sense of peace. This peaceful urgency can foster that unique combination of clear thinking and rapid execution.
August 20, 2010
Leadership and Failure
Observations/Reflections: On Leadership and Failure
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 08/20/2010
Written: 03/22/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
One of the key roles of the leader is to model failure. If the leader models failure properly, he leads the way for his own people to fail successfully. The leader
