This business life....

Permission to Speak Freely

Review of Anne Jackson's book "Permission to Speak Freely" 

I just finished Anne Jackson's new book, Permission to Speak Freely. It was an odd but important read. My initial thought was that it was a compilation of messages from people struggling with the church. It was a bit of that. It was a bit more of Anne's own story. A story that I think is important because it really is what lot of people experience with the church as they struggle through life. It needs to be told and re-told.  

On a flight home this week I listened to Casting Crown's song "Does Anybody Hear Her". It reminded me of precisely why we need Anne's book. What Anne and countless others experience in the church falls at my feet. I haven't experienced the rejection and disillusionment that she experienced. I fear that I have caused it. Anne convicted me of my sin and my own struggles. More importantly she reminds me of the hope that is in Christ. 

It is not only OK to speak freely and tell your story, it is critical that you do. It opens the doors to healing. Tell your story as loud as you can. The church must hear it.

You can learn more and buy the book here: www.permissiontospeakfreely.com

Darrell Tadley

Blackberry or iPhone?

This question is challenging a lot of organizations. Which way to go?

We use Blackberry because of the data plan. It is unbeatable. When any of our folks are traveling outside the US, which is often, there are no additional charges for data, email, web, etc. And with Blackberry Messenger real-time chat is also included. So, no expensive international text fees.

But... The browser is the pits, apps are all but useless and it isn't nearly as user friendly as the iPhone. Several of us use iPads and iPod touch. My computer is even a Mac. I like the Apple engineering and design. If iPhone had an international data plan like Blackberry it would be hard not to switch.

What do you think, Blackberry or iPhone?

Darrell Tadley

Ethics training? Here's an example that rocks.

I've been really struggling with the issue of ethical leadership. I think mostly because I'm challenged every day with making good and right decisions. I think I still agree with my friend who says you can't teach ethics. But, the folks at BearingPoint are making the best attempt I've seen. 

Dan and Chip Heath have an article on FastCompany.com from back in December (How to Make Corporate Training Rock). They talk about how Russ Berland took ethics and compliance training out of the dull manual and to a medium that not only piqued interest but engaged employees in such a way that they had to have more each week. You can read the article here: http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/141/made-to-stick-the-power-of-razzle-dazzle.html.

It is great to see an organization who takes it seriously but makes it fun. Doing the right thing isn't always fun but it is always right.

Darrell Tadley

I'll be glad when November gets here.

I'm in Colorado this week. Vacationish. That's my new word for "supposed to be on vacation, but work is getting in the way". 

I'll be glad when November gets here. Every time I've turned on a television since returning from Asia last Sunday I've been overwhelmed with political ads. At least in Phoenix I was familiar with the candidates. Here I don't even know who the person is who is bad mouthing the other person I don't know. I've been watching these ads to see if anyone will actually say what they believe and what they stand for. All I have heard so far is how bad "the other guy" is and why I shouldn't vote for him or her.

I just want to yell STOP IT! I don't care how bad you think the other guy is and why I shouldn't vote for him. Tell me why I should vote for you. Convince me that you are worthy of my vote.

Darrell Tadley