[uncommon] Leaders Provide...Passion For the Heart; Tools For the Hand

New leadership blog posted tonight at http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com. Have a great week!

Wild Horse… Wildcat…Pro Set…or I-Formation - [uncommon] Strategy Matters!

New leadership blog posted at http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com. This week's focus is [uncommon] strategy! Enjoy.

Packer, Jet, or Viking...Brett Favre - A Snapshot of [uncommon] Resolve

New [uncommon] Leadership blog post at http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com

Packer, Jet, or Viking...Brett Favre - A Snapshot of [uncommon] Resolve

Clarity - A Key to the Game for [uncommon] Vision

New leadership blog posted concerning the need for Clarity in leadership and vision casting. See you there at http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com

What a Day - Hanging Out With [uncommon] WorldChangers!

New blog about [uncommon] world-changers; posted on http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com. Read and enjoy!

Teen Prostitution Reduced and At Risk Kids Get Help - Scott Dudley Has An [uncommon] Vision!

A story of leadership, vision, and results at: http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com/

[uncommon] Vision - It's Closer Than You May Think!

New blog post on [uncommon] vision at the new blog address:

http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com.  See you there!

Making Los Angeles the Greatest City for Christ?? Meet Dr. Mark Brewer!

Welcome to [uncommon] Leadership! Beginning with this post, the blog moves to a new environment. Please follow each week at the new address: http://theuncommonleader.wordpress.com. This week, we spotlight an [uncommon] leader in Los Angeles; you don't want to miss Mark Brewer's story!

Pleaase bookmark the address, follow each week and subscribe! The leadership journey continues!

The Giving Nature of [uncommon] Leadership

Sunday nights are “blog nights” in our home.   Laying a foundation of [uncommon] Leadership on the first day of the week is an important element in helping me to prepare for my own, personal leadership.   Writing about the topic du jour, helps me more effectively anticipate the leadership challenges that await each week. 

This Sunday night offers a different blogging environment, courtesy of my “extended family” at Delta Airlines.   [Is it sad that I recognize the faces of every flight attendant on this flight; and that they recognize me??]   But hey, in 20 minutes, we will have Red Sox/Yankees; Sunday night baseball, right here over…Wyoming!   How cool is that?

I’ve been in Seattle for the past few days to perform a wedding [congratulations Carly and Brian!], and then hang out with family.   At this age and stage in life, the time I get with kids [including daughters/son-in-law], grandkids, and my wife is a huge source of personal encouragement.   I’ve been blessed…way beyond what I deserve, with the family that graces my life.   Around the table last night were [uncommon] leaders – “kids” who are now making their lives count in an incredible way; the wife who invested deeply in each one; as well as grandkids who are [uncommon] leaders in the making.   Very cool weekend.

In preparing for the wedding, then leading bride/groom through the charge, pledge, vows, and ring exchange, I was reminded again that the cornerstone of a fulfilling marriage could be summed up in a word – “giving.”   Giving…the act of considering other’s interests as more important than our own; of being willingly inconvenienced and feeling good about it; of losing the focus on “me,” replacing it with a vision for “we.”   The same acts of “other-mindedness” that will mark Carly and Brian’s marriage as [uncommon], are also distinguishing marks of [uncommon] Leadership!

It’s not a stretch at all to think of [uncommon] Leadership as giving, philanthropic, or altruistic.   If altruism defined is, “The principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others,” could we agree without any hesitation that we’ve also described [uncommon] Leadership in those words?   Not one week passes without us seeing the contrasts in “leadership” this world puts on display.

When in Seattle, I eat seafood whenever possible.   I love it, and usually alternate between salmon and halibut.   Today, fresh halibut with asparagus and wild rice.   It was incredible.  Have you ever indulged in a “fish sandwich” at McDonald’s?   I did.   Once, when I was 12.   That was enough for me.   Fish sandwich, salmon, halibut.   What’s the difference?   It’s all “seafood,” right? 

Maybe it’s a stretch just to make a point, but I see what passes for “leadership” on display each week – “fish sandwich” leadership.   To be halibut with asparagus and rice, is to be altogether [uncommon] in your leadership.   Aren’t we all tired of the politicians who care nothing about the desires of their constituents, but are so self-absorbed they will do absolutely anything to gain popularity and votes.

