Catalyst Conference 2008 - Andy Stanley #2

Andy Stanley wrapped up the conference with “Recent Random Thoughts On Leadership”

1. *** “To reach people no one else is reaching, we must do things no one else is doing.” (This is a quote he took from Craig Groeschel) Andy elaborated on this thought by emphasizing that he’s talking about radically different things, not just tweaking an already-existing service, ministry or activity.

The “Take Away” is: Become preoccupied with gaining those you haven’t reached as opposed to those you are trying to keep.

1. *** “The Next Generation product almost never comes from the previous generation.” (Quote from “Focus” by Al Reis) My job is to recognize the good/great ideas!



2. The “Take Away” is: Be a student not a critic. Critics rarely learn anything. Usually, the things that are most threatening to me are those things that are most unfamiliar.

1. *** What do I believe is impossible to do in my field... but if it could be done would fundamentally change my business? (from “Future Edge/The Paradigm Book” by Joel Barker)

The “Take Away” is: Pay attention to the people who are breaking the rules.

*** If we got kicked out and the board brought in a new CEO, what would he do? Why shouldn’t we walk out the door, come back in, and do it ourselves? (from “Only The Paranoid Survive” by Andy Grove)
        No pain, no change.
        Where are we “manufacturing” energy? These are the areas where we’re needing to make changes!

The “Take Away” is: Acknowledge what’s not working and own up to why you are unwilling to do anything about it.

*** “When your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near.” (from Michael Hammer)
        I don’t want to be an expert in how to do ministry in the past 15 years.. I want to be at the epicenter of how to do ministry NOW!

The “Take Away” is: Don’t let success overshadow your vision.


Success breeds complacency. Complacency breeds failure.