BillSimmonsLive

Internship Announcement

 
I am very excited to announce SpringWell Churchwill begin an Internship starting August 1, 2010.

 

This intentional leadership development program focuses on helping interns discover their own call as a church leader, acquire specific skills relating to ministry, and form habits that will carry them into a lifetime of ministry service.

 

Interns will have the opportunity to receive practical training through one of two different internship tracks: General and Specific. Our hope is to give our interns a 30,000 foot view of the church in the General Track or detailed training in the Specific ministry related Track.

 

Interns will be fully immersed in ministry alongside a staff pastor who leads a specific area. That staff pastor will serve as your immediate supervisor and coach. Mentorship in the areas of spiritual formation and leadership development will be provided by the Executive Pastor. Your involvement will span everything from service tasks that are critical to the running of the ministry, to significant leadership opportunities designed to stretch and grow you, and then everything else in-between. While your focus will likely be on a particular ministry area, you will need to see yourself as a team player who is able to serve wherever needed. 

 

If you sense God calling you to an adventure that requires huge faith, this might be just what you are looking for.

 

Interns will raise funds as a missionary to our community. You will receive training and personal coaching to help develop partners and raise funds.

 Download SpringWell Internship Application

The Future of Spiritual Formation

I am so excited to announce that SpringWell Church is partnering with Monvee to be on the forefront of The Future of Spiritual Formation.

We will unveil this exciting web-based tool on Saturday during our CORE Leadership Retreat.

Monvee will assist those who desire to be a fully devoted disciple of Jesus Christ by developing a handcrafted personalized spiritual growth plan.

John Ortberg says, "Assembly line approaches to discipleship don't work, because everyone is uniquely wired. Monvee will help people own and design the way of life where they can experience maximum growth. People have a crying need to find a way to follow Jesus that is not mechanical or legalistic and that is concrete. Disciples of Jesus cannot be mass produced they have to be handcrafted."

One of our Core Values at SpringWell is Personal Growth. We believe every disciple of Jesus Christ must take personal responsibility for growing in character, emotional wholeness, and relational authenticity. This is why we feel providing such an innovative resource as Monvee meshes with who we are as a church. You are unique and God created you that way. Therefore, a cookie cutter approach to discipleship must be replaced with unique personalized plan, based on how you were created.

Monvee will be the perfect partner with our Growth Groups. Monvee will challenge you as an individual to take personal responsibility and Growth Groups will provide a relational environment for support, encouragement, and accountability. This is a powerful combination.

Monvee will be available to those not attending the retreat for a cost of $40.00. This will give you lifetime access to developing your personalized spiritual growth plan. You will be able to update your plan periodically based on the stages and seasons of your life.

You will hear much more in the coming weeks and months. We are thrilled to be ahead of the curve as we partner with the exciting innovation that is going to take the church and discipleship into a completely new level.

Rest & Reflection

Our office has limited hours this week and next due to the holidays. I was also able to use the last of my vacation days for some extra rest and reflection. I normally use vacation time to disconnect and decompress. I try to avoid emails and phone calls related to ministry to recharge my personal batteries.

Instead of traveling this vacation, we are staying home for the holidays. I am spending these two weeks mixing personal pleasure and ministry preparation. This is a detour from my normal routine of total disconnection. I am excited about resting, reading, and reflecting at a slower pace.

I have learned true rest is not recovery from what we have been through; but preparation for the future.

Here are a few things I believe about the future:

In regards to SpringWell:

• God is up to something at SpringWell. You want to be there when it happens
• Whatever God is up to will require BIG faith!
• Empowering Leaders must be a front burner issue
• Unity around our vision and values cannot be compromised
• Prayer and Fasting will play a major role in tapping into the unexplainable

In regards to my family:

• This will be a year of healing from the pain of the last few years. (Our son's divorce took us through a grief like I've never known)
• Greenville will be cemented in our hearts as we establish this as our home for the long term future
• Renee and I will commit to sharing our marriage (along with its joys and struggles) with others to help them find grace, forgiveness, and health
• We will do everything we can to spoil our grandson, TJ!

In regards to Legacy Coaching:

• Coming along side Pastors and Church Leaders will remain our focus
• We will implement some new and creative ways to influence Church Health
• New doors for networking will open based on relationships (Because…it's all about relationships!)
• We will beat the drum that each church is unique and should focus on its own DNA without apology
• We will free pastors and churches from the frustration of imitating the models of other churches and leaders

Enough reflecting….I need to rest some more….thanks for reading.

What are your thoughts?