On the other hand, [uncommon] leaders do their work in a manner that demonstrates respect and appreciation to all the people who are involved in carrying out the mission of the organization, team, class, sales force, or staff with whom they are engaged.   In other words, [uncommon] leaders give.   In settings like this, everyone knows the mission.   They have embraced the vision for the future.   Staff, volunteers, teammates, or donors [for those leading in non-profit settings] all believe they are a part of something special.   They are on mission with a team that knows how to give as well as receive.     These organizations are dedicated to providing an excellent customer service experience and communicating with everyone that can make that service possible.  Giving organizations [uncommon] are transparent, open, and work diligently to ensure clarity.   They celebrate wins together; honor hard work; and appropriately affirm the team’s extra efforts. 

The [uncommon] leaders guiding the way in the environments described above, all share some very practical qualities: 

§  They work overtime on communication.   They pay attention to communication details, ensuring that those around them are always “in the know.”   The [uncommon] leaders are always at work to make “insiders” of those on the team.

§  They are always “with” those people in the room, in the huddle, or in the meeting.   In other words, they lay aside all distractions to better listen and pay close attention to those around them.   They turn away from the computer screen, put the blackberry on “quiet,” stop tweeting on Twitter, and put the phone on “do not disturb.”   They make the person in the room feel like the most important person in the leader’s life…because at that moment, they are!

§  They respond promptly to e-mail and phone calls.   Leaders communicate, whether they intend to or not, a very powerful message when they ignore calls, or return e-mail days or weeks after the fact.   In my role as a consultant, I can tell much about the quality of a new engagement in the early days of the relationship, by how the leaders respond to calls and e-mail.

§  They go the extra mile to help a staff member/teammate when needs become apparent.

§  They notice positive contributions and provide appropriate, special recognition.

§   They take the time to thank people for the “little things” that make a big difference.

§  They pay more attention to what goes right than they do figuring out who made things go wrong.

§  They assume the best of others, even when things go wrong.

§  They look to and press on toward the future, rather than living in the past.

In the ordinary, simple things of life, we show others how deeply we care and how much we value the act of “giving.”   When we give of ourselves, we put an [uncommon] standard on display for others to see.   Make no mistake; others ARE watching.   You may say, “the points above are simple, everyone should do them.”  I agree.  Everyone should do them, but I assure you, most leaders do not.   When you lead in a manner that is truly [uncommon], those behaviors will be replicated by those on your team.   As they are, your organization will become [uncommon] over time. 

Three weeks ago, we realized that the riding mower I needed to use on the upcoming Saturday had a flat tire.   My wife took the tire into the new hardware store that recently opened near our home.   You know the store…the one with the self-proclaimed commitment to customer service.   The man behind the counter was polite and told her he would repair the tire, then call her early Saturday morning when the tire was ready to pick up.   At 3:00pm Saturday, we had received no call, so I went into the store to see what had happened.   The tire was still on the counter; in exactly the same location it had been placed the day before…still in its un-repaired state.

I left the store and took the tire to the hardware store I’ve always used in the past, even though it was miles out of the way.   There, I told my story and expected to leave the tire for the weekend, frustrated because my travel schedule the next week would preclude me from mowing the lawn now, for several days.   The [uncommon] leader of the service department said, “Wait right here,” then re-appeared 15 minutes later with the repaired tire in hand.  Needless to say, I am a raving fan of Howard Brothers Hardware, Oakwood, GA.   Was this a one-time, “accidental” occurrence at Howard Brothers?  Hardly.   They are a group of [uncommon] leaders focused on giving of themselves to exceed the expectations of their customers – every time, no exceptions.

Do they hit the target every time?   Probably not; but they do more often than not; and   they continue to improve…day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month.   Your commitment to being a giving leader will have an [uncommon] impact on your life, the lives of those you lead, and your organization.  Lead this week in a manner that will cause others to take note!

 

 

 

 

[uncommon] Vision - The Tale of the Tape!

Baseball is a big deal in our home.   We watch every Braves game, or, if we’re out of the home, we make sure the DVR has been set.  In Atlanta, after the Braves hit a home run, they break out the “tale of the tape;” another way of saying they measure the length of the drive.  Whenever the Braves hit one out, it gets measured.

Dr. Dan Erickson, founder of People Matter Ministries [www.peoplematterministries.com], has regularly used this expression in his leadership of staff and volunteers – “What gets measured, gets done.”  It’s one thing for a person to say they will do something.  It’s another thing for that project to come to fruition.  If you have raised teenagers who are “domestically challenged,” you know exactly what I’m talking about.  In fact, I’m wondering…could it be that “teenager” and “domestically challenged” are synonyms??   If your Bose headphones went missing for a month; only to surface under the bed of one of your teenagers, you understand.   But, I digress; let’s get back to measuring.

