Dean Cothill

Tag: How a leader’s loneliness can affect the whole church

  • How to market your local churches Sunday gatherings and other events.

    How to market your local churches Sunday gatherings and other events.

    Are you looking for ways to effectively promote your church’s events and increase attendance? Look no further! In this blog post, we will be sharing 7 key ideas for marketing your church’s events and reaching a wider audience. From utilizing social media platforms to leveraging the power of SEO, these ideas will help you effectively promote your church’s events and build a sense of community among your congregation. Whether you’re planning a special service, a fundraising event, or a community outreach program, these ideas will help you get the word out and attract more attendees. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can effectively market your church’s events and make a meaningful impact on your community.

    Church Service

    1. Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote upcoming church events by creating engaging and visually appealing posts, including details about the event, location, and time.

    I would say that utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is an essential aspect of promoting upcoming church events. By creating engaging and visually appealing posts, including details about the event, location, and time, we can effectively reach out to our congregation as well as the wider community. Social media allows us to connect with people on a personal level and build a sense of community, which is crucial in getting people excited about attending our events.

    You should also make sure to include a call to action in our posts, such as “RSVP now” or “register today” to make it easy for people to take action and attend the event. Additionally, we should consider using paid social media advertising to reach a wider audience, particularly targeting those who live in the local area. See more here on “targeting specific audiences”.

    In short, social media is a powerful tool for promoting church events and building a sense of community among our congregation. By utilizing it effectively, we can increase attendance and make a meaningful impact on our community.

    2. Leverage the power of Instagram and Facebook stories to share behind-the-scenes content, testimonials from attendees, and live updates from the event.

    I would emphasize that leveraging the power of Instagram and Facebook stories is an excellent way to share behind-the-scenes content, testimonials from attendees, and live updates from the events we host at our church. These platforms allow us to create a sense of excitement and anticipation among our congregation, which in turn can help to increase attendance.

    For example, we can share photos and videos of the preparations for an event, such as setting up the stage or decorating the venue. This will give our congregation a sneak peek into what they can expect and get them excited about attending.

    Additionally, by sharing testimonials from attendees, we can showcase the impact our events have on the lives of our congregation, which can be a powerful motivator for others to attend. Live updates from the event can keep people engaged and connected, even if they are unable to attend.

    In summary, Instagram and Facebook stories are an effective way to create a sense of excitement and engagement around our church events and help to increase attendance. By sharing behind-the-scenes content, testimonials, and live updates, we can create a sense of community and connection among our congregation.

    3. Create a YouTube channel for your church and post videos of sermons, teachings, and events to reach a wider audience and improve your SEO.

    I would stress that creating a YouTube channel for our church and posting videos of sermons, teachings, and events is an excellent way to reach a wider audience and improve our SEO. By having a YouTube channel, we can share the message of our church and the teachings of our faith with a global audience, which can help to attract new members to our congregation.

    YouTube Logo

    Additionally, by optimizing our YouTube videos with relevant keywords and captions, we can improve our SEO and make it easier for people to find us online. This can be especially useful for attracting new members who are searching for a church in our local area.

    Moreover, by posting videos of our events, we can give those who were unable to attend a sense of what they missed and keep them engaged and connected to our community.

    In summary, creating a YouTube channel and posting videos of sermons, teachings, and events can help us reach a wider audience and improve our SEO, which can help to attract new members to our congregation. Additionally, by sharing videos of our events, we can keep our congregation engaged and connected, even if they are unable to attend in person.

    4. Optimize your church’s website for local SEO by including location-specific keywords, creating a Google My Business listing, and encouraging attendees to leave reviews on your listing.

    I would express the importance of optimizing our church’s website for local SEO. This includes including location-specific keywords, creating a Google My Business listing and encouraging attendees to leave reviews on our listing. By doing so, we can ensure that our website appears at the top of search results when people in our local area search for a church. This can be especially useful for attracting new members who are searching for a church in our area.

    Creating a Google My Business listing allows us to provide important information about our church such as our address, phone number, and hours of operation. Additionally, by encouraging our attendees to leave reviews on our listing, we can showcase the positive impact our church has on the lives of our congregation. This can be a powerful motivator for others to visit our church and join our community.

    In short, by optimizing our church’s website for local SEO, we can improve our visibility online and make it easier for people in our local area to find us. This can help to attract new members to our congregation and showcase the positive impact our church has on the community.

    5. Partner with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets to help promote your church events and reach a “new” audience.

    As I even begin to think about this topic I begin to cringe a little bit and actually struggle to connect the dots between influencers and The Church. But even as I type this I think about the woman at the well, was she an influencer of sorts? So as “Dean Cothill” and that weird world of social media influencers and the likes, I would stress the importance of partnering with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets to help promote our church events and reach a new audience. By doing so, we can tap into their existing networks and reach a wider audience than we could on our own.

    Social media influencers at an event

    For example, partnering with local influencers can help us reach a younger demographic and showcase the relevance of our church in today’s society. Working with bloggers or media outlets can provide us with valuable coverage and exposure for our events, which can help to attract new members to our congregation.

    Additionally, by partnering with these individuals and organizations, we can gain valuable insights into the needs and interests of our community and tailor our events and services to better meet their needs.

    So by partnering with local influencers, bloggers, or media outlets can be a powerful tool in promoting our church events and reaching a new audience. By tapping into their existing networks and gaining valuable insights, we can attract new members to our congregation and better serve the needs of our community.

    6. Use email marketing to keep your congregation informed about upcoming events and remind them of the details.

    Email marketing has almost slipped under the radar with the rise of social media and us just trying to keep our Facebook and socials up to date, but email is still so key to keep our congregation informed about upcoming events and remind them of the details. Email is a powerful tool for reaching our congregation directly, and we can use it to keep them informed about important dates, events and other church-related information.