Book Review: TransforMissional Coaching

The 80's were about management; the 90's were about leadership; and this decade has been about coaching. This has been my personal progression as a church leader. When I look back at the books, I have read during these seasons of my life, it has been clear how they influenced my development.

I am currently reading several books regarding coaching. TransforMissional Coaching has been one of the best this year.

The premise is effective coaching enables transformation that leads to focused Missional ministry. To be truly transformed we must experience our character becoming like Christ. The reaction to this change is we clarify our calling. This is the merging of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. The two cannot be separated.

As an Executive Pastor, TransforMissional Coaching has helped me understand the need to lead our staff as a coach. I really do not like the term "boss" nor do I want to be one. I am a leader among equals and strive to empower our staff and leaders to be everything God has called them to be. Coaching conversations that produces clarity in their character and calling is my ultimate goal.

As a Leadership Coach and Church Health Consultant, TransforMissional Coaching has reminded me of the impact intentional coaching can have on a church leader. Organizational change begins with change (transformation) in the leader. Walking along side a leader who is growing and changing is a great blessing.

If you desire to be the most effective leader you can be and hunger for meaningful conversations, I highly recommend TransforMissional Coaching.

My Anniversary

Today is my Blog Anniversary. I wrote my first blog 2 years ago on October 12, 2007. Since then, I have blogged about 150 times. My topics have covered issues regarding life, leadership, and church health. I have been honored and humbled by the influence blogging provides. As I have reflected today, here are some thoughts I have about blogging:

• When I don't blog….I am too busy
• When I blog….it's a sign I am reflecting
• Reflection is a sign of spiritual health
• People have visited my blog from 43 different countries in 2009
• I need to consider more video blogs
• I need to blog more often
• Never underestimate the influence you have
• Despite your intentions, some people will misunderstand you
• I love it when I receive a comment on my blog
• People like bullet lists

Memories or Vision?

Yesterday, I heard Andy Stanley make the following comment: If your memories outweigh your vision....the end is near.

I found myself thinking about it most of the day. It caused me to pray and ask God to open my eyes to the grander vision he has for my life.

What is the grander vision God has for my…Marriage…Family…Ministry?

My blessing is my challenge. I am blessed to have great memories in each of these areas of my life. God has done some incredible things in my marriage, in my family, and through my ministry. The challenge is to not allow these memories to outweigh the grander vision God has for my future.

I plan to take some time over the next couple of weeks to seek God's grander vision. I am confident He has great plans for Renee and I, for my family, for SpringWell, and Legacy Coaching.

I look forward to sharing.

How about you? Do you memories outweigh your vision?

Fierce Conversations: Book Review

Fierce Conversations is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The reason is I can put what I have learned to use right away. Many books are inspiring but very few actually cause us to change our behaviors.

There are so many quotes I enjoyed; I would not know where to begin in sharing them with you. I will say this book challenged me in a huge way. I've never been one who enjoys idle conversations that stay focused on the surface. Fierce Conversations opened my eyes to how I can influence each conversation to be a meaningful one. As a result, I was inspired to share with our staff some lessons regarding Confrontational Conversations.

Below are some of the notes. If becoming a more effective leader is important to you, I highly recommend reading this book.

 

Staff Meeting Notes from June 9, 2009

 

How do you have a conversation where you need to confront an issue?

 

What does it mean to confront someone?

 

Fierce = robust, intense, strong, powerful, passionate, eager, unbridled

 

Four Purposes of a Fierce Conversation

 

1. Interrogate Reality
2. Provoke Learning
3. Tackle Tough Issues
4. Enrich Relationships

 

Why do we avoid such conversations?

 

Seven Components to Opening a Fierce Conversation:

 

1. Name The issue
2. Provide specific example that illustrate the behavior or situation you want to change
3. Describe your emotions about this issue
4. Clarify what is at stake
5. Indentify your contribution to the problem
6. Indicate your wish to resolve the issue
7. Invite a response

Core Values: Bonus

Over the last week or so, I've been sharing the core values that drive my ministry life. They are the hills I am willing to die on. These 7 values guide every decision I make as a church leader. Let's review:

 

• Authentic Relationships - People not programs and relationships not religion are built through biblical community.

  Acts 2:44-46; John 15:12

   

• Transformation - Life is a journey and best developed through biblical application and taking responsibility for personal growth. Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:22-25

 

• Reproduction - Church growth is the result of growing people…growing people. Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:11-13

   

• Team Ministry - Servanthood expressed through shared vision and values produces synergy. Philippians 2:4; Romans 12:5

 

• Cultural Relevance - Creativity and excellence in our forms and methods maximize effectiveness. 1 Chronicles 12:32;

1 Corinthians 9:22-23; Colossians 3:23-24

 

• Simplicity - Church is not meant to be complicated therefore we strive for balance as we live out everyday Christianity.