A leadership buzz phrase in play for the past several years is “best practices.”   A best practice is a technique or methodology that, through experience and research, has proven to reliably lead to a desired result.   There are hundreds of documented best practices and they change from setting to setting, depending on your area of focus.

The most effective leaders I encounter – [uncommon] leaders – consistently employ basic, foundational best practices, either purposefully or intuitively.  Some of these practices seem to apply to virtually any environment.  One of those practices is:

§       Purposeful Measurement – a commitment to measure progress toward the objective.  Are we moving the ball down the field; is the future picture growing in clarity because we are getting closer to seeing it realized?

Let’s apply Purposeful Measurement, to [uncommon] Vision.  If we share the conviction that possessing, communicating, and connecting others to an [uncommon] Vision is mission-critical for any successful endeavor, is it possible to somehow measure vision effectiveness? Is there a tale of tape that can be used to help sharpen our vision; making it truly [uncommon]?

Thankfully, yes!  Here are a few quick standards against which your vision can be measured:

1. Honest Assessment – If you put your vision under the spotlight for a close-up, honest look, what are the results?  Unfortunately, there are leaders all over the country who are perfectly comfortable peddling someone else’s vision, or one that is stale, having outlived its shelf life.  Taking that route is often easier, faster, and requires less work; at least initially.  But, over the long haul, it will fail to engender a heart-felt response by those you are leading.  In your heart of hearts, is your future picture exciting to you?  Does it give you a reason to get up in the morning; a reason to be inconvenienced; a reason to sacrifice; a reason to enlist others to its great cause? 

2. Clear and Understandable – When you spend time intentionally casting vision, telling others about it, how is it received?  Are you met with puzzled looks; half-heartedness; disinterest?  Or, are people eagerly listening, asking questions, wanting to hear more?

3. Easily Repeated – Are those you lead, readily able to “carry” the vision; repeating it with clarity to others?  To be effective, leaders need “vision-carriers;” men, women, or students who truly “get it,” then help positively influence others. 

4. Inspiring – If we were to define “inspiring” as; “To fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence;” would your vision pass the test?  Are people moved to embrace, support, sign up for,  and carry the vision to those within their sphere of relationships?

5. Includes Elements of Faith, Risk, Courage, God-Dependence – We’ve established that things “run-of-the-mill” stand ready to greet us around nearly every turn in life.  What grabs the attention of others and takes their breath away, are the things that are beyond them – the [uncommon]!  Things that make a difference; things that we know add value; things that we want to give ourselves to, requiring us to stretch and move beyond the ordinary things of life are [uncommon].  Faith, risk, courage, and God-dependence are all essential elements of the [uncommon] Vision.

6. Relevant – People may think of “relevant” as meaning just the latest “new thing” out there.  In the context of [uncommon] Vision, “relevant” relates to the people who will be affected by it.  Is the vision meaningful to them?  Does it make a difference in their lives?  Will they be changed as a result of engaging the vision?  If so, how?  Will their lives count to a greater degree?  Can they help affect more life change in areas that they care deeply about?

7. Translated Into Measurable Strategies – Are you able to take the essence of the vision and put together a strategic plan that moves toward vision realization?  Stated differently, the [uncommon] Vision is not simply a stand-alone piece over which we wax eloquently, but do nothing practically.  An [uncommon] Vision will affect our plans for the future. 

Every week, I’m reminded of the fact that [uncommon] Leadership can apply to any setting, any age, and any walk of life.  Today, I attended church…a place that has a vision to affect change in “neighborhoods, nations, and the next generation.”  This church is intentionally focused on equipping people to lovingly share their faith with the Muslim community.  Beyond that, they back up their words with actions, taking teams of people to Muslim countries, carrying with them, the love of Christ.  We saw a DVD interview today of two young college students – [uncommon] leaders – who gave of their own time and resources, to take this message of love to a country that many would label as “unloving.”  The results were amazing.  Two, 20-somethings, pursuing an [uncommon] Vision as they follow an extraordinary God!

Commit this week to a purposeful measurement of your vision.  Be certain that it is something to which you have honestly been called, not something borrowed or being used because it’s the path of least resistance.  Lead in a way that causes others to take note.  Live out the [uncommon] Leadership for which you were created!

