This Blog Site Is Changing

I have moved my blog to a new location. You can now find it at kyledowden.com. Also, check out my new church website at infinitychurch.tv.

Leading While the Boss is Away

I received the call early this morning. "Something has come up. Can you cover for me?" It was my boss. He is going to be gone for the day. Not too long ago, it was a two week vacation. Before that, it was a week long work-sponsored cruise

Whenever the boss is away, the mice have two choices: play or do their job.

Most of us get so used to the daily routine that we don't plan for the days when the department head is out of the office. Today, I have some thoughts on how you can spend these boss-free days.

Five Reasons Why You Need a Diverse Team

In the more than twelve years of involvement in leadership, one of the best lessons I have learned is the importance of having a solid team around you.

Teams provide so much more to a group or organization than a single person could do on their own.

Here are five reasons you need a diverse team surrounding you.

• A team of people gives you diversity. When a leader tries to go it alone, they are only able to provide the wisdom and experience of one lifetime. A team gives you access to several experts and lifetimes all in the same room.

• Teams multiply the abilities of the leader. One person can only work so hard and for so long before they wear down. A team can carry that burden and split the workload to accomplish the goal in a much more manageable timeframe.

• Teams provide accountability. The leader who thinks he should be accountable to no one has a fool for an advisor. Teams help to push the leader toward the goals of the organization, and provide necessary feedback for approval or correction.

• Teams allow the leader to delegate responsibilities to the most qualified and experienced in the company. This frees the leadership to dream up new ideas and vision, while ensuring the work is completed on time and with excellence.

• Finally, the leader who develops a competent and skilled group will be setting the company up for long term success long after the leader has left the organization. That its what we call "leaving a legacy."

What are some other benefits of a leadership team? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Hire Me, I'm a Consultant

Every so often, I'll make mention that I do consulting work for artists and radio stations looking to improve what they do.

Everyone has an opinion on the quality of the product they produce. It is vital that your product (in this case, music and station) be reviewed by third parties and coached on ways to make it better.

I have expert knowledge in Christian music formats, and ways to make your music production better. Also, as an eight-year programming veteran at a Christian radio station, I can also advise on ways to make your crew stand out.

For more information on Kyle Dowden Consulting, drop me an email with your information, and I'll make contact with you about pricing and other details.

People Want to See You Fail

"I hope he fails."

Those were the words that Rush Limbaugh sent to the New York Times in January 2009 in response to a request the paper had sent out seeking comment about the upcoming inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Today's post isn't about politics, or who was right and who was wrong. It's about the fact that in the American culture (and presumably many others), we are all rubber-neckers.

Sin Will Take You Farther Than You Want to Go

That is the title to a very famous song from The Cathedral Quartet.

In Romans 7:15, Paul tells a familiar tale. I want to do the right thing all the time, but I don't. I don't want to ever sin, but I do.

I think that is the story of our lives -- even Christ-followers. We were born in sin, and after accepting Christ as our savior, we still live in a sin-filled world. We are still prone to sin. And, if we are honest with ourselves, when we head down that path of sin, we end up someplace we did not want to go.