Nat's Feb RI "Chapter 2" Review

Oh oh Michael Scott! Who doesn't love "The Office"? How we love to watch him be such a fool. I find myself embarrassed for him at times in the show because I think, "how can you be so dumb?" Steve Saccone definitely nailed Michael right on as being blissfully unaware. He truly believes he is the most awesome everything and that people should treat him as such. How well does that correlate to our lives sometimes. Of course I am talking in 2nd person here because as this chapter reveals, it is not easy to point the finger back at ourselves to reveal the flaws. Self-awareness is such a polite way of saying it, but how true it is. Reality is a funny thing because I have my version of what I think and see and then there's how someone else sees things and then there's the objectional view of how things really are. I guess I feel for Michael because there are times when I look at myself, knowing full well of a particular area of weakness, and I'd rather just hide it under the rug and pretend it doesn't exist because I just don't want to go there; I don't want to deal with the feelings or do the work to strengthen myself in that area.

This chapter was a good reminder for me that I have become lax in this area. I do feel like I have genuine people in my life who are trustworthy and honest, but loving to speak into my life, but I don't think I invite them often enough to give their input. And this chapter has really challenged me to bite the bullet and ask my friends and love ones who I value to give me input. I want an honest look at myself through their eyes and I know it may be a tough pill to swallow, but I really think I need at this point. I do feel as if I am in a bit of a rut and I think I need a little nudge to get going up the hill again. I really liked his line "...there should definitely be some people who practically make us nervous about what they might say because they are willing to be so completely honest." I have definitely had that feeling before. But the biggest times of spiritual growth for me was when I opened myself up to people who I saw as wise and admired their walk with Christ and allowed their influence to change some things in my life.

I am looking forward to gaining some fresh insight about myself. Scared but intrigued. Thank you Michael Scott for showing me who I do not want to be.

Randy's 60 day goal and action plan

60 Day Goal: Prepare for Kid’s Krusade

Action Steps
Contact speaker for Kid’s Krusade and get his list of requirements - Done
Obtain the speakers list of requirements - Done
Put announcement in Bulletin - Done
Put announcement on weekly emails - Done
Make announcements to the kids about the Krusade - Done 

Prepare and send out a mailing for the Kid’s Krusade - Done
Find and assign two captains - Done
Identify positions needed for the Krusade - Done

Recruit helpers for the Krusade - Done
Conduct Krusade - Done

Randy's February Book Review: Relational Intellegence - Chapter 2

I found this chapter an agreeable roller coaster.  At times I agreed with it and others times I didn’t. I constantly do self evaluations and it’s not something that is always positive for me.  I tend to over do it and really get down on myself.  So I didn’t need any convincing.  I struggled with this subject.  Was it Biblical?   I found 2 Corinthians 13:5.   Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith.  OK, the Bible wants us to do self examinations. 

I wondered about a statement the author made: “Human beings have both good and bad in them, and the journey of transformation is moving towards more good and less bad.”  I tried to relate it to myself: flesh and spirit.  I attempt to serve God out of my spirit.  Within my born again spirit is all good.  I must abide in Christ.  If the self-examination targets “flesh” spots that are in me, that must die and Christ must increase.  I must be brutally honest with myself and expose the flesh to the light of God’s Word.

In processing this chapter, I discovered that my self-examination process was flawed.  I have to examine myself.  In that examination I can’t just focus upon the findings.  I must look through new eyes and make course adjustment.  It reminded me of something a friend said to me many years ago after I got a set of encyclopedias from a rummage sale.  I told my friend I was disappointed because the “P” book was gone.  He told me that it was a great set containing 25 books.  I focused on the one book instead of all the others. I think self-examination should be like that also.   
Mark Twain quote: Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered – either by themselves, or by others.   Albert Einstein declaration: There’s a genius in all of us.  Nobody wants to be like a Michael Scott.  I think the author is concluding this chapter by saying, "don’t sell yourself short either". 

Allison's February book review - RI chap 2

I love how he calls this chapter the Micheal Scott Syndrome, which he of course is referring to the TV series called the Office, Steve Saccone is correct in his correlation of the manager being completely oblivious to his own folly's as any of us can be; although Micheal Scott is quite idiotic! I can think of at least one person in my life who can be almost as idiotic as Micheal Scott. For myself I am a person who at times analysis herself to much. My analysis of myself doesn't necessarily mean that I am correct in the way I view myself. Like in the book when Steve Saccone says this: "A friend of mine was caught off guard recently, when someone he highly respected told him, "In some ways, you are better than you think you are, but in other ways, you are not as good as you think you are."" Which then of course led him into the point of having others around us who will speak honestly into our lives, for us to gain perspectives other then our own, or even from people who will just tell us what we want to hear. I do desire to have people like that in all areas of my life, I have people who help keep me on track with ministry but not necessarily in my personal life. Often times I find myself speaking honestly into others lives, but do not recieve the same feedback. I've often thought to myself it would be great to have someone give me feedback,but it is also very intimidating thought. Steve Saccone says that we need to be able to foster feedback from people who can extract insight from some of our best moments, as well as from some of our worst. After reading this chapter I am making a goal to ask people to be honest with me in all areas of my life. (with out punching them) Just Kidding! I am actually excited about this new perspective.

