Catalyst Atlanta 2013 Andy Stanley Final Session

Note: These are my notes from the Catalyst Conference. These are what you’d see if you were to look into my notebook as I’m writing them done. Read and enjoy what Catalyst has to offer.

andy-stanleyCatalyst has a habit of having Andy Stanley open and close their conference. This is the final session of Catalyst Atlanta 2013. And, once again, Andy Stanley is presenting.

Having been to Catalyst in the past, I know Andy is going to bring it. So let’s get at it.

He wanted us to thank all of those that have helped with the conference. The behind the scenes guys, the volunteers, the video and sound guys. Great sign of a leader.

The point is to make it so a fifth grader can understand it.

He has to make things simple so he can understand them. This carries over to everyone else as well. You’ve got to make it simple enough so others can understand what is being presented.

Andy, college is not for everyone – What his mother told him.

Level 5 leaders have the humility to aspire to be the dumbest person in the room
– Jim Collins

This encouraged Andy.

Leadership 101

This is what he feels like is the fundamental level. The cookies on the bottom shelf.

Do you have something you can look at every day to keep you centered as a leader?

Core of Andy’s personal leadership –

Are you asking these 3 questions?

What are we doing?

Why are we doing it?

Where do I fit in?

Simple questions to keep you centered and to see how you and your organization is performing. You need to be able to answer these questions.

What are we doing?

This is an action word. Core of what we’re doing.

Mentions Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Andy called up Mr. Johnson, owner of all the Ritz Carltons except one. Asked him if every level of worker really have a mission statement.

He then asks how do you get people to do this.

There’s power in the answer to this question.

Andy and a few others went to the actual Ritz Carlton training. Those people are still on the Northpoint team.

This is the statement: We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.

Made it not about being a servant but as a gentleman and a lady. They’re just serving.

It then becomes less about opening doors or making beds. This statement makes it about so much more.

This made Andy a raving fan about mission statements.

When missions are crystal clear, most decisions are pre-decided.

You can ask the question: What would a lady do when serving another lady?

It helps people know exactly what they’re doing.

Decide what you’re there for This helps create greatness.

Attract great leaders by answering the question of What Are We Doing?

Take time to create a statement. Otherwise you won’t have one.

Don’t tell yourself you don’t have the time or you’re too small or too large or too complex. Just do it.

Start it whether or not anyone else in the organization is doing it.

Be laser-focused.

Steve Jobs is an example of this. Create simple computers people can use.

Andy Stanley – Create a church unchurched people love to attend.

What ARE you doing?

You should be able to look someone in the eye and BOOM tell the mission. If you’ve got to look away or think about it, it’s too complicated.

Even if it’s a bad one, create a statement. It can be tweaked and changed.

Start the conversation on what are we doing.

Why Are We Doing It?

You’ll find inspiration when you answer this question. Like Simon Sinek says, this gives you your WHY.

You’ve got to make it personal. Don’t use pat answers.

God’s personal call on your life can be a clue to the answer Why.

Your personal call is where you found the courage to take the first step. Stay close to it.

What is your personal passion? Gives you energy.

Find people who resonate with your personal passion/call.

When you’re forced into a model, you become vanilla. The first love falls away.

This is not selfish. It’s how things happen.

Rev. Everett Swanson – Creates Compassion International after another pastor challenged him to do something.

Over a million children are helped because he followed his calling.

Don’t you ever, ever, ever let money, finances get in the way of what God has called you to do – Charles Stanley

It won’t be only you missing out if you step away from your calling. It could be millions of people who would have been touched because you followed what you were called to do.

Pay attention to what stirs your heart.

Why gives you energy.

Where Do I Fit In?

Discover your critical role. Your unique contribution.

What can only you do? Search it out. Do it.

Put it on a card.

Make one-sentence magic. Don’t make your descriptions more than one sentence. And for your direct reports.

Time consuming and costly but well worth it. Almost becomes gold.

Lets them know where people fits in. Helps others to find their place of greatest contribution.

Boil it all down.

 

He gave illustrations but didn’t want them to be written down. He wants us to go through it ourselves.

Let it be something unforgettable and measurable.

What would happen if you got only 75% of leaders to buy in and answer these 3 questions the same way? Shorter meetings, more celebrations, less stress.

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