InFocus site launch

InFocus site launch

by | Apr 17, 2016 | Church Growth, Church Multiplication, Coach Training, Disciplemaking, Focused Ministry, Leader Development, Personal Development | 0 comments

I’m as happy as a pig in mud!  I mentioned that I was working on the new InFocus website.  Today you get a preview – click on www.infocusnet.org.

I was thinking back the other day.  When I was 18 years old, I traveled to London, England to explore the possibility of playing soccer (“football”) and going to college.  What I discovered about the player developmental system with the top flight Arsenal Football Club, influenced me for the rest of my life. The club was organized around player development so there were players ready in the wings when injuries occurred, a footballer retired or was disciplined.

One afternoon, I was given the opportunity to train with the Arsenal youth team. Every player was outstanding, had been assessed and placed with a group of boys of similar talent with the intent of taking their game to the next level. The fortunate few were given opportunities to serve an apprenticeship where they learned the game of football from seasoned professionals. They started out cleaning boots for the established players and for a select talent, allowed to progress to train with the reserves until they proved they had the skills to advance.

That model has served me well in ministry. As the product of a Christian home, a vibrant church and multiple people who have invested in me; I have experienced the power of coaching, the necessity of training and the catalytic influence of exceptional leaders in my life. Out of this crucible the vision for InFocus was birthed.

The passion to help people far from God discover who they are and what they are called to do, burns at the core of InFocus. The purpose why I coach, train and consult is so that more and better disciples, leaders and churches are multiplied. I hope you enjoy the new look and feel to the site.

I am entering the FB community and the 21st. Century.  In May I will be traveling to India & Turkey to conduct coach training workshops.  Please “Friend me” on Facebook to receive updates along the way.

Have a wonderful week!

Problem Solving & Decision Making Profile

by | Apr 4, 2016 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Last week I mentioned that the www.infocusnet.org website is being redesigned.  We are in the last stages and the site will be up and running this month.  I’m excited to have a fresh look and hope you have a chance to check it out when it goes live!

Every once in a while we are presented with excellent options forcing a difficult choice.  Some decisions have significant ramifications while others don’t compare.  Let me illustrate.
I have two teenagers.  Joel is a senior approaching graduation and Zoe is a junior. For the last several years we have been discussing what each envisions for their future beyond high school.  In November 2015 Joel was accepted by school “X” and last week was accepted by school “Y”.
I won’t get into the granular issues but Joel is using a simple decision-making tree exercise along with on-campus visits to make his decision.  That exercise is helping him look at the facts, prioritize his issues and make an informed decision.
Not all problems are created equal.  However, the skills required for problem-solving & decision-making are consistent.  See if the Problem Solving & Decision Making Profile help you as you coach leaders in this vital area.

This instrument provides a highly structured process through which to look at the whole topic of problem solving. The subject is therefore broken down into individual competency categories as follows:

  • Critical thinking
  • Data gathering and processing
  • Tool selection methods
  • Alternative weighing ability
  • Lateral conceptualization
  • Perception and judgement
  • Risk assessment skills

Participants plot their scores onto a histogram chart for each category. This quickly shows where efforts to improve should be concentrated in the future. Detailed interpretation notes are included for each category, including improvement actions for low scorers.