    For example, we can send out email reminders about upcoming events, including details about the location, time, and what attendees can expect. This can help to increase attendance and ensure that everyone is informed about what’s happening at our church.

    Email marketing for churches

    Additionally, we can use email marketing to share updates on the progress of our events, such as fundraising efforts, and ask for support. We can also use it to share post-event reports and highlight the impact of the event on our community.

    7. Create a hashtag for your church events and encourage attendees to share photos and posts using it on social media.

    Lastly, hashtags are a powerful tool for creating a sense of community and engagement around our events. By using a specific hashtag, we can easily track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event in one place.

    For example, we can create a unique hashtag for each event and encourage attendees to use it when posting about the event on social media. This can help to create a sense of community and engagement among our congregation, and also allow us to easily track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event.

    Additionally, by encouraging attendees to share their photos and posts on social media, we can create a sense of excitement and anticipation for our events, which can help to increase attendance.

    In summary, creating a hashtag for our church events and encouraging attendees to share photos and posts using it on social media is a powerful tool for creating a sense of community and engagement around our events. It allows us to track and curate all of the social media posts related to our event and increase attendance.

    Having a specific hashtag for a brand or community is important for several reasons:

    1. Branding: Using a specific hashtag helps to establish and reinforce the brand’s identity. It makes it easy for people to recognize the brand and associate it with specific content.
    2. Community building: Hashtags allow people to easily find and join conversations about a brand or product. This can help to build a sense of community around the brand, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy.
    3. Content curation: Hashtags make it easy to curate and organize user-generated content. This can be used for marketing purposes, such as showcasing customer reviews, testimonials, and engagement.
    4. Analytics: By tracking the usage of a specific hashtag, brands can gather data on engagement, reach and the demographics of users who are engaging with the brand.
    5. Discoverability: Hashtags increase the discoverability of a brand or product on social media. Hashtags make it easy for people to find and join conversations about a brand or product, which can increase the brand’s visibility and reach.

    In summary, a specific hashtag is important for any brand as it helps in building recognition, community, curating content, tracking analytics and improving discoverability.

    Hashtag coffee cup for church.

    Last bonus tip, we all love coffee and have worked hard to offer great coffee to our volunteers and church guests. Put your next big event on your take away cups, can be as easy as using a stamp.

    In conclusion, effectively promoting your church’s events is crucial in building a sense of community and increasing attendance. By utilizing social media platforms, leveraging the power of SEO, and partnering with local influencers, you can effectively reach a wider audience and promote your church’s events. Additionally, by using email marketing, creating a mobile app, and encouraging the use of a specific hashtag, you can keep your congregation informed and engaged with your church’s events and activities.

    Implementing these 7 key ideas can help you to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for your church’s events, and increase attendance. Remember to stay consistent, always evaluate the results of your efforts and adapt accordingly. Don’t be afraid to try new strategies, and most importantly don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback from members of your congregation. With the right approach and a little creativity, you can effectively market your church’s events and make a meaningful impact on your community.

  • How to start a Local Church Media Team

    How to start a Local Church Media Team

    Even though we are aware of the significant impact social media can have on church growth, it can be challenging to find the time to keep up a strong social presence for your ministry (especially since you probably already have a long list of other tasks on your to-do list). How are these other churches managing to do this? Budget conversations aside, it all really comes down to ONE THING.


    Simply put: teamwork. How does the saying go? Team work makes the dream work?


    Putting together, organizing, and managing a team can be the solution to your problems! You are probably surrounded by a lot of eager workers, from teenagers who are more adept at Instagram and TikTok than you are to seniors who have finally mastered Facebook.


    Here are 5 suggestions for creating the ideal social media team:

    1. Simplify the process

    It could be challenging to recruit volunteers if your standard start-to-finish process for creating content, publishing it, and tracking engagement involves 14 different editing suites and tools, apps, and platforms. Making things simple for them will ultimately make things simple for you.

    Use a scheduling tool that enables a volunteer to publish to three social media accounts simultaneously, such as Hootsuite, Planoly or Later. Create as many posts as you can at once rather than one at a time, if at all possible. Without compromising brand integrity, simplifying the procedure can prevent a lot of misunderstandings between you and your volunteers.

    2. Start with the people you already have

    If you work for a large church and don’t know everyone, it is crucial to build your team around people you can trust. You are essentially giving this team control over certain facets of your church’s brand, which is a major responsibility. Making a cold appeal for volunteers can make it challenging to distinguish between wise decision-making and passionate but irresponsible engagement.

    Team work makes the dream work

    It’s much better to start with 2 or 3 people who you already respect and who you know have the best interests of the church at heart. You will be able to communicate effectively and have faith in their commitment as a result. By enlisting unidentified individuals, you run the risk of a volunteer shirking their duties without warning.

    3. Gather around A Table together (with food and coffee obviously)

    Get your (social) media team together in one place as frequently as you can. The camera guys, the designers, the video and switchers, you name it. Start small. Get them in a room and eat some good food. You may get to know each other by sharing meals and playing games, which will ultimately result in improved teamwork. Ask someone to invite a friend who has a camera, or someone who has got the hand of the latest TikTok trend and be open to learning a few things in that world. We really do have teenagers who can do more with their phones these days than entire media teams at some agencies.

    Work together and brainstorm ideas on a regular basis to let everyone’s own brilliance emerge. Make sure everyone feels important and that their views are taken into consideration as the leader. By reading articles together or watching videos, you can both learn more about best practices and current trends and raise your skill level. As a group, discuss areas that could use improvement and work through issues.

