Society can give its young men almost any job and they’ll figure how to do it. They’ll suffer for it and die for it and watch their friends die for it, but in the end, it will get done. That only means that society should be careful about what it asks for.* When writing or publishing […]
Category: Influence & leadership
Earned reputation
I sat in a meeting yesterday with three faculty members from Moody Bible Institute. We were exploring a complex, divisive issue. Each spoke with clarity, grace, and respect, and I felt privileged to partner with such fine and distinguished men. They left the room towering figures in my book.
How to strengthen your case
Whether or not I agree, I’m honored to be part of the conversation when you . . . Represent the opposition accurately (no straw men) Speak with confidence (no defensiveness) Address me as a peer (no talking down to the reader) Remain calm (no shrill crescendos) Treat me with respect (nothing uncharitable) Give me something […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Leadership from Captaining a Sailboat
(1) Know it all, but don’t do it all. Understand how everything works, ideally from experience. Study the charts, plot your course, avoid harm, and seek leverage. Intuit the boat so you can tease out its advantage. And read the elements like your native language. Then — use everything you know to wisely direct the […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Sermons
(1) Interest and time are inversely proportional. The greater my interest, the shorter the sermon. (2) Interest and investment are directly proportional. The more you put in, the more I take out. (3) If it’s where I live, my attention is yours to lose. (4) The more you care about me, the more I’ll hear. […]
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