leadership

how should a man respond to the coronavirus?

March 18 2020

How should a man respond to Coronavirus? MMC78: The Manlihood ManCast with Josh Hatcher

Josh Hatcher talks about how a man should respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, the panic, and quarantine.

1. Be a protector.

You are a shepherd, a protector of your family and your community. Keep them safe, provide for them, and protect them. If that means following a bunch of rules you think are stupid so that your family and neighbors are safe, then do it. But protect and provide for them.

2. Be a thermostat.

Not a thermometer. Don’t react in emotion – rather set the emotional temperature for those around you. Be calm. Be at peace. Control your emotions.

3. Love your family

Enjoy the time that your kids are home from school. Eat dinner together. Invest in those relationships. Don’t gripe about how badly behaved they are – or drink to numb yourselves from the way they act. Rather – if they are unruly – teach them how to behave with discipline and love!

April 23 2019

MMC 62 – Don’t follow me | Josh Hatcher | Manlihood ManCast

In this episode of the Manlihood Mancast, Josh Hatcher tells us why he doesn’t want you to follow him.

Who do you think you are? How can a fat guy making peanuts tell me how to live my life? Why should I take advice from the guy that doesn’t look or act nearly as manly as I do? That Hatcher guy isn’t manly at all! What gives him the right to say that?

I think about these kinds of questions a lot. Fortunately – none of you mutter them out loud… though I’m sure those questions may occasionally bounce around in your heads.

I’m not here to tell you how to be rich. I’m not here to tell you how to be healthy. I’m not here to tell you how to do anything from a position of superiority.

Many of the men’s groups and authors and people that I follow are touting themselves as a “mastermind” group and they say, “Don’t take advice from anyone who is a failure.” or “Don’t ask a broke person about money.”

I want to make something clear. I am not perfect, nor am I trying to build “followers” – I don’t want to make you guys “disciples” of me.

What I want to do is to encourage you guys to work on your life…. to work on your marriages… to work on your kids… to work on your character… and to build the kind of relationships that help you do that.

“Self-improvement” (I like this term better than self-help) is really what I want us all to look at. No matter where we fall on the scale financially, or where we fall on the scale in physical health, or courage, or relationships – we all ought to be able to look at our lives and evaluate how we can improve them.

I’m a work in progress. I screw stuff up all the time. I’m still looking for what works. If you are hoping to follow a guru who has it all together – I’m going to tell you something – you’re not going to find him.

He may be rich, but he’s a douche.

He may be super fit, but he’s on his fifth marriage and he’s having an affair.

He may be a great husband and father, but he eats too many donuts.

Stop trying to find the perfect coach, the perfect mentor, the perfect leader – and if you need perfection to follow – I’ll point you to Jesus. (ask me what I’m talking about if you want to know more.)

But aside from that – in the here and the now – Here’s where Josh Hatcher fits into the mix.

I’m a good Dad. I’m a good husband. Not a perfect one – but a good one.

I have a good eye for how to do those things well.

I’m also pretty good at making strategy, and planning.

I’m also pretty good at how to relate with friends, how to resolve issues, and how to be a leader in your home, work, and community.

These are the things that I can teach you. And that’s what I’ll invest my time and energy into.

I’m also pretty good at fostering community, getting people to think, and getting people to discuss things.

So I’m hoping that if you have questions, I can help you find the answers by connecting you with others in our “band of merry men.”

That also means, though, gentlemen – for this to work, and to work well – we all have to do our part – to share from the places we excel, so we can help other brothers succeed as well!

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Want to weigh in? Comment here, or log in to our private facebook group – The Manlihood Mancave to discuss this with other men!

Interested in more Personal development for men? Check out our website at Manlihood.com for more info!

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January 29 2019

MMC 52 | Leadership Isn’t a Dirty Word | Josh Hatcher | Manlihood ManCast

In this episode of the Manlihood Mancast, Josh Hatcher tells us why LEADERSHIP isn’t a dirty word.

The word LEADERSHIP sometimes seems to have a negative connotation attached. It’s not a dirty word – and it’s a skill that can make a man and his surroundings better.

Leadership isn’t Lordship

Part of the negative connotation comes from people who have done leadership poorly. It’s important to understand that leadership is not lordship.

Leadership is a sacred privilege. It is not a right that makes one man higher and better than another. It’s a responsibility to influence people.

It’s important not to exploit our roles as leaders – so that we can lead effectively, and lead well. Too often, our positions become corrupted by selfishness, laziness, or just a lack of skill.

And skill is at the heart of leadership. We often talk of “born leaders” – and maybe some are born with a certain level of skill – but anyone can develop the skills that make a good leader.

Leading Yourself

I think that our first leadership role is to lead ourselves. Are we disciplined with our finances, our health, our time, our relationships? If not, where do we start? If so, how do we improve and take things to the next level?