  Matthew 6:33

   

• Prayer - Private and corporate prayer is relied upon in every area of our lives and this church. Matthew 7:7-8;

  2 Chronicles 7:14

 

How about you? Have you gone through the journey of discovering your core values?

Core Values 7 of 7

 

Prayer - Private and corporate prayer is relied upon in every area of our lives and the church.

 

Ministry is too tough to be accomplished in my own power. This is why prayer is so important. Prayer is a humbling experience. It positions us to a place where we are dependent on God.

 

Prayer is birthed in relationship. It is an act of faith. When we engage in prayer, we are acknowledging our need for God to be involved in our lives.

 

It is my desire for everything I do to be bathed in prayer. It is only then I have confidence to move forward.

 

How about you? Is prayer a value in your life? Are you living out that value or just wishing you were? How has prayer given you confidence?

 

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.        Matthew 7:7-8

 

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.    2 Chronicles 7:14

Core Values 6 of 7

 

Simplicity - Church is not meant to be complicated therefore; we strive for balance as we live out everyday Christianity.

 

The most radical thing in life is balance. We live in a world of extremes. The church has many times fallen into the same trap. This is why I crave simplicity in ministry.

 

As a church leader, I strive for simplicity and balance in all we do. The church has too often complicated things. We create programs to oversee programs and put committees together to develop rules for our rules. All of this is very exhausting.

 

Christianity is about radical balance. The Sermon on the Mount is full of examples. Jesus calls us to find ultimate balance in Him and through the Kingdom of God.

 

How about you? Does life seem complicated? Do you crave simplicity? What needs to be simplified in your life?

 

Here is the scripture I use as a foundation for this value:

 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.     Matthew 6:33

Core Values 4 of 7

 

Team Ministry - Servanthood expressed through shared vision and values produces synergy.

 

I learned many years ago, doing ministry with others is a whole lot more productive and fun. I actually hate to do ministry on my own. I am very intentional about making sure team is a part of everything we do.

 

Team ministry is not always easy but is always worth it. We have to be willing to embrace other personalities, leadership styles, and conflict. We must learn to celebrate diversity. Everyone brings something to table.

 

I also think shared vision and values are key to a team's success. If we all want the same thing for the same reasons, we will sacrifice without question. When I work with a new team, I always take time deal with vision and values.

 

How about you? Are you a lone ranger or team leader? What about team ministry gives you life? What are the challenges you face in developing teams?

 

Here are a couple of scriptures I use to support this value:

 

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

 

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:5

Core Values 3 of 7

 

Reproduction - Church growth is the result of growing people…growing people.

 

Today's core value is the direct result of transformation. We all reproduce what we are. The best church growth strategy is when changed people…change people. When growing people….grow people.

 

What are you reproducing? God has an expectation for each of us to influence the lives around us. What is your influence producing?

 

Here are a couple of scriptures that guide this value in my life:

 

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

 

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;    Ephesians 4:11-13

Core Values 2 of 7

 

Today, I would like to share the second of seven core values I have for ministry.

 

Transformation - Life is a journey and best developed through biblical application and taking responsibility for personal growth.

 

I learned very early in ministry God was the ultimate change agent. Being a fully devoted disciple of Christ meant I could no longer accept the status quo. We are to live life as examples of what transformed people are like.

 

I also found myself frustrated in those early years of ministry when Christians expected the church to do everything for them. This is not God's plan. He expects each of us to take responsibility for our own personal and spiritual growth.

 

Change and transformation are expected when we begin to follow Christ. I want to live a life where I expect the same thing in my life and the life of those who call themselves Disciples.

 

How about you? Are you taking responsibility for your personal and spiritual growth? Are you living a stagnant life or are you being transformed? What needs to change? Here are a couple scriptures that guide this value in my life:

 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.    Romans 12:1-2

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.    Galatians 5:22-25

 

Core Values 1 of 7

Over the next week or so, I would like to share my personal ministry values. These are the hills I am willing to die on in ministry. I consider them to be clear, constant, and non-negotiable.

This is about the way I am wired and how I believe God has designed me to accomplish the vision He has for my Calling.

This list of Core Values is the result of a journey of discovery I took several years ago. I spent a lot of time reflecting, questioning, and getting input from those around me. Here is my first value:

Authentic Relationships - People not programs and relationships not religion are built through biblical community.