    The most crucial thing is to assign duties for the future week or month. It is your duty as the leader to make your expectations clear so that everyone knows what they are responsible for.

    4. Start really really small, NO, smaller.

    Make assignments simple for your team to complete, at least at first. Start with something simple because you probably aren’t working with highly skilled marketing experts.

    Example: I’ve actually done this

    Ask your photographer to get 5 images on Sunday. That’s all 5. 1 of the volunteers, one at kids church, one of the worship, one of the preacher and one in the coffee shop afterwards. That’s all. Edit them. Use them, and go from there.

    Give positive feedback when they finish a task. If necessary, correct the person. By communicating this way, they will learn your expectations and standards and enhance their communication abilities.

    5. Be brave, call out and ask for skilled professionals to help

    There’s a good chance that you don’t even realize how many creative people are present in your auditorium (or online broadcast) on any given Sunday. Find qualified experts or brilliant amateurs in your community of faith by using social media, announcement opportunities, and networking. Visual artists, photographers, and graphic designers can significantly improve a company’s social media presence. Find a local Digital Expert and ask for some of their rime to come sit with a few volunteers and inspire them. Ask, and you shall receive.


    When will you discover these artistic geniuses? Don’t consider them to be routine. Give them creative flexibility, distribute the work, and maintain open lines of communication. Dream with them. Give them space to create. This is a new world, a digital space that makes sense to some people, they just get it. Trust them and build with them. Believe me, it’ll be worth it. The very last thing you want to do is exploit volunteers and give them the impression that their value is solely in their service. Make them part of the team, the photographers and the musicians and the coffee shop crew and the kids church team. All together.

    Let’s stay in touch

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • If it was easy, everyone would be doing it…

    If it was easy, everyone would be doing it…

    Whether its 04:30 alarm clocks and getting to the gym or CrossFit, starting a new hobby or business, following you dreams, hopes and desires for a new year ahead or balancing work and home life to ensure your partner appreciates you as much as your boss does, everything and anything worthwhile, is uphill to quote John C. Maxwell.

    In order to truly achieve success and fulfillment in life, it is important to understand that challenges and difficulties are a natural and necessary part of the journey. If something were to be easy, it would lose its value and significance, as it would no longer require effort or dedication to accomplish.

    Mountain climbers

    Think about it this way: if everyone were able to easily attain their goals and aspirations, what would be the point in striving for them? Without the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming obstacles and adversity, we would miss out on the opportunity to grow and develop as individuals. If these goals were easy, everyone would run 100m in under 10 seconds, everyone would scale Mt Everest, everyone would have their own dream company and the closest group of friends, but these things aren’t normal, not everyone goes there.

    Furthermore, when we face challenges and work hard to overcome them, we are able to tap into our inner strength and resilience. We learn to persevere in the face of adversity, and we become more confident in our abilities and our capacity to succeed.

    In other words, it is precisely because something is difficult that it becomes worthwhile. The process of striving and struggling to achieve a goal is what gives it value, and it is what ultimately leads to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

    So, the next time you find yourself faced with a challenge, remember that it is not meant to be easy. Embrace the difficulty and use it as an opportunity to grow and become the best version of yourself. With hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams. The next time you find yourself faced with a challenge, take it as a sign, that you’re on the right road and that your dreams are closer than you know, that these challenges are actually a high five from the Universe saying, keep going, keep pressing, keep leaning into the life that you have always wanted and dreamed of.

  • How can our church get more local reviews on Google Business?

    How can our church get more local reviews on Google Business?

    Now that you know how to get onto Google Business and you’ve got that up and running…

    Where to from here?

    Google reviews are an important aspect of any local churches online presence. Not only do they help to improve the visibility of your church in search results, but they also serve as a trusted source of information for potential church visitors or guests. In today’s digital age, (church goers/seekers/christians/consumers) rely heavily on the opinions of others when making purchasing decisions, and Google reviews provide a platform for your “people” to share their experiences with your church. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Google reviews are so important for your local listings and how they can help to drive traffic to your church.

    Did you know… the number of Google reviews is one of the biggest factors in Google’s local search algorithm?

    Take a moment and see for yourself:

    • Google “church in [your city].”
    • Look under the map at the “Local 3 Pack,” add together the number of reviews the 3 churches there have, and divide by 3 to get the average number of reviews.
    • Click the map in the Local 3 Pack to see the top 20 results in Google maps
    • Scroll down and take a look at how many reviews churches towards the bottom of the top 20 have.

    Big difference, right?

    How do you get more Google reviews for your church?

    Glad you asked. Here are…

    3 Ways to Get More Google Reviews for Your Church

    1) Add a Google Business Profile icon/link in the header or footer of your website.

    By placing social media icons that link to your church’s profiles on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can encourage members to review your Google Business Profile. Including these icons makes it easy for visitors to access and read all of the positive reviews that your church has already received. This simple step can help to drive traffic and engagement on your online profiles, as well as improve the overall visibility of your church in search results.

    2) Post a request for reviews to social media.

    One way to encourage your followers on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to leave reviews for your church is to post a request for reviews and include a link to your Google Business Profile. Remind people that by posting a review, they are not only sharing their positive experiences with your church, but they are also helping to improve your church’s search rankings and reach a wider audience online. Highlighting the specific ways in which your church has made an impact on people’s lives through the power of God can be a particularly effective way to motivate people to visit your church in person on Sunday.

    3) Send email and/or texts to members asking them to post a review.

