I love maps. I love globes. I love seeing where I’ve been and where I want to go. But maps are not the friend of the leader, innovator and entrepreneur.  If you are looking at a map, it means you’re managing not leading.  The essence of a map is that someone has already been there and the map can prove it.  Leading requires you to go somewhere no one has been before. There are no maps to lead into the unknown.

As a leader, innovator or entrepreneur, what you need is a compass. So, toss the idea of a map and start looking for a compass. A compass points you in a certain direction, that’s it. When you are out in front, this is the tool you need to lead. The most accurate compass will point to true north every time.  Your job is then to lead in a way that stays on the path of true north by walking where the compass is pointing.

Decide what North is for you in the areas of your life and then find a compass to point you in that direction and get going. Find north for your character and get going. Find north for your marriage and keep going. Find north for your business and keep going.

A compass will not show you what is around the bend like a map. But a map is not for leaders. Ditch the map. Get a compass. Find north and start going!

I had a meeting with a great mentor and influencer in my life this past week. He dropped a wisdom bomb on me and I thought I’d pass it along. Here’s what I learned:

The right vision will allow you to say No. A vision that is too broad allows far too many Yes’ to be effective. By saying No, you are giving your vision more clarity, focus and eventually  you’ll see greater results.

This does not mean that you can not have a huge vision. This just means you need a focused vision.

What can you say no to? What ideas are automatically cast aside because they don’t fit into your vision? What opportunities do you turn down because they don’t align with your vision.

If you can’t say No, it might be time to take another look at your vision.

Wow! It’s been an unbelievable first year of Backstage Leadership. WOOT!  I can not believe that it’s already come and gone. I am so proud of our team, all our participants and the work that was accomplished. I am grateful for the great leaders that worked with us too.  All in all, it has blown past my original expectations. But, this is only the beginning. As we look to next year and the future leaders we will impact, I’m taking a few moments to celebrate what God has done.

When Joshua took the Israelites into the Promised Land, they crossed over the Jordan, took out some near by armies and then….they celebrated.  Joshua built a memorial so that when people saw the memorial they would remember what took place and then celebrate.

Be sure that in your pursuit of your vision that you stop and celebrate. Take time to remember where you were and where you are. What does celebrating do for you, your vision and your team?

1. Celebrating allows you to remind people of the vision.  Bill Hybles says that vision leaks.  If this is true (and I think it is) then every excuse you can get to recast the vision is welcomed.  What’s a better way to cast vision than by partying?
2. Celebrating is a way to come back to the team. Many times visionary leaders and entrepreneurs spend so much time in the future that the forget the people behind them.  Celebrating is a way for you to hit the pause button and encourage those that helped you achieve the vision.
3. Celebrating shows your team that you appreciate what they have done.  By constantly looking to “what’s next” you risk saying that “what we’ve done” is not important.  Most people do not live in the future like you do.
4. Celebrating is a way to worship.  Celebrate by giving thanks to what God has done. Appreciate all the doors He opened. Give thanks for the prayers He answered and for the grace he extended.

What do you need to celebrate today with your team?

The Idea Camp is going to Las Vegas (Sept. 27-28). What is the Idea Camp? Keep reading, you’ll love it.

This is going to be a great event that you don’t want to miss. Some good friends of mine will be speaking, including Mike Foster, Jud Wilhite, Charles Lee and Angus Nelson.  I am excited to be speaking at a breakout session too. So, consider spending a few days in Vegas this fall. It will be worth it!

Event Details

Join us for a fresh, honest and transformative conversation with
leading thinkers on topics including sexual identity, orientation,
abuse, gender perceptions, porn, marriage, family, prostitution,
and slavery.

The issues related to human sexuality are too often misunderstood,
ignored, or avoided in far too many churches. The Idea Camp will
facilitate a safe and transparent environment of learning, sharing
of insights from the respective fields of focus, and practical
insights and examples of holistic care.

Please take a moment to click on the links for the conference:

• Registration (Super Early Bird Rate Available)
• Venue
• Confirmed Facilitators/Speakers (More coming soon!)
• Sponsors (Interested in sponsoring? Let us know.)

We would love to see you in Vegas. Please let us know if you have any questions about the event.

New Backstage Leadership podcast is up. In this episode, we talk about the principles of leadership shared by Tim Tassopoulos in a guest interview. Tim is the Senior Vice President of Operations for Chick-fil-A.

What did you like about Tim’s interview?

I thought I’d share some of the exciting things coming up this month.

• This week there is a Backstage Leadership session with Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy, son of founder Truett Cathy. Can’t wait to do live Q&A with the leader of one of my favorite business in the world. If you have a question  you’d like me to ask, post it in the comments and I’ll try my best to get it asked.
• Next week there is a Backstage Leadership session with legendary leader and writer Ken Blanchard. I have so many questions to ask him myself and I know all the Backstage participants will as well.  If you have a question  you’d like me to ask, post it in the comments and I’ll try my best to get it asked.
• Working on the redesign for next years Backstage Leadership site. New look. New speakers. Same amazing chance to be mentored by amazing leaders. Super Early bird signups coming soon.
• I’ll be at the Q conference in Chicago for a few days. Led by good friend and mentor Gabe Lyons, this event stretches my thinking unlike any other one. If you are going to be there, please let me know, would love to meet up.
• Excited about the release of the book Making Ideas Happen. I’ve heard from friends that it is an excellent read, especially for idea-junkies like me.
• Working on a new lay out for my blog and site. Excited about the possibilities.

What’s going on in your world?

That idea you’ve been kicking around in your head…the one that you day dream about…the one you’re really considering pursuing…yeah, that one.

You need to know that when you pursue it. And yes, you should pursue it. You need to know that some people in your life will not understand why. They’ll have tons of questions. They’ll have tons of reasons why you shouldn’t pursue it. They just won’t understand.  They’ll probably try and talk you out of it. And that’s ok.

The question you have to answer is whether you will pursue it anyway. Once you’ve decided… get going.

• They didn’t understand when Noah was building a big boat (what’s rain?)
• They didn’t understand why Lincoln was running for President (how many times have you lost an election?)
• They didn’t understand why Wilberforce raised another motion to end the slave trade (is that 20 straight years you’ve been shot down?)
• They didn’t understand why Mother Theresa worked on the slums for so long (aren’t you just  helping a handful?)

They didn’t understand. They may never understand. You’re job is not to convince everyone. You’re job is to make sure you understand. Then go for it.