The sermon at church service yesterday was supposed to discuss the topic of finding peace in times of fear. But that's not what I walked away with.
Citing Matthew's story of Jesus walking on water as an example of finding peace in turbulent times, i.e., Jesus coming to Peter and the apostles during the storm. Peter sank because he did not have sufficient faith. The lesson continued. I couldn't let go of what I believe is the real question, in that reading, throughout the Bible and in our daily lives: "having belief and having faith are totally different issues...issues that can mean your life, and life hereafter."
Whether one can translate belief in something to faith in it marks a distinction in our lives of religion, work, philosophy and daily life. Belief in God and faith that He loves us, saved us, and wants us to be happy separates the flock, as it were. One can believe passively. Faith requires action because it is the faith that supports the action.
We are called to action, to take the steps necessary to come closer to God. We cannot take those actions without faith.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Leadership's Mandate
My oldest son and I were talking about the role of leaders and leadership in organizations. Our viewpoints differed, but the end result was the same.
I believe that ineffective, visionless, cowardly leaders who won't make decisions and fritter away the talent of the those in his or her charge through action or inaction, are behaving in a way that borders on sinful. The amazing potential of human beings with God-given abilities provides a resource that is entrusted to leaders, and cannot be neglected. The lack of accountability to fulfilling that potential for the good of the organization is inexcusable, I say.
My son believes that leaders/managers can be total jerks if they want to if the organization meets its goals. He believes it is a shame to waste human talent, but it is the perogative of the boss to do so. The caveat, for him, is that the boss needs to be honest about it up front: "I am going to work your butts off and all that should matter to you should be this company," or such. "But," he continued, "the boss has to be clear about that on the front end, even during the interview." Bingo.
The deception played by leaders/managers who talk about excellence, employee value, employee development, community-ness, partnership, collaboration and achievement is devastating when the truth of actions and inactions cut talent and inspiration off at the knees.
Honesty in leadership. On all levels. No smoke, no mirrors, no BS, no gamesmanship: put the cards on the table and go. Where is it?
I believe that ineffective, visionless, cowardly leaders who won't make decisions and fritter away the talent of the those in his or her charge through action or inaction, are behaving in a way that borders on sinful. The amazing potential of human beings with God-given abilities provides a resource that is entrusted to leaders, and cannot be neglected. The lack of accountability to fulfilling that potential for the good of the organization is inexcusable, I say.
My son believes that leaders/managers can be total jerks if they want to if the organization meets its goals. He believes it is a shame to waste human talent, but it is the perogative of the boss to do so. The caveat, for him, is that the boss needs to be honest about it up front: "I am going to work your butts off and all that should matter to you should be this company," or such. "But," he continued, "the boss has to be clear about that on the front end, even during the interview." Bingo.
The deception played by leaders/managers who talk about excellence, employee value, employee development, community-ness, partnership, collaboration and achievement is devastating when the truth of actions and inactions cut talent and inspiration off at the knees.
Honesty in leadership. On all levels. No smoke, no mirrors, no BS, no gamesmanship: put the cards on the table and go. Where is it?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Art students, and other creators
I thought of the students cited in my previous post when I came across this by Emerson: "Happy is he who only looks into his work to know if it will succeed, never into the time or public opinion; and who writes from the love of imparting certain thoughts and not from the necessity of the sale--who writes always to the unknown friend."
Saturday, April 14, 2007
What do you see? Creation and other lessons.
I'm on a break from teaching a photography class at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). The title that was chosen for the workshop was "Taking Award-Winning Photographs." I would never title a workshop like that, but it did help attract students, I guess. Besides, it did help me frame the work of the day: My first lesson to share with the students is that "if you are here to learn how to win awards, please do yourself a favor and leave. Today we will learn how to see. And when you see, the quality of your work will improve. Be more powerful. You may even win awards. But if that is your motivation, then leave now. We'll close our eyes so you can do it secretly." There were many smiles and knowing nods.
The 60 young people I taught today completely understood that message. They weren't focused on awards, even though VASE is the culminating competition for Texas art students. They understood the awards are great, but that the power (POWER) to express and communicate creatively was award enough.
As we discussed motivations, there were expressions of joy, sadness, laughter and understanding. They understand the human condition, within their own worlds, and they work to understand how that relates to who they are. Their questions were great, their silence profound, their answers enlightening. I can only hope they don't succumb to their parents' quest to fill their rooms with trophies and to pad their resumes for scholarships. The energy of art is lost when the quest is for reward.
My fiance reminds me of that, too. When I fall in the rut of "needing" to create to bring in additional income, I lose the joy of creation, the energy of imagination and the exhilaration of accomplishment. I suspect we all fall into those ruts. We can learn from each other how to keep the joy of creation and the spoils of accomplishment in the right perspectives. By teaching high schoolers today, they taught me anew.
The 60 young people I taught today completely understood that message. They weren't focused on awards, even though VASE is the culminating competition for Texas art students. They understood the awards are great, but that the power (POWER) to express and communicate creatively was award enough.
As we discussed motivations, there were expressions of joy, sadness, laughter and understanding. They understand the human condition, within their own worlds, and they work to understand how that relates to who they are. Their questions were great, their silence profound, their answers enlightening. I can only hope they don't succumb to their parents' quest to fill their rooms with trophies and to pad their resumes for scholarships. The energy of art is lost when the quest is for reward.
My fiance reminds me of that, too. When I fall in the rut of "needing" to create to bring in additional income, I lose the joy of creation, the energy of imagination and the exhilaration of accomplishment. I suspect we all fall into those ruts. We can learn from each other how to keep the joy of creation and the spoils of accomplishment in the right perspectives. By teaching high schoolers today, they taught me anew.
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