    As it becomes increasingly difficult to reach people through social media channels, email and text message communication can be effective alternatives. Both of these mediums tend to have high open rates, and you can make your request for reviews more personalized in an email or text. When asking for reviews through email or text, be sure to include a link to your Google Business Profile and explain how the reviews will help your church achieve its mission. It’s also important to be mindful of Google’s efforts to combat fake reviews. If your church receives a large number of reviews in a short period of time, it may be flagged by Google’s algorithm as suspicious. To avoid this, it’s best to aim for a steady stream of reviews rather than a sudden influx.

    To avoid triggering any red flags with Google’s algorithm, it’s best to gradually collect reviews from your congregation rather than sending a mass email all at once. A good goal is to aim for around 5 reviews per week. You can start by sending an email request to a small group of people, such as 20 individuals, and then assess the response after a week. If you receive a high number of reviews, such as 10, you can scale down the number of people you email the following week. On the other hand, if you only receive a few reviews, you can try increasing the number of people you email to see if that leads to more reviews. This approach allows you to adjust your strategy based on the response rate and ensure that you are collecting reviews at a natural and sustainable pace. Natural and organic is key here.

    In today’s digital world, Google reviews are more critical than ever for local communities, businesses and churches. Not only do they help to improve the visibility of your church in search results, but they also serve as a trusted source of information for potential visitors and guests. By encouraging your people to leave reviews and actively managing your online reputation, you can build trust and credibility with potential guests and drive traffic to your community. So don’t underestimate the power of Google reviews – they are an essential part of any successful digital marketing strategy.

    Let’s stay in touch

    Grace and Peace

    Dean

  • Should insecurity stop me from…

    Should insecurity stop me from…

    A few days ago I was up early and a cold misty morning at Sardinia Bay was not the most auspicious of starts, but as I wrapped my red KWAY Jacket around me and trudged up the sandy dune (LOL if you know exactly what I mean), the sand was cold and the mist was thick. Even made it hard to see as the air was so moist… Can see more here about Sards.

    I ran down the dune to get my feet warm and hit the water and it was freezing cold and so I just followed the shore and kept walking. Calm, windless, misty Sards. I made my way about 500 down the beach and just surround by mist, I saw these 3 Dark Horses in the distance. So I continued my way down the beach and got a very flat section of the ocean, a pond like, very flat swimming pool if you will. Ice cold water and perfect for a morning swim.

    As they approached the shore, the group of horses standing at the water’s edge didn’t move, their dark coats glistening with the morning dew. They were majestic creatures, with powerful muscles rippling beneath their skin and eyes that seemed to penetrate my very soul. They just have so much presence and I was so nervous that I had interrupted their walk, that I was getting in the way somehow. So I asked one of the jockeys if everything is ok, if I should move or leave “their space”, if they wanna get in the water.

    And she gently replied, “No please, them seeing you in the water is giving them the courage to consider getting in the water, as they never want to walk in water, ever. So this is amazing. Thank you.

    So I asked nervously if I may approach the horses and she said I could…

    I approached cautiously, not wanting to startle them, but as I drew near, one of the horses turned its head towards me and let out a soft whinny. I couldn’t help but smile at the greeting, and I reached out a hand to stroke the horse’s nose. To my surprise, the horse nuzzled my hand and I let out a contented sigh. I couldn’t believe it – these wild creatures seemed almost tame, as if they were waiting for me to arrive. (I know that sounds ridiculous…)

    I spent the next 10 minutes walking with with the horses, marveling at their beauty and grace as they walked gently in the shallow water, almost to my knees at times. I had never felt such a strong connection with an animal before, and I knew that this was a moment I would always treasure. I felt Gale (more about that later and my YouTube channel coming soon) Story time with Dean and Gale, say, Dean if you’re brave enough, you will give other people the courage and bravery to also step into cold situations and take some risks for their dreams. And that’s all I hope to do here… Light a fire in your bones.

    And then almost instantly, the jockey gestured to her friends and the horses turned around and they said good bye, and then I was alone, with what felt like the most Holy Moment just before sunrise… I quickly whipped of my clothes and dived into the freezing water, Goodness me what a wake up. Best. Feeling. Ever.

    As I turned to head back home, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the magic of the natural world. It was moments like these that made me believe that there was still so much out there waiting to be discovered, and that life was full of endless possibilities. I realised then that goodness me I long for the wild, I long for the cold on my skin, I longed for the insecurity and unpredictability that the weather and the wild could produce.

    As humans, we are hardwired to seek security and predictability. It’s a natural instinct that helps us feel safe and grounded in a rapidly changing world. But sometimes, following our dreams requires us to make scary, insecure decisions that challenge the status quo and push us out of our comfort zone. (And sometimes we need someone to show us that some things are possible…)

    For many of us, the thought of taking a risk and stepping into the unknown is downright terrifying. We worry about failing, making mistakes, or being judged by others, the fear that maybe the water is too cold and I don’t know what I could find in the depths? These fears can hold us back and prevent us from pursuing our passions and living the lives we truly want.

    But as Brene Brown says, “the only way to get to the other side of fear is to walk through it.” In other words, the only way to achieve our dreams is to embrace the fear and uncertainty that comes with making bold moves.

    This doesn’t mean that we should blindly charge ahead into the open seas and hope for the best without considering the potential consequences. (I think of Frozen 2 here) It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and make informed decisions. But it does mean that we should be willing to take calculated risks and embrace the potential for failure as part of the journey.

    Making scary, insecure decisions can also be an opportunity for growth and learning. When we face challenges and setbacks, we have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger. These experiences can help us develop resilience and build the courage to take on even bigger challenges in the future. one small step into the water turns into an open water swim turns into an icy swim in the arctic circle. My prayer is that your dreams would frighten and awaken you to your core.

    But perhaps most importantly, making scary, insecure decisions allows us to live authentically and follow our hearts. It’s easy to get caught up in the expectations of others or the societal norms of what we “should” be doing. But when we make the brave choice to pursue our dreams, we are able to live a life that is true to ourselves and fulfill our unique purpose.