Mike's February book review - RI chap 2

In reading this chapter I was reminded about 1 Corinthians chapter 11. A loose paraphrase is judge yourself so that you may not be judged. We need to understand and work to improve our shortcomings / limitations when working with others and not just ignore our weaknesses.

Some of the points Steve Succone brought out:
If we want to gain an accurate view of ourselves, we must consistently invest in our internal growth potential, not just in our external success. An unexamined life is an ineffective life (mentioned in The Harvard Business Review article).
As our self-awareness goes up, our relational intelligence goes up.

Steve mentions three habits (habits - they are not something you do once, they are intended to become a new way of living).

Learn to Access the Perceptions of Those Around you. When you do this, make sure it is coming from a reliable source

Learn to Activate the Reflective Mind Within you. Think back on various activities / actions and their various outcomes. If we try to become more self aware, we will hurt people less, help people more, and create a distinctly more positive relational culture around us.

Write Clarifying Statements. This helps to define our blind spots which in turn will help in addressing a solution or course of action to correct and over come them.

Mike's February 30 day goals

Well team members, as you can see by the date, I am late in posting my goals. For the Honor Bound group we just finished up an event on January 29. We had an open house / breakfast that required some planning. Taylor and I worked together on that project. It required some work, but in the end, we were happy with the results - thank you Lord. That is history.

GOAL: For the month of February, we will be working on the next event that comes up the first weekend in March - the annual South Dakota Honor Bound Men's Advance. The east river event will be March 4-6 in Sioux Falls. This year is different from past years in that they are extending it an extra day, we are on our own for meals, and there are three different afternoon activities to choose from. Registration for this event has been like selecting from a smorgasboard for each participant.



Action steps needed:

1. Calls to David Winter, State HB Men's Ministries coordinator, getting prices for all options, 1 night and 2 night lodging, both early and late registration. Done - calls were made to David about 3 different times.

Promotion for the event - church bulletin information, preservice church announcements, and word of mouth.

1. Work with the church office staff and Pastor Kathy. Registration forms, payment tracking, etc., etc., (Thank you Karen, Jodie, and Pastor Kathy for your patience and understanding with this project - you have been great to work with. You are also honorary members of Honor Bound!) Done
2. Car pooling to and from the event Done
3. Shuttle service at the event Done
4. Meal arrangements Done - called ahead to 3 different places to get meal options and prices.

We are praying that it will be a good time of fellowship and ministry for all men involved and that God would be glorified throughout the whole event. At the event we heard testimonies from a couple people that attended the conference. Also, one of the newer guys from our group was really blessed by the event - thank you Lord.

Allison's 30 Day Goal Feb

Goal: Have a missions meeting with Missions Team and plan the calender year.

1) Review last calendar year for assessment. Done

2) Plug the dates into the calendar for yearly events. 80 percent done, have one more date to put into concrete next missions meeting. Also would like to plan for a missions trip to one of the reservations this year.

3) Set goals for how many new Missionaries to take on for support. Did not accomplish yet, it was on the missions agenda but ran out of time during the meeting.

4) Contact the missionary from Sudan who is requesting support. Done, she came to our last meeting and it was fun to have her there.

Jodie's RI Assessment

I got a 71.

Jodie's Feb 30 Day Goal

GOAL: Be a better prepared teacher for Heir Force.

Action Steps:

1. Start to study the lesson Mon, Tues, then review on Wed. again.
2. Plan to bring treats for the kids.
3. After each time I teach in February, honestly evaluate myself when I get home and jot notes about what went well and what needed work.

Other notes for some personal disciplines I'm working on:

• Do the Honor Team schedule on Worship Planning the last week of every month and ask Annette for help to learn how to use the site better.
• Start reading a chapter a week on the "Life of Christ" for personal devotions.  To make time for this, I'm going to wake up at 6:30 am and go to bed by 10:45 pm.

Jodie's Jan Reading

As a leader is want to be a person that cultivates that of healthy relationships and be a role model of that to others.  I like how Steve Saccone tells us - Intelligent relationships are the key that opens the door to humanity's heart, to true spiritual influence.  I see how much better I need to be at these relationships, to cultivate them and invest in them.  If I want to make a difference in others lives, I need to learn better how to relate and let myself get closer to people.  I learned that I need to purpose environments to build these relationships,  invest my time into these relationships and know that working with others there will be headaches.  But, I hope to learn how to better handle situations ahead.

Randy's 30 Day Goal

GOAL: Write a Children's story.

