Creativity

Creativity requires the freedom to consider the "unthinkable" alternatives, to doubt the worth of cherished practices.
-- John Gardner, Leadership Writer

People identified as creative tend to be loved or hated in our society. The creative that are loved tend to be artists, intellectuals and stars/heroes. They think outside of the box, presenting the world’s beauty, mystery, and knowledge. They excite our senses and they give us tools and maps to find things in our world and ourselves. They are mirrors that reveal our humanity- flaws and strengths.

These creative people are considered “other world,” operating on an abstract or commentary level, not directly changing systems, rather inspiring and influencing their community. They are not considered a direct threat, rather theorists on how the world should be.

Creative people that are hated* are those who what Garner states “doubt the worth of cherished practices.” We must be clear that the creative person that Garner describes is not an anarchist, rather one who knows (through study and emersion) the system and community that she/he resides and seeks to engage in “unthinkable” alternatives to better the community. Creative people are fearless, not due to pride, but due the absence of fear and planning.

Why they are hated has nothing to do with their outcome of critical thinking rather what the outcome may produce- change. Humans are creatures of habit, always opting to engage in the familiar. The primary reason for this behavior is that while cherished practices may be limiting, there is no fear; there is a clear vision of the outcome. Those who would identify themselves as creative people may find themselves frustrated in communities that always opt for the familiar. They may tend to feel lonely and unable to engage in their community.

The outcome of this frustration and loneliness can be transformational or harmful, not only to the creative person, but also to the community. Creative people may become disillusioned with their community resulting in silence and resentment. Their dreams become stagnant and their performance minimal. The observer may see this as laziness or lack of vision.

Let us explore transformation that happens to creative people that combat societies hatred. I would consider myself a creative person. I am a person who looks for ways to communicate and perform better in everything I do. I have sent the last two years in communities that love thinking out of the box, yet are not willing to step in many areas of the unknown. I became frustrated to the point of disconnect. I went with the flow, stopped dreaming, believing that I had to wait for my time. This proved to be very harmful. While I am taking small steps towards recovery, I am still haunted with its remnants.

In the spring of 2008, I sat down with my supervisor and what started as a brainstorming session for an event turned to a time of guided self reflection. My supervisor pointed out the blatant reality that in had checked out at work. I went on to share my experience with being creative and being criticized and silenced as a result. My supervisor went on to challenge me to think and do the following things:

1. Be an observer first, and innovator last.
2. Do not shy away from sharing your ideas and personalities with people. But be proactive, not reactive.
3. Know that people’s aversions to your ideas are not aversions to you, rather to change.
4. You can challenge the systems in which you reside in without being disrespectful.
5. Pursue excellence and people with follow.

Today, when I read this quote by Gardener I was reminded that my creativity is an important part of my leadership style. In addition it reminds me of where I have been, and where I am going.


*To have a great aversion to, with a strong desire that evil should befall the person toward whom the feeling is directed; to dislike intensely; to detest; as, to hate one's enemies; to hate hypocrisy.

Kung Fu Panda Inspired- Sensei Leadership

SO,
I watched Kung Fu Panda this weekend and fell in love with martial arts movies again.
It is not the fighting I love, rater the relationship between the teacher (Sensei) and the student. The following are thoughts on this relationship as it relates to leadership.

One
of the hallmarks of any leader is a dedication to continual
self-improvement and perfection. Like mastering a martial art,
leadership is a skill. A martial arts master dedicates a lifetime to
self-perfection. Those leaders who recognize that perfection is not a
destination but rather a never ending process are those who create the
most effective and productive organizations.

What would a Black Belt do?

The Sensei
or martial arts master is an iconic symbol for one who embodies
inspiration, wisdom and respect. The relationship of master to student
engenders loyalty, respect and effectiveness. ASensei earns respect and becomes an effective leader by honoring the relationship of teacher to student. The measure of an effective Sensei is not just in personal accomplishments, but more importantly in the accomplishments of his students.

I
believe that a organization is most effective when its leadership
provides teaching, mentoring, coaching and motivation to empower every
individual to perform most effectively. You can apply the techniques
and traits of theSensei to increase your effectiveness as a leader at work, home and in the community.