    At 19 I started to play the guitar for our little local youth ministry in Benoni. (Yes I have photos and no I won’t share them, LOL) And I recall the bravery I summoned to perform for a small audience of like 20, even though it took a million wrong notes to find the right melody and key. I remember the insecure steps I took to my first job interview as I tried to impress the boss with all the “right” words”. I remember the strength I had to pull out of my self when I had to stand for something I believed in and no one stood up with me, leaving me without a job, but standing up for what I believe was right. I even remember the insecure teenager who knelt on his girlfriends kitchen floor and asked her to marry him.

    Now, we seek clarity and stability, but the truth is they aren’t real. You know this to be true with in yourself.

    So if you’re feeling scared or uncertain about making a big decision, remember that it’s okay to be afraid. It’s a natural part of the process. But don’t let your fear hold you back from chasing your dreams. Embrace the insecurity and take that first step towards making your dreams a reality. You never know where it might lead you…

    I’ll come with a couple lines from my favourite band, Switchfoot. (Thanks Jon)

    We found a way out
    The city takes everything it can
    But outside the crowds
    I can feel my lungs again

    Born for the blue skies
    We’ll survive the rain
    Born for the sunrise
    We’ll survive the pain

    Listen here.

    Grace and Peace

    Dean

  • Where do you turn when things get overwhelming? (Part 1)

    Where do you turn when things get overwhelming? (Part 1)

    Physical exercise is important for people who have high stress jobs or work environments for a number of reasons. I love morning runs on the beach or the road, Sardinia Bay is my absolute BEST! Sunset walks with the family at Sacramento is also just the best, sand and sea water between our toes. Then also love Gym at Virgin, and recently getting back into CrossFit with my friend Jeremy at Lion’s Bay. Main thing for me as a “HEART” person, is it allows me to FEEL my BODY. (More about this in a later post)…

    These things have become daily routines for me and have had massive positive impacts on my emotional well being, as a husband, as a dad and as a friend.

    Why even exercise?

    First and foremost, physical exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health. When we engage in physical activity, our bodies release endorphins, which are chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. This can help to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and can also improve overall well-being and sense of happiness.

    In addition to its mental health benefits, physical exercise has also been shown to have a positive impact on physical health. Regular physical activity can help to reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, and can also help to improve sleep quality and overall energy levels.

    Furthermore, physical exercise can also be a useful tool for managing stress in the workplace. Engaging in physical activity can provide an outlet for stress and can help to clear the mind, allowing individuals to approach their work with a greater sense of focus and clarity. In addition, the social aspect of physical exercise can also be beneficial, as it can provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others and build supportive relationships that can be helpful in managing the demands of a high stress job or work environment.

    Overall, the benefits of physical exercise for individuals with high stress jobs or work environments are numerous and varied. By improving mental and physical health, managing stress, and providing social support, physical exercise can help individuals to better cope with the demands of their work and lead happier, healthier lives.

  • Why emotional (MENTAL) health matters in leadership

    Why emotional (MENTAL) health matters in leadership

    Hey there, so here’s the deal. I want you to take your normal, everyday life – you know, the stuff you do like sleeping, eating, working, and just going about your day – and offer it up to God. Trusting in what God does for you is the best way to honor him. Don’t just blend in with the culture around you without really thinking about it. Instead, focus on God and he will transform you from the inside out. Pay attention to what he wants from you and follow through with it. Unlike the culture that often holds you back, God helps bring out the best in you and helps you grow into a mature and well-rounded person. If you know me you’ll know that I even got Romans 12 tattoo’d on my forearm. (video coming soon)

    Romans 12 says it like this… “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Your mind. Your thoughts. Your thinking patterns need renewing. The way you think needs DAILY RENEWING. Almost like a daily wash in the Spirit. Maybe some questions if I may?

    • How to do you start/end your day?
    • Do you exercise or even go for a walk?
    • How much do you read? I don’t mean “drugged up addictive” social media scrolling
    • Who are your “sources” of inspiration?
    • How long have you had the routines you got now?

    Emotional and mental health are crucial components of effective leadership. In fact, leaders who prioritize their own emotional and mental well-being are often more effective at leading and inspiring others. This is because they are able to create a positive and supportive work environment, make sound decisions, and build trusting and authentic relationships.

    One of the key reasons why emotional and mental health matters in leadership is because it directly affects an individual’s ability to manage stress and handle challenges. Leaders who are emotionally and mentally healthy are better equipped to handle the demands of their roles, and are less likely to become overwhelmed or burnt out. They are also more resilient, and are able to bounce back from setbacks more quickly.

    In contrast, leaders who struggle with their emotional and mental health are more likely to make poor decisions, struggle to build positive relationships, and be less productive. They may also be more prone to conflict, and may struggle to create a positive work environment for their team.

    Another reason why emotional and mental health matters in leadership is because it is essential for building trust and authenticity. Leaders who are open and vulnerable about their own struggles and emotions are more relatable, and are more likely to inspire trust and loyalty in their team. They also model healthy coping mechanisms, and encourage their team members to prioritize their own well-being.

    On the other hand, leaders who are closed off or defensive about their emotions may struggle to build authentic relationships with their team. This can lead to a lack of trust and communication, and can ultimately hinder the effectiveness of the team.

    Emotional and mental health is particularly important when it comes to building trust and authenticity within a team. Leaders who are open and vulnerable about their own emotions and struggles are more relatable, and are more likely to inspire trust and loyalty in their team. When a leader is able to share their own vulnerabilities and struggles, it creates a sense of connection and understanding. It allows team members to feel seen and heard, and to know that their leader is human and has their own challenges. This in turn can create a culture of open and honest communication, where team members feel comfortable sharing their own thoughts and feelings.