I’d encourage you to make a personal development plan.

1. Identify area of your life that you know needs work.

2. Set a 1 week, 1 month, 1 quarter, 1 year, and 5 year goal for that area. Make them Specific. Write them Down. Post them in a visual place to remind yourself!

3. Identify four or five books that you will read to help you with that area.

4. Identify three or four blogs to follow that will help you.

5. Identify a mentor who seems to have success in that area – and ask them for advice. Offer to buy them lunch, and then make a list of questions to ask them.

6. Find three or four friends with a similar struggle – and meet once a week or once a month to encourage each other.

7. Evaluate your goals each time you hit those milestones, and make adjustments to stay on track!

Leading From the Backseat

Leadership is not a position. Certainly, a supervisor or a manager is expected to be a leader – but the position itself does not impart leadership.

Often, you may find yourself with a positional leader, who knows nothing about leadership. This can be a frustrating place to be – but it can also be an opportunity for you to shine.

Sometimes, leadership is working from the bottom in such a way that you can influence your coworkers (and bosses) without having that position.

Are you the guy that solves problems? Are you the guy that puts everyone in a good mood? Are you the guy that sets an example for the others? What about helping your boss give you direction?

What are some ways that you can lead from the backseat?

Leadership has Limits

Being in a leadership position is a responsibility, and a privilege. It’s about serving the people you lead, not barking orders and making them serve you.

As a leader – there are limits to your leadership.

1. Your first limit is you. You can only lead people to places you have gone. Lead Yourself, Invest in yourself.

2. You cannot have expectations without communication.

The level with which you communicate will determine the level at which you can lead.
Remember that communication by definition does not exist if it does not have a transmitter and a receiver. Your mouth is your transmitter – their BRAIN is the receiver. That means you may be sending it to their ears – but if they don’t receive that communication – then it by definition – doesn’t exist. Find ways to make sure your staff can reiterate what your expectations are.

3. You cannot show disrespect.

This is a limit you cannot cross. If your staff has violated or not met your expectations – then you need to have a clear method to deal with it. “You didn’t perform X as requested. This is the consequence.” Deal with it swiftly, fairly, and honestly. Part of leadership is accepting that not everyone will like the decisions you make… but there is no room for insults, gossip, and disrespect.

4. You are limited by the amount of responsibility you are willing to take.
Your success and failure IS the success and failure of your people. If your employee fails – you have failed. It’s not “their fault” for screwing up – it’s “your fault” for not providing proper training, accountability, etc. Remember that leadership BEARS the responsibility of their team.

5. You are limited by the praise you dole out.

If you are not the most positive and encouraging person on your team – then that is a limit you will hit. When success gets credited to you – it’s up to you to pass it along to your people.

Leadership really isn’t a dirty word – and I am sure you already knew that. Truth is – everyone of us has influence with someone- and leadership at its very core is influence. Let’s strive to be better leaders in all areas.

Want to weigh in? Comment here, or log in to our private facebook group – The Manlihood Mancave to discuss this with other men!

Interested in more Personal development for men? Check out our website at Manlihood.com for more info!

Don’t forget to check out our sponsors:

Hatcher Media – Creative Marketing Solutions | Graphic Design | Video Production | Web Design | Content and Social Marketing

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February 27 2018

MMC 42: Lion or a Lamb – Part 1 – Finding Balance

Episode 42: Lion or a Lamb – Part 1 – Finding Balance

We’ve long said that March comes in and goes out inversely like a Lion or a Lamb. The thought of being one or the other may be a bit frightening for men. Especially in a culture that no longer appreciates the fierce and bold virtues that once marked manhood.

Lambs are weak. Lions are strong.

Most of the time, I think we should err on the side of the lion. I think that we should strive to be brave, and fierce. We should strive to lead the pride, rather than to frolic in the fields, and cower at the thought of wolves.

With that said, I think that even the fiercest and strongest war-like man has to know that there’s a part of him that has to fall in line. A part of him that must be subdued and soft.

When I was a child, my dad and I loved to wrestle. His strength was and still is baffling. I’ve watched him lift things no man should lift. I’ve felt the strength in his grip. As we would wrestle, he’d show me that strength, but it was always measured and held back. I always knew that this man had the power to crush my little skull with his bare hands, and the fact that he didn’t showed me more about his strength than anything. He was wild like a lion, but he was tempered.