Action Steps:

1. Write a Children's Story (1st draft)- Done
2. Correct any mistakes in the story - Done
2. Post a link on the weekly Children's Ministry email - Done

Natalie's personal growth book

This book covers ten basic time management choices and shows you how to put them into action in your own life.

Natalie's 30 day goal for February

Goal Update: Well friends, it's not good news. Unfortunately my progress has been stalled. Due to some sick days and poor time management my goal did not get completed. Obviously I need help in this area. I think the key is becoming more disciplined in the mornings and getting the kids to daycare early so that I can have some good productive hours in the morning. Errr, I hate procrastination. Maybe I made too big of a goal?



30 day goal: Complete organizing/filing system at home. Learning more about organization will help me to be a better leader and be a better manager. This is also the topic I have chosen for my personal growth book.

Action steps:

• remove 2010 and older paperwork from filing cabinet
• file current 2011 paperwork
• put old paperwork to keep in labeled boxes (old tax returns, loan info, house info, etc)
• weekly go thru mail and file necessary things
• Separate out health care spending information in folder (receipts, EOBs, etc)
• Fill out and submit HCSA forms for 2010

Annette's 30 Day Goal for Feb 2011

GOAL:  Complete all the preliminary prep work for the Easter production: Eyewitness to HIStory.

ACTION STEPS:

1. Make a short video to use to promote the audition process.  DONE
2. Personally invite individuals to audition or join stage crew.  90% complete
3. Finish additional John scene. IN PROGRESS - I've struggled to get my ideas on paper but I just found a song that has given me additional inspiration.
4. Contact individuals/organizations that will provide equipment, costumes, and set for production. 50% complete; I have to confirm the lights, rental mics, and casket
5. Find some new music to use for band and small ensemble.  DONE

I think I "overshot" this goal a bit to be done in 30 days.  :)  But setting such a concrete goal helped me get a lot done even though I was kind of swamped with the Fine Arts event!

RI Suggestion

I'd definitely recommend you go take the RI assessment.  Will be a good self evaluation tool!

http://www.relationalintelligence.info/ 

Annette's January Post

I am definitely glad we are reading this book - so far it looks like it's going to be GREAT!  Relational intelligence is a really creative way of expressing this idea.  I thought it was poignant that the issue of "conflict" was used right away to define the idea of relational intelligence.  He said a person with a high level of RI knows "how to resolve conflict in a healthy manner that fosters the strength of a relationship rather than breaking it down".  Managing conflict is definitely a HUGE part of having healthy relationships.

"Relationships have a direct correlation to the quality of our lives."  That is such a true statement, yet I think we would all admit we don't always invest as much as we need to in order to have great relationships.  We want relationships to be great and we get frustrated when they're not, yet we seldom are doing 100% of what we can to make them great.  The concept of human economy is interesting.  It definitely can change your thinking about why relationships matter.  It's not only about making life better.  It also relates to productivity, outreach, effectiveness, and physical/emotional health.

"Leaders have the potential to infect people in a way that moves them forward or backward."  What do you think about having that kind of influence?  For some, that's scary!  But you're all already leaders - so you're already doing this!  I hope this process helps us to examine what direction we're moving people. 

I thought it was pretty striking to say that relationships are the proof of God.  But I agree!  I'd never thought of it like that, but it's true.  I hope to learn how to let the love of God love THROUGH me more effectively - and increase my RQ.  By the way, my RQ was 86.  Pretty cool assessment tool!  I'd be curious to have you guys do the 360 assessment about me too. 

Mike's January Book review of Relational Intelligence

In the foreword, Mr Erwin McManus said some fairly nice complements (as is common) about his friend and author Steve Saccone. He stated - Steve wasn't the proverbial diamond in the rough; he was a diamond in a world that valued glitter. He wasn't going to grab your attention with how bright he shined; he would, however, illuminate any room with the light he brought out in others. That is quite a complement.

In reading the first chapter, I was reminded about the idea of a leader trying to bring out the best in others, and not just use people to get what the leader wants. Having, creating, healthy relationships is key in this process. Some of the following statements and ideas were brought out:

To be relationally intelligent, we must shift from a positional authority mind-set to the crucial leadership mind-set of relational authority.

Relationships have a direct correlation to the quality of our lives.

He talked about how relationships are the virus of influence. A virus is an infectious agent that reproduces or grows only when it has a host cell or carrier. It can be a good or bad thing. With relational intelligence, we are carriers or host cells. We carry the virus of influence - relationship.

Steve Saccone gave one definition of relational intelligence as the ability to learn, understand, and comprehend knowledge as it relates to interpersonal dynamics. Broken down, the purpose of relational intelligence is to enhance the quality of our relationships and expand our influence.
Steve goes on to state that the goal in not just learning or comprehending knowledge about relationships, but guiding people in advancing their ability to influence through application of relational intelligence. With a goal like this, the rest of the book should be interesting.