I have discovered relationships are one of the most important things in my life. Not superficial relationships but rather relationships that authentic and biblical.

I have found this to be both my strength and weakness. The strength shows itself in my commitment to those with whom I share community. The weakness demonstrates itself through the wounds I experience when a relationship goes through unresolved conflict.

This commitment to relationship frees me to confront any issue (good or bad) for the sake of open communication.

I've learned God only cares about three things: Relationships, Relationships, and Relationships.

The success of any relationship is dependent on only three things: Communication, Communication, and Communication.

The scriptures that guide this value in my life are as follows:

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.      Acts 2:44-46

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.    John 15:12

Problems

Anyone can make me aware of the problems…

…I want to know, who will help me solve them?

Legacy Coaching Web Site

I am so excited to announce that Doug Cowburn and I have gone public with our new web site for Legacy Coaching.

My blog is reaching people from several difference audiences.

• As a way connect and communicate with the members of SpringWell.
• To keep my family, friends, and ministry colleagues up to date concerning my life and ministry.
• To challenge and serve church leaders regarding leadership, church health, and change.

Legacy Coaching is just another way to help encourage and support church leaders. I plan to blog more about this in the future.

I would love to get your thoughts regarding the new web site.

Who Really Makes a Difference in your Life?

I was reminded today of the Charles Schultz philosophy of life and what we value. I thought I'd share them with you.

Charles Schultz Philosophy
  

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read them straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.  

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.  

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.  

 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.  

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.  

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

                       

 How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

 

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.  

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.  

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.  

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.  

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

 

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

 "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)

Staff Field Trip

Today I took our staff on a field trip in place of our weekly staff meeting. Many of them had not been to the home we are remodeling for the GAIHN Project. We met up with Ellis Beddingfield and Danny Greene who are heading up the project. We had a chance to celebrate what God is doing, tour the house, and have a prayer walk on the property. We stayed about 1 hour and then went to lunch at 5 Guys. It was great to share, pray, and eat together as a staff. We really felt like a team today. Here are some pictures of the house we will remodel:

Think Process

I found myself saying the same thing this week in several meetings: Don't think program….think process.

This is a big challenge for churches. We start planning and before you know it we have a program that develops a life of its own. It will demand attention, time, funds, personnel, and compete against other ministry areas. I've seen this happen unintentionally through just about every ministry department a church can have (i.e. Women's, Men's, Youth, Children, Missions, Music, and so on).

My challenge this week in several different settings was to stop thinking like you run a program. We keep saying that our main goal is to get people connected. I want us think process. Each ministry area in a church is not meant to be a program or department. It is meant to be a vehicle to connect people with the vision and mission of the local church. The prevailing question is: How do we connect ___________? (Fill in the blank with any age group, gender, or interest you can think of).

At SpringWell, we are working hard to streamline how people connect. We are far from where we need to be and know our future depends on connecting people not developing programs. Over the next year, we are going to do everything we can to connect people through Home Groups, Service Teams, and/or Care Groups. These are the best opportunities we offer for people to build relationships.

I am not looking for a better Home Group program, Service Team program, or Care Group program. I am looking for a better process.

How about your church? Are you so caught up in the program you can't think process? Have you focused excessive energy into a program only to get limited results? Why did that happen? What simple process works for you? Can we steal it?

Click the comment link below to share your thoughts, questions, comments, and concerns.

Greenville, SC is a Top Place to Live

Relocate America has come out with the 2008 Top Places to Live. Greenville is number 4.

This article tells why they think Greenville is such a great place to live.

How can we at SpringWell take advantage of this opportunity? If the area is going to continue to grow, then we need to do the same.

Click the comment link below to give me your thoughts.

Innovation

While on vacation last week I was channel surfing and caught part of a show on CNBC called The Business of Innovation. I was so intrigued I TiVo'd the series when I got home. Last night I watched the show as the discussion focused on Innovate or Die.

The show is dealing with business but I was challenged about how this topic relates to the Church. The church must be innovative if we are going to reach the culture around us. We serve a creative God who took nothing, made something out of it, and placed in the middle of nowhere. The same God who created the heavens and the earth is able to lead us to be creative and innovative in ministry.

Most church plants start out being very innovative. Why do they change? Why is it so hard to stay innovative over the long haul? If you've lost your innovative edge, how do you get it back?

Innovation begins with the letter "I" which stands for ideas. Ideas are the beginning of innovation. Innovators are dreamers who put action to the dream.