“For after years of living in a cage, a lion no longer even believes it is a lion . . . and a man no longer believes he is a man.”
― John Eldredge, Wild at Heart Revised and Updated: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul

I don’t want to see men tamed. I think it’s a dangerous thing to take a lion and to train him to be a house-cat. When I talk about finding balance, I don’t mean that men should be tamed. I think they should be TEMPERED. Men, finding balance does not mean that you are abandoning your lionhood in order to be a lamb.

http://www.manlihood.com/lion-or-lamb-finding-balance-part-1/

This episode is produced by Hatcher Media for Manlihood.com
Our Manly theme music is from Austin Stirling and also from Mark Kroos.
Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes, Youtube, or wherever you are listening to the show!

Tune in again for more of the Manlihood ManCast

February 19 2018

MMC 36: Man Crush Monday – Before the Bullet

Today’s ManCrushMonday is well known for meeting his untimely demise from a bullet. It’s a notorious death. We’ve all heard about it. In fact – the last few years leading up his death are the years we are all familiar with.

Before that – he was raised as the grandchild of four irish immigrants – immigrants who seized the American dream, and their family did well for themselves. Well enough, anyway, that Jack grew up in boarding school, as his father spent long stretches of time away from the family on business. Young Jack blew up toilets with cherry bombs, and led a gang of trouble makers called “The Muckers”

That troublemaking though was offset by health problems – one doctor thought it may have been leukemia – but another diagnosed him with collitis – a condition known to be very painful and debilitating for men. Those health problems, including a bad back, made it difficult for Jack to finish his education, and to join the Navy – his dad had to pull a few strings to get him there – and the young man went on to serve with distinction during WWII. Those distinctions made him an American hero – and he quickly grew in his influence.

But who was this man, now regarded as a hero? Who was this man who shot for the moon, and did so much for his country?
For his devotion to his country, persistence through pain – and for leaving a lasting legacy – we salute John Fitzgerald Kennedy – J.F.K.

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If you want to be a better man – check out our website – Manlihood.com – for blogs, videos, and more from our Manlihood Team. Men, you can also join our private facebook group- Manlihood ManCave -where you can meet up with a band of brothers who will challenge you and help you on your journey of manhood.
This episode is produced by Hatcher Media for Manlihood.com
Our Manly theme music is from Austin Stirling and also from Mark Kroos.
Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes, Youtube, or wherever you are listening to the show!

Tune in again for more of the Manlihood ManCast

January 28 2018

MMC21: Man Crush Monday – Remember Me?

Today we’re going go take a look at our Man Crush Monday – where we honor men who have exemplified character, courage, and honor. Today, we’re going to look at a very memorable American who fled to another country, and fought for their independence.

These days, tensions in Washington DC are often hot. Accusations against politicians happen every day. But on this occasion, William Stanbery was dragged out into the street and beaten with a Hickory Cane. His attacker came to DC to stick up for the rights of indigenous peoples, and expose the government frauds who were mistreating them.

But Washington politics weren’t ready for accountability – so the attacker was brought to trial and fined $500 – in those days – a small fortune. He fled the country – and went to a newly formed Republic, where he was commissioned as a Major General in the Army. He fought hard, and climbed the ranks to Commander in Cheif, when he signed that country’s Declaration of Independence on his 43rd Birthday.

It was under his watch that a 13 Day enemy siege at a small church was lost to the enemy. So he mustered the ragtag troops -a very small force compared to the massive and well trained army. It took him a little over a month to whip those boys into shape – but they went up against the full force of the Mexican military – and won in 18 minutes, because this little army new to strike when the Mexican army would be taking their afternoon Siesta.

And our hero led the Army of the Republic of Texas to victory – with the rallying cry to “Remember the Alamo!”

Grit, Courage, Justice, Perseverance – that’s Why Sam Houston is today’s Man Crush Monday

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Tune in again for more of the Manlihood ManCast

January 22 2018

MMC16: Man Crush Monday- A Slow Tank to Frisco

Welcome to the Manlihood Mancast – I’m your host Josh Hatcher – today we’re going to take a look at our Man Crush Monday – where we honor men who have exemplified character, courage, and honor. Today, we’re going to take a look at a man who was itching to fight.

After graduating from West Point, and getting bounced around at various military outposts stateside, this young warrior was ready to go -he specifically requested to be stationed in the Phillipines – and was promptly denied. During the first World War – He was ready to go overseas and fight the Germans – but again, he was denied and stationed to Kansas, then Maryland, and then – finally – orders for France! But they were shot down and he was assigned to the new Tank Corps. Again – orders came in for france! But as he prepared to ship out – the armistice was signed, and the young soldier continued to serve stateside.

Promoted to major – he led a convoy of tanks from DC to California – averaging the breakneck speed of 5 mile per hour, and bringing attention to some major infrastructure problems with the US highway system.

Eventually, he did get to the Phillipines, along with Douglas McArthur – but it wasn’t until the next world war that this major would climb the ranks to General, and become known as a war hero. All of that time stateside allowed him to become skilled in the art of leadership and war planning – And after the war, he kept climbing to the nation’s highest post.