The fundamental reason that a Sensei
enjoys the loyalty and dedication of his students can be found in the
unique relationship of teacher to student. Between teacher ans student,
the following key components are present:

1. Gratitude.
2. Generosity.

A
teacher praises and supports the efforts of his students. This praise
and support is recognition, a form of gratitude for the efforts and
results produced by the student. At the same time the effective teacher
shares experience, knowledge and wisdom unconditionally. It’s the job
of the teacher to share; it’s the responsibility of the student to
learn. To accomplish effective teaching, the teacher must share
unconditionally with no expectation of return. When there is a return,
it’s the role of the teacher to provide recognition, acknowledgement
and reinforcement. That’s the cycle that creates the student to teacher
bond.

Leadership is fundamentally teaching. A leader must
communicate information and enthusiasm. A leader is more effective when
can demonstrate experience and share the fruits of that experience by
sharing wisdom. The more effective a leader is as a teacher, the more
respect and loyalty he will earn.

In organizations, this respect
and loyalty translates directly to increased productivity and decreased
losses due to disengagement, uncaring workplace practices and lost
membership.

One of the most valuable traits you can emulate from the Sensei
is that of “Beginner’s Mind.” The martial arts master’s personal
development is never finished. He approaches each day with a sense of
wonder and curiosity and a longing for continual self-perfection. The
greatest leaders are never those who rest on past accomplishments or
current position. The greatest leaders are those who continually
embrace the process of self-improvement.

After all…
“Perfection is not a destination, but a never-ending process!”

Will We Ever Get It?

Around the holiday season all over Xavier University's Campus, Halloween parties went on. What happen at one party may have never made it to the light, but technology brings all thins to light, whether good or bad. Two unidentified white students decided to dress up as either "black people" or terrorists" by painting their faces black. The pictures from the party were posted on facebook the night of the party and the whole Xavier black community (past and present) began to cry out "DO SOMETHING!!"



As a result of this incident, there have been town hall meetings, letters sent to administration, news articles written and student protests Over the past weeks, many black students have become passionate about their blackness and hyper sensitive to the ever present racism that pervades thier campus, their neighborhood and their world.

Journal Entry #1

The last year at Xavier University has been an interesting one. I got hired on as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, met the director and co-director. I have to say I was really impressed by their passion for students and there commitment to the success of the office.
I was excited to work under not one but TWO African Americans in Higher Education. Paul and Tekeia were a joy to watch. Honestly I was hesitant to work under Paul. My past experience with black men in places of power had been negative. Black men in power that I had worked for had tended to be arrogant, distant and NOT a team player. Paul's relationship with Tekeia in the end gave a good example of what teamwork is and what it means to be a black man in leadership. His integrity and commitment to the process keeps me here today.

Shortly after my arrival to OMA, The office changed with the going of Paul, the welcome of Leslie and the storm of programs. From March - June we (the staff) were at the mercy of schedules, commitments and trying to be consistent while not selling out to "Paul James ain't here, you are going to fail" mentalities Tekeia took all the blows with grace. I was amazed. I would have thrown in the towel the first week. She stayed strong, challenged me to be myself, curb my anger and not take work home with me.

Over the Summer, I rested. I had a lot of time to think on the meaning of work and life. I have to say I found no answers. I realized that I really want to do something in the professional world that will have meaning to the rest of the world. I am blessed be in jobs that meet this need, but the joy that I had right out of college for college students, higher education and social justice is no where to be found. I want passion.. how do I get it back? I think it has been the combination of so much transition in every job I have had and the last 4 years of doing "grunt work" to prove myself has brought me to this point. I am a passionate person but can find no drive other than the end product to motivate me. As a result, I come into the Office of Multicultural Affairs a little hesitant to get excited about anything.

I am currently been assigned the task of putting Smooth Transitions Mentoring Program into motion for the year. I was mildly excited because I had experience in the arena of mentoring and was looking forward to testing some new ideas and connecting with students. I rolled out a plan to Robert, got little feedback and started contacting people. When reviewing my progress with Robert and Tekeia, I was presented with a new plan, got an email today, and am called to execute it.

Smooth Transitions is know grunt work... period. When does grunt work end and career begin?
As I wrap my first journal entry up, I want to leave the reader with a list of things that motivate me, hopefully I will find it this year.

1. Students that want to learn as well as teach (me) through relationship.
2. Projects that bring about life change.
3. Small Projects.
4. Research
5. Learning, reading conferences and time to apply new ideas.
6. Independent projects that are absent of micro management.
   

