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There Will Be No Recovery

This isn't a recession. Recession implies recovery. There will be no recovery. This is a reset. 

That's what Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, told the folks who attended the Cannes Lion International Advertising Festival last week. Ballmer was talking specifically about the advertising business. But leaders in every field ought to be listening, too. So much is changing and has already changed in our culture. If you think you can just tweak your way to the other side of it all, you're probably wrong.

Lessons From Jimmy Fallon

All over North America we see people doing what is expected and bombing when they do it. Rather than shaping their work around the gifts and talents they bring, using practices that bring life and excitement, and working in ways that are fun – these leaders choose to do the routine in routine ways. And whether these leaders are leading a church or a business, when they stop creating and risking and start to simply meet expectations, then their leadership no longer provides life – it is just painful to watch.

Why Are You Here?

Do you sometimes day dream about having a job that really matters? Do you ever wonder if it's possible to make a living doing something that makes a difference in the world? Do you ever worry that the job you're doing now is pointless and wish you could figure out a way to get another one that wasn't?

Well, you're wasting your time. 

A Bowl Full of Oranges in a Bushel of Lemons

A few days ago we shared that, more than once, members of the A.R.E. team have felt a bit caught off guard – sometimes by a public and mean spirited attack and sometimes under the table and out of sight. That feeling of being a big juicy orange in a bowl full of lemons resonated with more than a few of you. If you are a change agent then you’ve probably had this experience, too.

Being Productive Over the Summer

 Summer is a time when many organizations move into a “pause mode.” Using the school year as a model many groups expect summer to be a time when people will be using more of their vacation time and so take it for granted that there will be some coasting for a few months. In fact, in organizations where this pattern exists, many people look forward to the change of pace and they lower their expectations to match. Many of our clients find themselves in this annual cycle.

But what if the mindset was a bit different? Summer is officially upon us but there is still work to be done! How can you take advantage of this time to both enjoy the summer and all that it brings and still get more done this year than last year?

Another Helpful Resource

Are you a Facebook user? The A.R.E. team regularly posts links to a variety of interesting and helpful articles, books, videos, and resources on the A Renewal Enterprise Facebook page. This week's links included an article on planet-friendly church building designs, the inspiring story of a very traditional industry finding renewal, and ten tips for hiring staff. Join the A.R.E. facebook group today!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Renewal-Enterprise-Inc/139828960299?ref=ts

Are You an Orange in a Bowl full of Lemons?

Have you ever felt like a big, juicy orange in a bowl full of lemons? If you are an innovator, a risk-taker, and an entrepreneur in your field, you probably know exactly what we're talking about. If you're willing to stick your neck out, go the extra mile, try something nobody's tried before, and dare to act like something new really can happen...odds are you're going to come smack up against the ridicule and scorn of your less-than-daring colleagues and peers. 

Although this is more true in some arenas than others (think any organization where the mantra is "But we've never done it that way before...") it happens everywhere, even in the most creative industries.

You'll get about 1.5 million hits if you Google i hate steve jobs, for example.

We feel your pain.

One Person's Garbage Is Another Person's Treasure

Do you find yourself getting stuck in the rut of scarcity thinking? Do you ever think to yourself, "If I only had _______________________, I could do what I need/want/feel called to do?" Do you have feel like you just don't have enough time in the day, people to help, money to invest, energy to give? This post is for you.

People Want To Know Who You Are

Think of someone who has really inspired you to try something new, dream a new dream, or take a risk. What was it about them that got you fired up? What did they say or do that ignited passion in you? It's worth reflecting on these questions because part of your job as a leader is to ignite passion in others. 

Does Your Church Need To Regroup?

Leaders who use the practices and principles of a Renewable Organization^TM understand the critical importance of asking purposeful questions. For church leaders, there is no more purposeful question than this one: What in the world is God up to…and how can we help?!?”