    In contrast, leaders who are closed off or defensive about their emotions may struggle to build authentic relationships with their team. This can lead to a lack of trust and communication, and can ultimately hinder the effectiveness of the team. When team members feel that their leader is not open to hearing their thoughts and feelings, it can create a sense of disconnection and mistrust. This can lead to communication breakdowns, conflicts, and ultimately, a lack of cohesion within the team.

    Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to prioritize their own emotional and mental health in order to build trust and authenticity within their team. By being open and vulnerable about their own emotions, leaders can create a sense of connection and understanding, and inspire a culture of trust, collaboration, and resilience. Overall, emotional and mental health is an essential component of effective leadership, and it is crucial for leaders to prioritize their own well-being in order to create a positive and supportive work environment for their team.

    In conclusion, emotional and mental health is an essential component of effective leadership. It enables leaders to manage stress, make sound decisions, build authentic relationships, and create a positive work environment. By prioritizing their own well-being, leaders can set an example for their team, and inspire a culture of trust, collaboration, and resilience.

    My email address is dean@deancothill.co.za

    How are you, really?

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • What does it mean to be a man? (Part 1)

    What does it mean to be a man? (Part 1)

    Are you a man? Are you a man’s man? Are you a ladies man? Ever been told to man up? Suck it up and be a man? Stop crying, boy’s don’t cry? The world we live in have told kids and men in many different ways that there are norms and that there are some things that are on the table and things that aren’t.

    So I think it’s important to note that masculinity, like any social construct, is constantly evolving and can vary significantly depending on cultural and historical context. In this response, I will focus on how masculinity has evolved in Western societies over the past five years, but it is worth noting that the experiences and expectations of masculinity can be very different in other parts of the world.

    Over the past five years, there has been a growing movement to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and to promote more inclusive and healthy expressions of masculinity. This has included a focus on issues such as toxic masculinity, male privilege, and the harmful effects of rigid gender roles on men and those around them.

    One of the key drivers of this shift has been the #MeToo movement, which has brought attention to issues of sexual harassment and assault, particularly as they relate to men’s behavior and the power dynamics between men and women. The #MeToo movement has sparked a broader conversation about the ways in which traditional notions of masculinity can contribute to harmful and oppressive behaviors, and has encouraged men to examine their own actions and beliefs and to consider how they can be part of the solution.

    Another factor that has contributed to the evolution of masculinity is the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health and emotional intelligence. In the past, there has often been a stigma attached to men seeking help for mental health issues or expressing emotions other than anger or aggression. However, in recent years there has been a growing understanding that men also experience a range of emotions and that it is important for their overall well-being to be able to express and process these emotions in healthy ways. Coming off the last 3 months, I am going to try and be brave and vulnerable and honest about so many of my struggles and emotional health issues coming off work, stress, anxiety and burnout. (All of which I never saw coming, I mean, I honestly thought it would never happen to me. EVER)

    This shift has been driven in part by the LGBTQ+ movement, which has worked to create more inclusive and accepting environments for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. As a result, there has been a greater acceptance and understanding of the diversity of gender and sexual identities, and a recognition that not all men identify as heterosexual or conform to traditional gender roles.

    This shift towards more fluid and non-binary expressions of gender and sexuality has challenged traditional notions of masculinity, which have often been based on rigid and narrow ideas of what it means to be a “man.” By allowing for a wider range of expressions of masculinity, this shift has helped to create a more inclusive and accepting society for people of all genders and sexualities.

    It is worth noting that this shift towards more fluid and non-binary expressions of gender and sexuality is not limited to men, but is also applicable to women and those who do not identify with either binary gender. However, for the purposes of this response, I focused specifically on how this shift has affected and challenged traditional notions of masculinity.

    Overall, it is clear that masculinity has evolved significantly over the past five years, and will likely continue to evolve in the future. While there is still much work to be done to create more equitable and healthy expressions of masculinity, it is encouraging to see the progress that has been made in recent years.

    Having Daniel and Elizabeth has absolutely opened my eyes to what it means to be a “boy” and what it means to be a “girl” and what it means to raise a child.

    It is important to recognize that all children are unique individuals and parenting approaches should be tailored to meet the needs and personality of each individual child. That being said, there are some general differences between raising boys and girls that may be worth considering:

    • Physical differences: Boys and girls may have different physical characteristics and developmental milestones. For example, boys may develop physically and emotionally at a slightly faster pace, and may be more interested in rough-and-tumble play, and soccer, and the World Cup and Ronaldo and that final, and Messi. Girls may mature more slowly and may be more interested in dolls and imaginative play.

    • Socialization and gender roles: Boys and girls may be socialized differently by society and may be encouraged to exhibit different behaviors based on gender stereotypes. It is important for parents to be aware of these societal expectations and to try to avoid imposing rigid gender roles on their children.
    1. Communication styles: Boys and girls may communicate differently, with boys often being more physically expressive and girls more verbal. It is important for parents to be attuned to their child’s individual communication style and to try to encourage open and honest communication.
    2. Emotional expression: Boys and girls may express their emotions differently. Boys may be more likely to suppress their emotions or to express them through physical aggression, while girls may be more likely to express their emotions through verbal communication. It is important for parents to encourage open and healthy expression of emotions in both boys and girls.

    Again, it is important to remember that these are generalizations and that every child is unique. The most important thing is to approach parenting with love, patience, and an open mind, and to be responsive to the needs and personality of your individual child.

    So what does it mean to be a man? What does it mean to be a dad?