 

Defining the Wins of [uncommon] Vision!

Today's worship service began by recognizing those who will play any role in educating students during the 2009-2010 school year.  The group consisted of bus drivers, cafeteria workers, special ed instructors, administrators, home-schoolers, PE teachers, substitute teachers, janitors, calculus teachers, university professors, and more; people representing every age group from kindergarten to post-graduate.   As each person was asked to introduce themselves and their area of responsibility,  one quick-thinking lady stated,  “My job is to keep your children from throwing food at one another in the cafeteria!”

Observing the scene, I was struck by the opportunity that each person will have to demonstrate [uncommon] Leadership to impressionable audiences.  From the cafeteria to the chemistry lab, students of all ages will encounter women and men of influence; uniquely positioned to help shape the future of those entrusted to their care.  At the end of the year, students will not remember this special group because of what they did for themselves.  Instead, these educators will be remembered for what they did for the students.  One of the great responsibilities of those who lead students is to help them learn to live lives not only of success, but of significance.

Whether in the school, marketplace, church, military, home, or sports field, [uncommon] leaders demonstrate more interest in the success of others than in their personal success.  Think about the teachers [or other leaders] who have influenced you most.  Don’t they stand out as [uncommon] because of their interest in and commitment to you?

Now, think about their impact in your life in relationship to the “anchor” we rolled out last week – [uncommon] Vision.  Would you agree that your mentors - those [uncommon] leaders who have crossed your path - have been significant because of their ability to expand, enhance, or encourage your vision [future picture]? 

Your [uncommon] leaders understood the “wins” that come from a compelling future picture; i.e., [uncommon] Vision:

1. Creates Unity – it brings constituents [sales team, staff, classroom, neighborhood, family, office] together around a shared purpose.  Everyone understands what we’re doing, why, and the win to be derived.
2. Makes Future Plans and Direction Certain – absent a clear future picture, we cannot plan effectively; i.e., a builder cannot build a home without a clear set of blueprints.
3. Makes Our Work Meaningful – we’ve all heard the story about the three men laying bricks.  Bricklayer number one, when asked what he was doing, said, “Nothing important, just laying bricks.”  Bricklayer number two responded to the same question by saying, “I’m helping to build a building.”  Bricklayer number three, with passion in his voice, responded by stating, “I am creating a beautiful cathedral in which lives will be forever transformed!”  Rather than something mundane, we are on mission, executing a strategic, [uncommon] Vision that has the potential to affect life-change!
4. Is Catalytic and Exciting – it helps those we lead to “get it;” fueling their passion and enthusiasm for the future!
5. Allows Us to Tackle the Unknown – I flew my plane into the Raleigh, NC, a few weeks ago; my first time flying into that community.  Before departing, I reviewed sectional charts, terrain, airport info, and entered the airport into my favorite cockpit resource – the “Garmin.”  The Garmin, along with the other research, provided the clear future picture needed to tackle the unknown airspace.
6. Leads to Effective Teamwork - everyone is now contributing to something memorable, ambitious, and inspiring [think Red Sox on their way to the World Series!].
7. Builds Leadership Capital/Credibility - people have confidence in [uncommon] leaders who can paint a compelling vision of the future.  The credibility of the leader grows as he leads a team into the organization’s preferred future.  This point was illustrated vividly this week when a leader I know decided that the work of communicating an [uncommon] Vision required too much time, effort, and energy.  He has taken an unnecessary credibility hit and is quickly losing the respect and support of the key leaders around him.
8. Places Short-Term Strategies Into Long-Term Perspective - when followers understand the future picture, today’s decisions make sense when painted against the canvas of the future.
9. Provides Relevance - everyone wants to be a part of something greater than themselves.  [uncommon] leaders paint a picture of the future in which others can see themselves.
10. Is Consistent with the Bible - nothing great for God has ever been accomplished w/out a commitment to executing an [uncommon] Vision.  Even when sold into slavery, Joseph’s future picture, linked to faith in a great God, resulted in him becoming an [uncommon] leader against all odds!

Whether your title is team leader, coach, teacher, principal, doctor, director, parent, office manager, or pastor, you are the most important leader in the organization for those who look to you for [uncommon] Leadership!  As you lead with [uncommon] Vision, the associated wins you experience can help change an ordinary environment into something special!