Future plans.. or at least as far as I can see

It is hard to put my future plans on paper. I have wrestled with them for some time. Though my heart has been pulling me away from full time ministry and back to the academic field, fear and pride has torn at my resolve for almost a year.

I love college students– period. I can’t see myself in any profession in which they are not apart of the demographic. I thought more education would get me a little closer to them. In my time at the University of Cincinnati, I have seen three different directors at the counseling center. There is only two counselors that have been there more than a year. As a campus minister, (as a last resort) I have been called by many people just to talk, because the wait to be seen is weeks and sometimes a months wait. It is a pattern on most college campuses.

As of September 1, 2007 I will be moving to a part time status with the CCO at University Christian Church. I will (hopefully) be attending Xavier University (also in Cincinnati) in January for a Masters in Community Counseling. Upon completion, I will be banging on the doors of the counseling center at the University of Cincinnati. I am afraid. I have been out of school for over 2 years. Most of my professors said that if I didn’t continue, I would never go back. Many say that it will be impossible to do school full time and work. I know that all these things are true. I am doomed on my own, but I serve a God of miracles.

There are no guarantees. As I get older, I am realizing that more and more. I long for financial stability, but really is that ever possible? I want a dream job, but contrary to the get rich quick stories in the media– it takes work. “Who can be saved then?” the disciples of Jesus ask when faced with these same issues. Jesus responded by saying “ By human resources this is impossible; With God everything is possible.” -Matthew 19:23-26. I suck, thank God he rocks. I repent daily for not trusting that he will provide for me. I look ahead knowing that it is going to take work but I am not alone.

My call is not glamorous. The folks I feel God calling me to share the Gospel with is not in the “mission fields” of Africa. The poor and broken are right here in the little big city of Cincinnati. The hopeless sit in classrooms nameless. The hungry are the homeless that wonder the streets of Clifton, stuck in the viscous cycle of alcoholism and indifference. The forgotten children live on my street, many in middle school and can’t read. All that said, I am willing to do anything to stay here. I see Jesus so clearly in students eyes, in the forgotten on the streets and in laughs of kids from the neighborhood.

Thank you for your support in keeping me here for the last two years. You gifts and prayers are continually needed– so keep them coming. I am sorry It has taken so long to send one of these things out.!! I have been putting off until Fall plans came together. I thank you for your patience and grace.

Justice or a trend

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
– Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

There is a new trend in the world we live in today. I am not talking about iphones or the strange fascination with 80's garb (wasn't once enough?). Rather, I am talking about our love for "Justice." Celebrities are traveling around the world, adopting babies and raising millions of dollars. There has been a crazy flood of missionaries and rebels that have given up everything to live among the poor.
I think it is great, but how long will it last? Poverty and injustice will run rampant and until a new world order under Christ is established with his return ( sounds crazy but I believe it, just don't know what it will look like). With that said, we still have to be beacons of light and love in our action, thought and deeds. If you are pursuing that- please continue. But what happens when it get hard???

We have learned in our society to be critical and whistle blowers in the face of corruption. But we have not really been taught to pursue justice- at least not long term. We are great sprinters, but horrible marathon runners. Many of us ( myself included) run the race for justice and loose heart quickly. It was King's LIFE LONG mission to bring justice to the oppressed blacks in America. If you read any of his sermons or addresses, you will see that King was hopeful of victory in the civil rights movement. But, he was not pretentious enough to assume he would see it in his lifetime.

There is also the issue of selective justice. Where does it say anywhere that we get to choose who we are just to? We have lost our minds!! We are hypocrites!!! John, a disciple of Christ says this about love.
"Let us love then. because he first loved us. Anyone who says 'I love God' and hates his brother is a liar." (1st John 4:19,20)

Unlike the American justice system, God's justice doesn't have scales rather grace. The days following the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, there where thousands of people that arrived at refugee camps on the Rwanda/Ghana boarders. They were fed and housed for months at a time. The workers fed those who needed to be fed and provided shelter. When interviews were done documenting the atrocities of the genocide and the aftermath, many reported eating and sleeping next to people who where the executioners during the 100 days of death. When asked why they didn't report them to the authorities, many responded "They were hungry."

That is Justice... drop the microwave popcorn, black and white, bubble gum "justice"
Justice is messy and impossible without God.

I am BACK!!!

Alright, I am blogging again. It has been a long time, but I have a lot of things to say... so more to come in the next few days...