2009 in Review
What follows are the things of my “vocation” that refined and shaped my character this year. All of them while not all being necessarily pleasant have made me a more intentional leader.
I would love for you to share yours with me. It’s a great exercise in gratitude.
O2’s Top Ten List for 2009
- Went from a wonderfully capable and compatible team of 5 to 1 (me). A painful, but cathartic experience, I learned a lot about my own leadership ability, intuition, impulsiveness and communication skills (or lack thereof). I also learned (again) that not everything “good” is a “feel good” experience.
- Found a job for my favorite “left hand” – Page, who is now working for Young Life, another of my passions. A double win.
- My office partner and good friend, Jack, appears to be having great success working with and for a group of people he regards highly and who in turn, value him for his abilities and character. Another win.
- Completely paid off my operating capital note. Being debt-free makes marketing and taking on clients a much more values-based experience. I am also better aware of how important it is to be a good steward of the resources with which I have been entrusted.
- Built and presented Simple Leadership – a practical decision-making model for leaders. While it is not rocket science, it is a practical, proven package of leadership skills that anyone can learn. And I am proud of it.
- Invested in 3 websites for 02. You might think that it was a terribly expensive adventure, but not really because I already had sunk costs in one, built the other myself and finally paid someone who was creative and capable to create the last one. Which ended up being functional and cool: oxygenfororganizations.com. Check it out and tell me what you think.
- Started writing a Simple Leadership blog/email that gives me great joy and let’s me give something to my friends with no strings attached.
- Persevered through pain and a crappy business environment
- Grew (see above and below).
- Got wounded, healed up and avoided bitterness. I am still working however, on the not being the “victim”. I chose. I chose. I chose……… Love means being vulnerable. Love means being vulnerable. Love means being vulnerable.
- Met some new lifelong friends who have helped make my life joyful and full.
- My wife loves me and I, her. My kids love me and I, them. And best of all, I know God loves me and I, him.
There’s a quote in my favorite book that has our creator saying,
For I know the plans I have for you, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you.
Not only do I believe that, I am looking forward to the adventure.
