Fellowship One (the software conference)

     Recently I had a chance to go to the Fellowship One conference, at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas.  Before going, I asked myself the question 'why would I want to go to a software conference?'  However, soon after learning what the software was capable of, I began to see great value.  While I'm still not a Fellowship One 'evangelist' per-say, it has worked for CrossRoads and I believe it can be a great ministry tool.
     Interestingly enough, at this conference, it was more than just software, there were theory tracks which covered the 'why' behind the 'how to' of the more practical classes.  Its the summary of these classes that is  contained below.
     Eric Soon was the communicator of this information and began by outlining the Systems Trinity.  People, Process and Technology.  Process is where software system comes in, but it is what you use to make your systems efficient.  The goal is to be centered in the 'systems trinity' with a solid balance on the value of people, process and technology in your organization.  Eric reminded us of a great story about meatloaf.  A new wife was making meatloaf and cut off the ends of the loaf and threw it away.  The husband thought it was a waste, so he challenged her thinking.  Other than that was the way she as taught, she didn't have answer, so she asked her mother, who also didn't have an answer, other than thats the way she was taught.  They together went to the next generation above them, the mothers mother and asked her why they cut the ends of the meatloaf off, and Grandma informed them it was because it didn't fit in the oven otherwise.  All these there, mother and daughter were following a process simply because it had always been done that way.  This is the danger in process and why it must be revisited and reviewed.
     Eric then proceeded to dive into the 'process of processes' which is a never ending cycle.  It begins with 'define' -> 'document' -> 'communicate' -> 'implement' -> 'evaluate' -> repeat!
You always want to get more out of a process then you put in.  Further, it is important to begin with the end in mind.   Finally, Eric wrapped up with some observations that are quite valuable:

• Change is a process NOT and EVENT.
• The goal is not to innovate the MOST (goal is efficiency).
• Its not enough to have the best ideas (must have implementation)
• You need to redefine the resistance.
• Re-culturing is the main subject of change.
• Relate, represent, and reframe.  Work the relationship you have and cultivate new ones!