    Stay tuned for PART 2 next week…

    Much love

    D

  • The RCT Principle

    The RCT Principle

    According to the Relational Confidence Theory, everything we do has two kinds of commitment involved: task and relational. This means that if you’re not getting support from a group or someone else (like a boss), then it’s harder to stay committed to something that doesn’t want the best for you. To put it another way, it’s about our commitment to our TASKS will be relative to how CONNECTED I feel to the TEAM.

    There is a reason why former soldiers, in a study done by Dr. Xavier Amador, committed suicide after getting out of the Army but not while they were in it.

    The reason why former soldiers, in a study done by Dr. Xavier Amador, committed suicide after getting out of the Army but not while they were in it is that soldiers have a strong sense of commitment to their unit, but not to the task. This is true for many other organizations as well and can be seen in companies where people feel isolated or like they are not doing what they were hired to do. This phenomenon can cause unnecessary turnover because people don’t want to work on projects that they don’t find meaningful.

    If you have been tasked with leading an organization’s employee engagement efforts, it may help you if you understand how your employees’ minds work when it comes to working on tasks and within groups.

    There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, such as when someone is passionate about something, and extrinsic motivation comes from external factors like money or praise. The problem with extrinsic motivation is that it can be fleeting and does not always provide long-term commitment to tasks. This means that if you want employees to stay on a project, they will have to care about it in some way beyond just getting paid.

    Relational Confidence Theory states that anything we do has two kinds of commitment involved: task and relational.

    While the RCT Principle is a bit more complex than this, it can be summed up as follows:

    • Relational Confidence Theory states that anything we do has two kinds of commitment involved: task and relational. The work and the people I get to do the work with.
    • Task commitment is the reason you do something; relational commitment is the reason you do it well.
    • We need both to be successful.

    Task commitment and relational commitment are two important factors that can influence the way we approach and complete tasks. Task commitment is the reason we decide to do something. It’s the motivation that drives us to take on a project or task, and it can come from a variety of sources, such as a sense of responsibility, a desire to learn or improve, or a sense of personal accomplishment.

    Relational commitment, on the other hand, is the reason we do something well. It’s the dedication and effort we put into a task because of the impact it will have on our relationships with others. For example, we might work hard on a project for a boss or colleague because we value and respect them, or because we want to maintain a positive working relationship.

    Both task and relational commitment are important, and they often go hand in hand. When we have a strong sense of task commitment, we are more likely to put in the effort and dedication needed to complete a task well. And when we have a strong sense of relational commitment, we are more likely to take pride in our work and strive to do our best in order to maintain and strengthen our relationships with others.

    However, there may be times when one type of commitment is stronger than the other. For example, we might be highly motivated to complete a task because it’s important to us personally, but not necessarily because it will have a direct impact on our relationships with others. In these cases, our task commitment may be the driving force behind our efforts.

    It’s also possible to have low levels of both task and relational commitment. In these cases, it can be difficult to find the motivation and dedication needed to complete tasks well. This is why it’s important to identify and cultivate both task and relational commitment in our work and personal lives.

    One way to do this is to set clear goals and priorities for ourselves. By focusing on what we want to achieve and why it’s important to us, we can tap into our sense of task commitment and use it to drive our efforts. We can also think about the impact our work will have on others and how it can strengthen our relationships. This can help to cultivate a sense of relational commitment and encourage us to do our best.

    Another way to foster both task and relational commitment is to find work or projects that align with our values and passions. When we are passionate about what we do, it can be easier to find the motivation and dedication needed to complete tasks well. And when we see the value in our work and how it can benefit others, it can help to strengthen our sense of relational commitment.

    In conclusion, task commitment and relational commitment are two important factors that can influence the way we approach and complete tasks. By focusing on our goals, priorities, and passions, and considering the impact our work will have on others, we can cultivate both types of commitment and increase our motivation and dedication to do our best.

    We can do something well because we are committed to our work but don’t feel like we have anyone who is backing us up.

    Another example of when the RCT principle doesn’t apply is when you’re not really committed to your work or your organization. In this case, even though you might be doing something well, it’s not going to last. Another way of looking at this situation is that sometimes people do things well because they’re committed but don’t feel like they have anyone backing them up. That leads us back to our original point; if someone feels like they are being backed up by others, then they will do their jobs better and more consistently than otherwise!

    Without support from someone else or a group, you can end up feeling like there’s no point in doing great work. You’ll start to feel resentment toward your organization or company, which is an indicator that you aren’t really committed to it as a whole anymore either (it’s harder to be committed to something that doesn’t want the best for you).

    If you’re not connected to your team and/or task with purpose and meaning, then it’s easy for others on your team (or elsewhere) who are connected with purpose and meaning themselves to get annoyed by your lack of connection. This is especially true if they’re working hard, but their efforts aren’t being recognized by anything other than the loudest person in the room (ahem).

    Conclusion

    You need to be confident in your work and know that someone is backing you up. This will help increase your productivity as well as make you feel more satisfied with what you’re doing on a daily basis. If this sounds familiar, try reaching out to someone who can support you throughout the day – whether it’s family or friends or even just talking about how stressful things have been recently!

    Grace and Peace fam

    Keep an eye out for this video to be released soon.

    Dean

  • 7 moments to a better YOU

    7 moments to a better YOU

    Hello friends, I hope you’re well and that you’re building the life that you always dreamed of. Your dollhouse dreams, your fairytale ending, its all in you and I hope you find some of that today. Here are 7 simple ideas to hopefully keep us all on the right track to becoming the best versions of ourselves.

    • Make a commitment to yourself to improve every day.