 

 

 

The Anchors of [uncommon] Leadership

Any substantive project, building, relationship, or endeavor has at its base, a solid foundation. While the [uncommon] leader exhibits many important qualities of leadership, there are but a few that provide the underpinnings; the base off which the others rest. Like the brand-name stores in the mall, we could call these, “[uncommon] Leadership anchors.” “Anchors” not only support work at hand, but also encourage the ongoing growth and development of additional leadership traits.

In working alongside leaders for years, I see these “anchors” a consistent part of the [uncommon] leader’s “repertoire:"

• [uncommon] Vision
• [uncommon] Clarity
• [uncommon] Resolve
• [uncommon] Faith

It’s been said that “vision isn’t everything, but it’s the beginning of everything.” After resolving whether or not we have the heart for that to which we have been called [29.07.09 blog], [uncommon] Vision has to be the first “Anchor” addressed.

For years, the question has been debated, “What is the difference between mission and vision?” We will deal with the question over the course of the journey, but for now, let’s accept Andy Stanley’s definition of vision, as outlined in his book, Visioneering; “Vision is a clear mental picture of what could be, fueled by the conviction that it should be.” Perhaps clear “future picture” is another good option. Taking it a step further, the [uncommon] leader communicates a clear future picture in a relevant manner to those who are following.

Vision is important to everyone; to you and to the people who follow you. We’ve all heard Proverbs 29:18; “Without vision, the people perish.” Eugene Peterson paraphrases that verse in The Message; “If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”

Did you see yourself in that verse? Look again. “If people can’t see…” Part of your role as an [uncommon] leader lies in helping others see what God is doing! Why? So that they will attend to what he reveals! The result? They will be most blessed!

Let’s be clear: No matter what your age and stage in life; no matter what your occupation; no matter how many, or few people you lead [or think you lead]; you can be an [uncommon] leader, carrying an [uncommon] Vision. Home school parent or Harvard prof; small business owner or Wall St CEO; church planter or mega-church pastor; missionary or person sharing their faith in the cul-de-sac; expectant mom or mother of seven…you have ALL been created for [uncommon] Leadership!

Do you want to be an [uncommon] leader and blessing to those who follow? Then help them see what God is doing. Clarify the [uncommon] Vision for which you and your organization have been created, communicate it with passion, and ask others to join you on the journey!

[uncommon] Leadership – Where Does the Journey Begin?

It’s been a privilege, over the past 12 years, to have worked with many of the finest churches and leadership teams in the country. Joining arms with men and women who are top-tier in every respect – [uncommon] leaders – is nothing short of thrilling. As a consultant, I am often asked, “what is it that makes a person, a leadership team, a church or an organization great; [uncommon]?”

As the [uncommon] Leadership train leaves the station, we’ve purposed to meet people, identify principles, and document practices that result in extraordinary, [uncommon] performance in life. The topic is broad and could lead us in a hundred different directions. It’s going to be cool to see not only where we travel together, but also how we grow together in the process.

One thing is certain. The starting point for all [uncommon] Leadership is the same; and as amazing as it sounds, isn’t linked to Al Gore’s invention of the Internet, Facebook, Twitter, or HDTV. One of the finest leaders to ever have lived, stated it this way, around 400 BC; “I had in it my heart...to build a house of rest...” [cf 1 Chronicles 28:2]

There it is, nearly hidden in the words of King David. The first principle in the journey is this – [uncommon] Leadership is a matter of the heart.

When describing the heart in a message in 2008, Dr. Shelton Sanford, sr. pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, SC, painted beautifully on the canvas of [uncommon] Leadership. He states it this way:

1. The heart is the seat of our affection. Interesting description, isn’t it?

• “Seat” - the part of the body in which the emotion is centered.
• “Affection” - the emotion, feeling, or disposition of mind.

2. The heart is the spring of our conscience.

• “Spring” - the source or fountainhead of something.
• “Conscience” - that inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct.

3. The heart is the center of our thought process.

• “Center” – a point around which anything rotates.
• “Thought Process” – the process of using your mind to consider something carefully.

4. The heart is the source of our motives.

• “Source” – the place from which something comes; the beginning place; the origin.
• “Motives” – something that causes a person to act in a certain way.

5. The heart is the origin of the action of our will.

• “Origin” - The first stage of existence.

• “Action of Our Will” – the act of choosing one’s own, deliberate actions.

David had it in his heart. How about you?

• Is that place you call home to your emotions in good shape? Is your disposition an encouragement to those around you?

• Does your conscience make you feel uncomfortable or “guilty?” Or, is your conduct, both public and private, consistent, authentic, and filled with integrity?

