Today's Parish Minister by 23rd Publications does a great job of exposing those in ministry to new ideas and strategies for reaching more folks. The October edition features an article of mine that deals with technology and the new evangelization. Shoot me an email at (mike@thedailysaint.com) and I'll be happy to send you a copy of the article in PDF format.
Today’s Parish Minister Article Now Available
22
Sep
Spirituality Handouts now Available
20
Sep
I presented earlier today at the annual Youth Ministry Convocation at Seton Hall University. Here are the handouts that I used- enjoy!
Download 4 Spiritual Types Handout
Download 7 Surprisingly Good Reads Handout
Download Cardinal Newman Prayer for Guidance
Which One Thing Would You Fix?
16
Sep
Everyone's talking about the economy. And the presidential election. And the Church.
Seth Godin's talking about fixing problems rather than just talking about them. If you could change just one thing about your own job, what would it be? Here are some suggestions:
- Your time of arrival.
- Your morning routine.
- Your preparation for the week.
- Your choice of planner, PDA, software, you get the point.
- The times of the day when you check email.
- The times when you close your office door and actually get stuff done.
- The layout of your workspace.
- The way in which you talk to your boss.
- The number of times that you say "thank you" to someone else.
- The speed with which you work.
- The little prayers before the difficult moments of the day.
- The final hour when you wrap things up.
The Productivity of Prayer
14
Sep
Ever try speaking with your physician about alternative methods of treatment, like prayer? CNN has this interesting piece about how one family considered prayer a viable option for the cure of their son.
A Career Without a Calling
11
Sep
I'm currently reading Leading With Soul: An Uncommon Journey of the Spirit and it's another confirmation that work and spiritual values go hand in hand.
Separate the two and we are left with career without calling.
Have you brought your spiritual self to work today?
Follow Up Interview with Author Dave Crenshaw on Multitasking
09
Sep
Here is the transcript of my interview with author and coach Dave Crenshaw. I'm grateful for his time and insight.
Q#1. The book is similar to Pat Lencioni's fable books- any inspiration
from Pat in the decision to write the book in the format that you did?
Absolutely. I was very excited when Pat Lencioni's publisher, Jossey-Bass, picked up the book. They were at the top of the list of the publishers I wanted to work with. I also found inspiration in Blanchard's
"One Minute Manager" and Goldratt's "The Goal".
Q#2. Why did you decide to focus on multitasking as opposed to another aspect of productivity?
I believe that no single behavior is having a greater impact on our current productivity than attempted multitasking. This constant switching of attention is robbing people of time, sanity, and relationships. It's leaving them segmented and feeling as if they have ADHD. I've worked with many executives who are inherently organized people; but because they bought into the myth of multitasking they developed habits that turned them into disorganized disasters.
Q#3. What productivity blogs do you enjoy, if any?
I'm a fan of Lifehacker. I love the concept of using technology to wrangle technology. Of course, I love the Daily Saint, as well!
Q#4. Who would win in an arm wrestling match and why: David Allen or Stephen Covey?
No offense to David Allen, I have to go with Covey. Since I grew up pretty much in his neighborhood, I've met him a couple of times. Covey looks like he's pretty tough, and he's fathered a quarterback.
To pick up a copy of Dave's latest book or find out more about his productivity coaching, visit his website.
Mini Review: The Myth of Multitasking by Dave Crenshaw
07
Sep
As the concept of multitasking has become mainstream, it's worth asking one simple question: does it work?
Author Dave Crenshaw likens multitasking to a cardinal sin. In fact, he sees it in such a poor light that he doesn't even use the word. Instead, he prefers "switch-tasking". By switch-tasking, Crenshaw explains that most people do one thing and then do another. They're not really doing two things at the same time, but switching back and forth between the two.
This all made sense to me, as a GTD practitioner who tries to do one thing at a time. My kids will even roll their eyes and say, "We know Dad, one thing at a time!" Hey, just trying to spread a little bit of productivity love.
What about when you do the dishes and listen to some music at the same time? Or when you listen to the radio and drive somewhere? Crenshaw calls this "background tasking", a process by which your brain can handle doing one thing and putting something else in the background. This was good news for me as I love to listen to books on tape on my way to work.
I highly recommend Crenshaw's book, especially for those who are fans of GTD / Getting Things Done. If you are also familiar with Pat Lencioni's books on leadership, you'll love The Myth of Multitasking.
Other Mini Reviews by The Daily Saint
The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn
Brag! The Art of Blowing Your Horn Without Blowing It
