Andy Coffey said...

Couldn’t agree with you more. What do you think about leaders (or at least they hold positions of leadership) who do not like to write or read?

Comment by Andy Coffey - Aug 09, 2009 @ 01:49 AM

Ferrol Macon said...

Some thoughts on point 4 - the marketplace is probably afraid of trading on relational and spiritual capital.  However, the are many people within the market who probably are not.

I caught some parts of a show last night called “Shark Tank” where people with business propositions make pitches to a panel of investors.  One exchange was of particular interest.  Four of five panelists liked a lady and her idea, but said she only had a great idea, but no real business.

Could it be that many in the marketplace eagerly embrace the ideas of relational and spiritual capital, but don’t know what a “business” (simply using a marketplace term here) around those ideas look like?

The marketplace knows a little in how to measure relational capital, but it is indirect at best.  People understand the value of networks in connecting to opportunities.  Additionally, they know that transactions with relationship are easier, more frequent and more profitable to both parties than those without relationship.  However, there still is no “daily measurement” of relational capital that I can track in a similar way to a cash flow statement or balance sheet.  The financial crisis has called this into question even more as large financial institutions have had to adjust the “good will” portion of their balance sheets which were clearly inflating the tangible value of their businesses.

Measuring spiritual capital in the marketplace is even more difficult.  However, with the generational changes we are seeing today in people making values based decisions regarding their line of work and choice of employer, I believe the climate is right for exploring ways to measure spiritual capital in the marketplace.  Whatever the measure of spiritual capital is, it must be a tangible measure.  I recall Jesus saying, “by their fruits you shall know them.”

Comment by Ferrol Macon - Aug 10, 2009 @ 12:33 PM

Jeremie Kubicek said...

Andy, I know many great people who are leading people and companies who rarely if ever read and never write. I cannot judge them, that is not my job.

I do believe they are probably not reaching the levels they could however. Reading is training. Writing is thinking. You can train and thing without reading and writing, yet the sharpening probably is not as significant as it could be. What do you think?

Comment by Jeremie Kubicek - Aug 16, 2009 @ 08:12 PM

Rusty Ricketson said...

For number 1, I would go one step further that after reading, and writing one must participate in application of that which has been read/heard and written.

For number 2, you know my bias. Jesus was the perfect follower. Our role on the planet is to follow Him. Our following will result in the influencing of others.

For number 3, I agree that many leaders consider their positions of leadership to be that which must be maintained. However, from a Christian perspective, we must consider the working of God to place us in these positions of leading and influence. I try to instruct my ministerial students to hold the responsibility of pastor with an open hand. The role was given by God. It can be taken away by God. We are simply stewards of that which we have been given.

For number 4, relational capital is too expensive for many.

Comment by Rusty Ricketson - Aug 19, 2009 @ 09:26 PM

Kevin Osuna said...

#1 - Agree that to be a learner is to take in new information and process through writing, discussion etc.  However, too many people use writing or blogging for pontification rather than to learn.  There is a humility in a learner.  Proverbs 18:2 - Fools have no interest in understanding.  They only want to air their own opinions.  I appreciate you creating a forum for questions, discussion and learning.

#4 - Is it fear of trading this capital or ignorance of the value of spiritual and relational capital?  Apart from “networking,” the marketplace has little understanding or appreciateion for relational or spiritual capital.  Is that because it is too difficult or because these leaders do not have any (or do not realize what they have)?  We can only give away what we have received.

Comment by Kevin Osuna - Aug 21, 2009 @ 07:05 AM