• Do your thoughts and the point around which they revolve demonstrate a strong character? If you want to change your behavior, it begins by changing your thoughts.

• Do you find your motives to be self-serving or “others-oriented?”

• Do your deliberate actions indicate a willingness to lay aside personal preferences in order to build up others?

If you’re like me, you may feel good about answering those questions some days, and not so good on others. That’s okay. We can grow and improve. Even the guy who had it in his heart, King David, had his off days too. Does the name Bathsheba ring a bell? Yet, the Bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart – an [uncommon] leader.

It’s understood across the board that a home, business, company, organization, non-profit, church, or society for that matter, will go no farther than its leaders. People in all arenas of life, are hungry to follow [uncommon] Leadership. I believe you can help fill the leadership void that is so obvious today. You may do that while seated behind a desk; while serving others; while leading a fortune 500 company; while trying to determine what your next “assignment” will be; while raising teenagers; while leading a growing church; or flying a jet across the country.

But be confident of this; if you have it in your heart, those around you will follow your [uncommon] Leadership!

This journey is gonna be great!

In Search Of...[uncommon] Leadership!

The longer I live [my kids would re-state that to say, "the older dad becomes"], the more I long for all things [uncommon].  What comes to mind when you hear that word?  For me, the mental radar begins pulling up pictures of people, places, and events that stand head and shoulders above the crowd:

•  A wife with unbelievable patience, unwavering support, and a belief that I am a pretty cool guy, even when I don't feel that way about myself.
• Five amazing kids, two daughter's-in-law, and one son-in-law that are the greatest source of joy a parent could ever imagine.
• Eight grandchildren that are future world-changers [what do you expect from offspring of the aforementioned five kids and spouses?].
• Unforgettable scenes from Alaska [like the picture in this header].
•  A Thomas Kinkade painting.
  
• Nordstrom customer service - I buy a pair of shoes in Seattle, discover the fit is tight, try to exchange in Atlanta only to discover they are out of that style.  When the salesperson learns that I have a meeting in Charlotte later that day, he calls ahead to have the replacement pair ready for me there.  The shoes are wrapped, bagged, and ready upon my arrival.  Not only that, but the salesperson calls me by name as I approach the desk.  Have I mentioned...I love this place?
• The Lincoln Memorial - a vivid reminder of the untold sacrifice, struggle and commitment that helped to shape this great country.
• Renaissance Hotel; Charlotte Suites - where every time I check in, Andrew, Falecia, Amber and crew greet me by name, have my room ready, keys prepared, and ask about my family.
•  Red Sox/Yankees game at Fenway - the best venue in the world to watch the best rivalry in sports.
• Marty - a friend who demonstrated such unimaginable grace in the face of unspeakable loss that it was apparent he walks closely with God.
• Flying on a silky-smooth morning and watching the sun rise.
• The Barons - my son's baseball team that has captured the high school homeschool world series the past two years.
• Albert - my friend who makes it fun to shop [and spend money] at Costco.
• Aaron - an amazing, young worship leader filled with wisdom beyond his years.
• Jamie - the former cop, CIA agent, pastor, and missionary with unbelievable stories of impact.  
• Ray Johnston - pastor of one of America's fastest growing churches who sincerely considers the interests of others as more important than his own. 
• Capt. "Sulley" - US Air pilot of Miracle on the Hudson.

Wherever we turn, we find the common.  No one questions the fact that the ordinary, the mundane, and the run of the mill stare us in the face every day.  What once passed for "customer service," could today best be described "customer tolerance" or "customer indifference."   So, when we do experience the extraordinary; people, places, events, or occurrences that are [uncommon]; we long for more.

The good news is this - we can make a difference.  We were created for greatness, not "commonness." [uncommon] Leadership shares the belief that each person:

• Is created for a specific purpose in this life.
• Has been equipped with the exact personality, skill-set, and gift mix needed to accomplish that purpose.
• Is designed for a thrilling walk of faith that will take them beyond themselves, allowing them to be a difference-maker in ways they never dreamed possible.
• Can expand his or her capacity to the point of becoming an [uncommon] leader!

In the days ahead, we will look together at the stories of ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things...leaving an imprint that will last a lifetime.  We will discover and document many of the people, principles and practices that have been woven together to weave a beautiful tapestry.  A tapestry of...[uncommon] Leadership!

Welcome aboard; I hope you'll enjoy the journey.