LifeLearner Network Weblog

Gary Collins, a Christian coach, distributes a regular newsletter by email.  This one caught my eye as we in the Leadership Developpment cohort are working to articulate a Mission Statement for our lives.  i have copied here the opening paragraph of Gary’s comments, and the link will send you to his website and you can look for Newsletter 259 on Shadow Missions to read further.

SHADOW MISSIONS

маси и столове

One coaching role is to help people find and pursue their missions. When individuals, companies or churches have clear missions there can be greater focus, fulfillment and accomplishments.

Behind every mission, however, there lurks what psychologist John Ortberg terms one’s shadow mission.

http://www.garyrcollins.com

Harvard Business Review (08/07) Vol. 85, P. 114; Ericsson, K. Anders; Prietula, Michael J.; Cokely, Edward T.

Executives often find “natural ability” and other indefinable characteristics represent expertise to some firms, but some critics argue that expertise is actually the fruit borne of consistent practice. Moreover, true expert performance can lead to consistently and measurably improved results–a boon to any business–but simple practice is not enough for an individual to move from competence to true expertise. When beginning to learn a skill, most people find repetitive practice is enough to increase their performance over a short period, but eventually their improvement will level off. At this point, they must begin to engage in “deliberate practice,” which involves thinking through the consequences of many different approaches, testing out those approaches, and using skills that are undeveloped. Without this deliberative practice, their level of skill is unlikely to improve further. Coaches and mentors with the skills executives are seeking to develop are the best sources of knowledge about which deliberative practices are most useful in improving those abilities; these partners provide critical feedback as well. Executives should observe peers with the skills they need in order to learn how those skills are used to solve various problems.

I received this article excerpt the other day.  What does mentoring have to do with lifelong learning?  Have you had a mentor? have you been a mentor?

Mentoring Is a Basis for Career Growth
Boston Herald (06/01/07) ; Couture, Celia

Because professional growth can be a difficult process when undertaken single-handedly, mentors are significant sources of guidance and support. Mentors play a vital role in developing organizational leaders by passing on valuable insights. In a poll of business executives, over three-quarters described mentoring as one of the main factors in their success. In addition, 77 percent of organizations attributed improved employee retention and performance to mentoring according to Business Finance magazine. In career mentoring, the mentee is given the chance to acquire new leadership skills, as well as assistance in performing at a high level. In contrast, the goal of peer mentoring is to educate new employees at fast pace by transferring knowledge and skills from the mentor to the mentee. Those seeking a mentor should choose an individual who is challenging and who can provide a distinct perspective. For those considering becoming a mentor, it is important to remember that mentoring involves a generous time commitment, as a mentee needs ongoing counseling and aid.

TEAM’s Centre for Lifelong Learning has been working to design a tool that will help you become more effective in your ministry. The result of three years of development is now available online to TEAM missionaries and our partners in ministry. What does the LifeLearner Network offer to you? Take a moment to dream with us. (more…)

People often come by our new collaborative workspace and ask “What is the Centre for Lifelong Learning? What do you do?” Perhaps we can turn that question around, and ask you, What does ‘lifelong learning’ mean to you?” That might help us give an answer that is more clear and useful when you drop by to chat.

What sort of things help to keep your thinking fresh? How do you keep your mind active?  What do you do to keep your ministry from becoming a little more of the “same old, same old”?

 Could you share with us, your colleagues, some ideas, tips, or methods that you have used (or wish you could use) as you seek to grow your effectiveness in ministry?