    This means that you are dedicated to learning, self-improvement, and personal development on a daily basis. It’s about setting goals for yourself and working towards them consistently, even when it’s challenging. This can involve things like learning new skills, setting aside time for personal growth activities, or seeking out opportunities to challenge yourself and stretch your abilities. By making a commitment to grow daily, you are setting yourself up for long-term success and positioning yourself for continuous learning and improvement. It’s important to remember that growth and development are ongoing processes, and making a commitment to them means that you are willing to put in the time and effort to continuously improve and evolve as a person.

    • Don’t just focus on the end result, appreciate the journey and learning along the way.

    Point 2 is about valuing the process more than the outcome or end result. This means that you recognize that the journey and the learning along the way are just as important, if not more so, than the final destination. It’s about being present in the moment and enjoying the process of working towards a goal, rather than just focusing on the end result. This can involve things like embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than seeing them as failures. By valuing the process, you are able to stay motivated and engaged in your work, and you are more likely to find fulfillment and meaning in what you do. Additionally, by focusing on the process rather than the outcome, you are able to stay open to new opportunities and experiences that may arise along the way, rather than being too focused on a specific end result.

    • Don’t wait for the perfect moment to get started, just start now.

    Point 3 is about not waiting for inspiration or the perfect moment to get started on something. THERE IS NO PERFECT MOMENT! Lemme say this again, THERE IS NO MOMENT, THIS IS “IT”!

    This means that you recognize that inspiration and motivation can come and go, and that it’s important to just take action and get started, even when you don’t feel particularly inspired or motivated. By not waiting for inspiration, you are able to take control of your own progress and move forward, rather than being held back by your own lack of motivation or inspiration. This can involve things like setting small, achievable goals for yourself and working towards them consistently, or breaking larger goals down into smaller steps and tackling them one at a time. By not waiting for inspiration, you are able to stay focused and make progress towards your goals, even when you don’t feel particularly motivated. Additionally, by taking action and getting started, you may find that you become more inspired and motivated as you progress, which can help to keep you moving forward.

    • Be willing to give up short-term pleasure for long-term growth and success.

    Point 4 is about being willing to sacrifice short-term pleasure or comfort for long-term opportunity or growth. This means that you recognize that sometimes, in order to achieve your goals or reach your full potential, you may need to make sacrifices in the present.

    Having kids makes us see this, they have absolutely not patience to wait, and if we can just convince them to wait another week, its gonna be better and greater than they can imagine. Convincing my son Daniel to just wait a little longer, it’ll be worth it is half of raising him… This can involve things like giving up leisure time or activities that you enjoy in order to focus on your goals, or taking on additional responsibilities or challenges that may be uncomfortable or difficult in the short term but will ultimately help you to grow and develop in the long term. By being willing to make these sacrifices, you are able to focus on your priorities and stay committed to your goals, even when it’s not easy. It’s important to remember that these sacrifices are often temporary, and that by making them, you are positioning yourself for long-term success and growth.

    • Don’t be afraid to dream big and set high goals for yourself.

    Point 5 is about dreaming big and setting high goals for yourself. The classic, if your dreams don’t scare you, they NOT BIG ENOUGH! It means that you are not afraid to think big and aim high, and that you believe in your own ability to achieve your goals, no matter how ambitious they may be. By dreaming big, you are able to set your sights on what you really want to achieve in life, rather than settling for less. It’s important to remember that your goals don’t have to be realistic or achievable in the short term, but rather they should be something that inspires and motivates you to work towards them. By dreaming big and setting high goals, you are able to stay motivated and engaged in your work, and you are more likely to find fulfillment and meaning in what you do. Additionally, by setting big goals for yourself, you are able to push yourself to reach your full potential and achieve things that you may not have thought possible.

    “Why would you want to settle for staring at the ceiling when you were meant to stare at the stars” – DC

    • Make a plan and prioritize your tasks to ensure you stay on track.

    This is ALL about planning your priorities and organizing your tasks in order to achieve your goals. This means that you take the time to think about what is most important to you and what needs to be done in order to achieve your goals. It involves creating a plan and organizing your tasks in a way that allows you to focus on your priorities and stay on track. This can involve things like making a to-do list, setting deadlines for yourself, or using tools and techniques like time management or goal setting to help you stay organized and focused. Here I try and think in 3 stages.

    • 2 weeks
    • 6 weeks
    • 12 weeks

    Here I can see what needs to happen by the end of next week and what the next 3 months looks like. We can’t do more than that… By planning your priorities and organizing your tasks, you are able to stay focused and make progress towards your goals, rather than getting overwhelmed or sidetracked by less important tasks. PLAN and be PROACTIVE rather than being UNPLANNED and REACTIVE all the time.

    “Urgent will always trump important in any environment” – DC

    And urgent just always seems to sneak up on us and our lives. It’s important to remember that this process is ongoing and that you will need to continuously review and adjust your plan as your priorities change or new challenges arise. But thats all on you, you run your calendar, you calendar does not run you!

    1. Be willing to let go of things that are holding you back in order to move forward and reach your full potential.

    Point 7 is about being willing to let go of things that are holding you back in order to move forward and reach your full potential. This means that you recognize that sometimes, in order to grow and improve, you may need to let go of certain things that are holding you back. This can involve things like letting go of negative thoughts or beliefs that limit your potential, or letting go of relationships or situations that are no longer serving you. Are there some things that you’re still holding onto that you should have dropped years ago?Hurt or unforgiveness that are the loudest voices in your head?

    By being willing to let go, you are able to make room for new opportunities and experiences that will help you to grow and develop. It’s important to remember that letting go can be difficult, and that it may involve facing your fears or making difficult decisions. However, by being willing to let go, you are able to move forward and reach your full potential, rather than being held back by things that are no longer serving you.

    DC signing off

    Grace and peace friends,

    I hope you find what you’re looking for.