ARE:A Renewal Enterprise

What we can learn from a few brave school districts

Let’s face it- our education system is broken. Likewise, all you have to do is turn on the radio or open a newspaper to see that many of our corporate and business models are also broken. As a parent is trying to negotiate the pitfalls present in both those worlds I was especially excited to read about a small handful of school districts daring to do something different for the sake of better educating their children. And, I think it might just work. 

3 Things Great Leaders Have In Common

I spent last week working with two different church groups that have extraordinary leaders. What's interesting is that what makes these two bishops special isn't necessarily what you usually find on a list of things great leaders have in common. But these are not "usual" times for the church - maybe not for organizations in any industry. Here are three reasons these particular leaders have my admiration and respect:

Doing What Matters Trumps Being Nice

While the ARE team is on summer break, we are publishing some of our most popular posts from the past year. This one originally appeared under the title "Don't Let The Crazies Take Over the Playground" in January 2010. 

Don't underestimate the importance of cultivating healthy relationships in your organization. Leadership blogger Jon Gordon reminds us today that research has found successful marriages have a 5-1 ratio of positive interactions. Similarly, workgroups with a 3-1 ratio of positive interactions are more effective. 

It's not all just about being happy-bunny at work, though. Pretending that all is wonderful when it's not is no better than scowling your way through everyday, ignoring all the good stuff. Gordon reports that workgroups with an 11-1 ratio of positive interactions are less effective. 

The point is: Leaders cultivate healthy relationships. i.e., positive and honest.