When he took office, one of his first tasks, was fixing those ailing highways.

Because of his persistence, and his commitment, President Dwight D. Eisenhower is this week’s Man Crush Monday.

January 18 2018

Manlihood Mancast Episode 14: Honoring those who went before

What do we do to honor the men who went before us? Your father, your brothers, your grandfathers?

I think there is an awful lot of cultural revolution these days – to the point that the culture keeps rolling over like a 7-11 taquito on the grill. It’s hard to honor heroes of the past when no one can determine what values we respect anymore.

Let’s make it a point to study the “heroes” that have gone before us. Sure – they can be flawed… and we can identify the flaws – but let’s also give them the benefit of the doubt, and honor their success, rather than throw out all the babies with the bathwater.

Who, in your own history, or your nation’s history is worthy of honor?
Why not hop into our closed facebook group for men – Manlihood Mancave and let us know who in your life is worthy of honor?

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If you want to be a better man – check out our website – Manlihood.com – for blogs, videos, and more from our Manlihood Team. Men, you can also join our private facebook group- Manlihood ManCave -where you can meet up with a band of brothers who will challenge you and help you on your journey of manhood.

August 22 2017

Understanding Gentlemen: Courtesy and Kindness Go a long way

Courtesy and Kindness Go a long way

As men, we long to be known for our strength, or ruggedness. If we are not particularly strong, we may have shifted that to a desire to be known for our intellect or creativity. Either way, what each of us want, is supremacy. We want to be the best. We want to be the smartest. In fact, we often lie to ourselves very subtly, to tell ourselves that we are the best and most important person in the room. Even those who may take up the mantle to fight for the downtrodden seem to share this character trait. You see it from the Twitter feed of “social justice warriors” and even the old men swapping fish stories at the corner store over coffee. It’s human nature to put ourselves at the center of our own world.

A gentlemen shows a great that butts against this. Courtesy. Kindness.

To put someone else’s needs ahead of our own clashes with our own inner beast. And it often inspires the same response in others!

Let me challenge you directly, men. There are others who are smarter and stronger. And even those who are weaker and not as smart that need you to defer to them sometimes. They need you to step up and show kindness, politeness.

There are people that just need a smile, a laugh, a friend.

They might need you to offer a helping hand, or even make a sacrifice to help meet a bigger need.

I believe showing kindness goes against human nature, which is about self. Kindness though is built in is too… it’s built in because we are made in the image of God.
Let us never forget the kindness others have shown us, and let us live indebted to pay it forward in acts of love and service

August 8 2017

Understanding Gentlemen: Chivalry is not Chauvinism

Chivalry is not Chauvinism

Maybe it’s because chivalry and chauvinism both involve men and how they view women…. Maybe it’s because they both start with “ch”… But the meaning of chivalry is often mixed with chauvinism.

chiv·al·ry
ˈSHivəlrē/Submit
noun
the medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code.
historical
knights, noblemen, and horsemen collectively.
“I fought against the cream of French chivalry”
the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak.
synonyms: knight errantry, courtly manners, knightliness, courtliness, nobility; bravery, courage, boldness, valor, heroism, daring, intrepidity; bushido
“the values of chivalry”

chau·vin·ism
ˈSHōvəˌnizəm/Submit
noun
exaggerated or aggressive patriotism.
“public opinion was easily moved to chauvinism and nationalism”
synonyms: jingoism, excessive patriotism, blind patriotism, excessive nationalism, sectarianism, isolationism, flag-waving; More
excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for one’s own cause, group, or gender.
plural noun: chauvinisms
“a bastion of male chauvinism”
synonyms: jingoism, excessive patriotism, blind patriotism, excessive nationalism, sectarianism, isolationism, flag-waving; xenophobia, racism, ethnocentrism, ethnocentricity; partisanship, partiality, prejudice, bias, discrimination, bigotry; male chauvinism, antifeminism, misogyny, sexism
“they have a tendency toward small-mindedness and chauvinism”

I don’t know if anyone even realizes they have connected the two words. I think it happened unconsciously somewhere around the time of the cultural revolution of the 60s.

I’ll be clear… that revolution for some very good things for women. There were many ridiculous ideas about women and their worth. Truly “male chauvinistic” ideas.

To be a gentleman is to value things rightly. To honor and respect women.

That sounds like chivalry to me.

Offering to hold the door for a woman didn’t mean we think she is weak. It means we want to show her honor.

It is polite to hold the door open for people, right?

Gentlemen show manners not just because of social norms or old fashioned rules… rather, that politeness comes out of a drive to honor people, to value people.
I can’t say that it will be ready to separate the cultural associations between chauvinism and chivalry, but we should strive to model that we are men of honor.