Innovative success sometimes stands in the way of new creative ideas. We become dependent on past success and try to simply repeat them. Sometimes to have a new idea you have to stop having an old idea. You need to shake off the past to be innovative today. It is vital for the church to understand this. We must innovate or die.

 

Dream Big & Dream Fast

Today I had the wonderful privilege to spend time with students from The Mission in South Carolina. I lead two Q&A sessions in the morning and spoke about Dreams and the future of the church in the afternoon.

I always leave these types of experiences receiving more then I fell I gave. Today was no different. There is something special about pouring into the lives of young leaders. I count it a high honor to do.

We discussed many things today but it is the final session that has played itself over again in my mind. I wrapped up the final minutes challenging each student to DREAM BIG AND DREAM FAST. Don't be satisfied with small dreams. Stop waiting for tomorrow. We need you. We need you to be why the church in America becomes revived,

DREAM BIG AND DREAM FAST….WE NEED YOU!

What is Coaching?

Coaching focuses on future possibilities, not past mistakes. (John Whitmore)

This morning I was preparing to meet with a client I am coaching from Texas. Before meeting it is my practice to review the exercises the client has completed, pray for them and the appointment we are about to have, and read some form of coach training material. Reading the coaching material helps prepare me to be in a coaching mindset. I call it my coaching devotional.

As I was reading this morning, the quote above jumped off the page. Too often people live in the past. What I enjoy about coaching is that it helps focus people on the future. Living your preferred future demands dealing with the past but you are not sentenced to live there. Looking back to move forward is always to productive exercise. It allows you to be reconciled, healed, and delivered. Those who live in the past constantly find themselves in conflict with others, hurt, and in bondage.

If you take the time to deal with your past for the purpose of moving forward you set yourself up for real change and transformation. This is the reason my email address is carpe2morrow@aol.com. I am passionate about helping others "seize tomorrow".

If you (or someone you know) are at a place in your life where you are ready to focus on the future and experience personal change, then a coach might be just what you need. If so, I am planning to offer a summer special for a 6 session packages. The discount will make it very affordable. Contact me soon if you are interested in receiving more information.

There is no time like the present to focus on the future.

Virginia Beach Here We Come

Back in September 2003 I started a journey to complete my MDiv with Regent. Tomorrow morning Renee and I will head to Virginia Beach to participate in the commencement.

It is my personality to accomplish a goal, celebrate it quickly (if at all) and move on. I felt convicted that I should do things differently this time around. It would have been nothing for me to just say mail the degree. But instead we will go for the weekend. My family is joining us as well (my parents, sister, Teddy, and TJ).

I expect this to be as much of a growing experience as working on the degree has been. We will return home and in two weeks will go on vacation. We desired to do something in celebration of my accomplishment like going on a cruise. But instead we are planning a quiet mountain retreat. God must be up to something. He is challenging me to celebrate and rest. If I obey Him, whatever is next will be awesome!

Virginia Beach here we come!

Saying No to a Great Opportunity

This week I had the opportunity of lifetime presented to me…a free trip to Ireland. I was called on Wednesday afternoon and asked to step in and lead a trip of college students doing missions work. Due to medical reasons, the trips leader is unable to go at the last minute. She was trying to find pinch hitter as quickly as possible because they leave on Monday.

One of my lifetime goals is to go to Ireland. Renee and I have discussed going for our 25^th anniversary next year. Having the chance to go free seems to be a gift from God and a great opportunity. When I received the call I was extremely excited and was ready to jump on the plane that day.

But hold on…not so fast…slow down. What seems like a great opportunity might be a test of my values. To say yes would have required I get our passports renewed. I let them expire in 2007. I could have expedited the renewal and received them early Monday before flying out but the cost would have been around $400.00. I would have also needed to cancel my trip to Regent University for my graduation. All of my immediate family is converging on Virginia Beach for the weekend to celebrate with me. If I went to Ireland, it would have caused me to miss being with family I haven't seen since Christmas.

When Renee and I discussed the Great Opportunity on Wednesday afternoon, we stopped and prayed. We asked God to help us make a choice based on our values and what would please Him. Within 10 minutes we had the peace to say No to a Great Opportunity.

Our value for being good stewards allowed us to say no to the unplanned and excessive expenditure of expediting our passports. Our value of spending time with our family allowed us to say no to the trip and continue with plans for my graduation. Ireland will still be there in the future. Because we get to see our family only a few times a year, we would rather be with them for 4 days and miss going to Ireland (for now). All these decisions were made with relative ease and peace because we know what we value.

How about you? Are you familiar enough with your core values that you could say no to a great opportunity?

If not, how could you discover them? Could a Leadership Coach help?