Categories
gag cartoon

Cartoon: Welcome bag

Cartoon of a man wishing he had gotten a welcome bag

Cartoon of a grumpy man talking to a woman with a welcome bag. He says, “I’ve been here sixty-four years, but I’ve never got a welcome bag.

We get so wrapped up in ourselves. Sometimes, instead of considering how to make someone new feel welcome, we think back to how we were treated when we were the new kid. If you never were the new kid, That can make it harder to get the newcomer goodies, can’t it?

If an organization is to grow, we need continue thinking about others than ourselves. Here are some ways you can do that:

  • Go to a similar church or organization for a visit. See how they treat visitors. The nice thing about this exercise is you can learn tips whether they are a good example or not. Learn what it’s like to be a visitor.
  • Get the members of a church or organization to realize the growth of something they value depends on how welcomed a newcomer feels.
  • Carefully evaluate whether your organization is too welcoming or not welcoming enough. There is a fine line and it can depend on the personality of the newcomer. Some people want to be welcomed enthusiastically. Others want to be anonymous until they can come to you on their terms. Consider where that middle road is that make the most people feel welcomed.

I drew this for the March, 2013 Church of God e-newsletter.

Categories
children cartoons

Cartoon: Angry Old Birds

Cartoon of a boy and grandfather watching TV

Cartoon of a boy watching television with his grandfather. The boy says, “I bet you would be a happier person if you watched more cartoons.”

I’m a news junkie, but I have to watch myself. If I’m not too careful, I can get a bad attitude quickly. Let’s face it, TV news loves to find all the “Man bites dog” stories. When things get bad, I have to find a channel with some animated cartoons, and fast!

Categories
church cartoons

Cartoon: Welcome and Critique

Cartoon of a woman greeter and a couple at church. The woman says, "Welcome to our church. Let me tell you all the things I don't like about it."

Cartoon of a woman greeter and a couple at church. The woman says, “Welcome to our church. Let me tell you all the things I don’t like about it.”

I drew this for the September, 2012 CHOG E-Newsletter.

Categories
Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday: Glow

Cartoon of a boy and a radiant girl. The boy says, "How can I keep my bad attitude with you glowing like that?"

Cartoon of a boy and a radiant girl. The boy says, “How can I keep my bad attitude with you glowing like that?”

Don’t you love it when people are in such a good mood, they glow? People that peaceful and positive attract others like a moth to a flame. Attitudes are contagious so we might as well spread a good one. That’ll come in handy as those of us in the Northern Hemisphere begin the first day of winter.

While I drew this last year, this was perfect for this week’s theme at Illustration Friday.” This week’s word is “glow.”

Categories
motivation

How Do You Minimize the Impact of Negative People? | careynieuwhof.com

Carey Nieuwhof has a post on dealing with negative people.

How Do You Minimize the Impact of Negative People? | careynieuwhof.com.

While his focus is on ministry, this applies to business and entrepreneurs as well. I’ve seen firsthand how someone with a bitter, negative attitude can suck the air out of a room.

Carey is right that you have to take measures to minimize the impact of a negative person. Unfortunately, some people are determined remain in the muck. When that happens, make sure they don’t take you down too. Some pessimists just won’t rest until you are just as miserable as they are.