Tag Archives: Productivity
What I learned from reading in 2011
Posted on 06. Jan, 2012 by Kenny.
Yesterday I posted about how leaders and readers and I posted my 2011 reading list earlier in the week. I intentionally focused this summer/fall and read several books on leadership, productivity systems and processes. Two of those books made it to my top 5. It’s interesting though that several themes popped out among several of the books, things that significantly impacted me. I’d like to share those things with you here.
Less truly is more
Two books I read referenced Pareto’s Law on multiple occasions. Most of us are familiar with this law. It is why only 20% (or less) tithe and support your church. It’s why only 20% (or less) tend to volunteer and support your ministry. It says that 20% usually accounts for 80% of the results.… Read the rest
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Book Review: The Checklist Manifesto
Posted on 17. Nov, 2011 by Kenny.
As this year is wrapping up, I’m spending more time than usual looking over all that has been done in 2011. One thing I am proud of is that I’ve read many more books than I have in past years. I truly think this can be attributed to the kindle app on my iPad. Although it has been the busiest year of my life, I’ve made more time to fill my mind with new ideas (as well as a little time to escape). So, in the coming weeks I hope to write a few reviews of the books that have made a difference for me this year).
Over a month ago, I wrote this post about checklists. It was inspired by Sam Luce’s review of the Checklist Manifesto which I had read at his recommendation.… Read the rest
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Checklists aren’t for idiots
Posted on 03. Oct, 2011 by Kenny.
About two months ago, I watched an episode of the Colbert Report on Hulu, probably the 3rd time I’ve watched the show. Near the end of the show, he interviewed an author (who was also a surgeon) about a book he’d written about checklists. I was intrigued, but quickly forgot about the book. About 3 months ago, my friend Sam Luce told me about the very same book, The Checklist Manifesto. My interest was piqued again. I was in the middle of a reading binge on productivity, so I ordered the book through Amazon.
As soon as I finished the book, I called Sam to discuss. I felt that this book has some significant implications for Kidmin. Our conversation has just begun, but I really feel that this will be one of those books that makes a mark on at least the ministry at my church… if not Kidmin on a greater scale.… Read the rest
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Do you use Things?
Posted on 26. Jun, 2011 by Kenny.
I don’t mean to confuse any of you with the title. More than likely only some of the Mac users understood my question right away. I’m wanting opinions and thoughts on the task management software – Things. I remember hearing many say good things about it in the past, but I wanted some details. Anyone using it now who swears by it? Is it worth the money? Why is it better than Remember the Milk or other similar systems.
I just finished a good book on productivity and I want to take my to-do list to the next level and it looks like Things could help me do what I need it to do (with tags and such).
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!… Read the rest
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Two days with an iPad
Posted on 19. Dec, 2010 by Kenny.
On Friday morning I woke up and realized that something was wrong with my laptop (MacBook Pro). It wouldn’t boot up at all. Crud! It was Friday morning and the absolute soonest I could get someone to look at it would be Sunday. So, I decided I would see how well the Ipad was going to work for me.
Several months ago, someone gave me an iPad and up until this time, it’s been more of a recreational device. When needing to get any serious work done, I’d just default to the laptop as it’s easier to use and I’m more familiar with it. So, this was a great chance to really test it out.
Well, all I can say is that my experience was pretty good.… Read the rest
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Inbox Zero thoughts?
Posted on 14. Jul, 2010 by Kenny.
Over the years I’ve heard a lot about the idea of Inbox Zero… getting your email empty every day. I would say that I often do feel like a prisoner to my email and the thought of emptying my inbox daily sounds a little exciting. I just swtiched my work email to a Google Apps account. I haven’t decided yet if I’ll be “importing” email over or just starting completely fresh (we’ll see).
So, as of last night I had 16 emails that had come in, but zero emails in my inbox. I love gmail’s archive feature. The emails are there, just not in the inbox. They’re searchable and if I click on “all mail,” I can see them all. The idea of starting fresh is really appealing.… Read the rest
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Back from vacation: different this time
Posted on 03. Aug, 2009 by Kenny.
What’s it like coming back from vacation for you?
Most of the time the first day back from vacation is an epic waste. My body is present, but my mind is still asleep. I get little done and it’s difficult to focus. I’ve found this to be true even with pressing deadlines on the horizon.
I got back from vacation last Monday and Tuesday was my first day in the office. I’m not sure what happened to me. On both Tuesday and Wednesday I was up after 5:00 AM and working before 6:00 AM. On Tuesday I actually went home close to two, but on Wednesday I worked from 6:00 AM until pretty close to 5:00 PM and I cranked out the productivity.… Read the rest
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Enterprise 2.0
Posted on 30. Mar, 2008 by Kenny.
Okay. I think this this my last post in this two week series of technologically heavy posts (I think). I actually came across the little slide show below several months ago. It’s not outdated, but there are now other web application out there now that could also be included in this presentation.
Here’s where we are. The multi-site model of doing ministry is exploding. Members of the same teams are sitting in offices spanning cities and even states. Even though I was only 15 minutes away from one of our campuses, sometimes a few weeks would go by without even seeing the CP at that campus. So, we need the tools to effectively work together when we are apart. This is Enterprise 2.o.… Read the rest
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New birth… literally!
Posted on 11. Jun, 2007 by Kenny.
It may be quite around here on the Children’s Ministry Online Blog. My wife and I are in the hospital right now… looks like we may be having our first baby tonight. Tomorrow is his due date, so I can’t complain about his timing. We’re so excited. Keep us in your prayers and I’ll post again when we have a son!
 Kenny
I tagged this comment in the category “Productivity.” I figured that would be appropriate.… Read the rest
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