I remember being 15 years old and quite fascinated by anything needing to do with EMS. I’d see an ambulance and something on the inside of me would just light up like a Christmas tree. Helping people would be what ended up helping me. That passion would then throw me into the best place of service at Discovery Camp as a summer camp lifeguard. At 17 years of age, I’d go on and receive my LGI (Life Guard Instructors) certification from the American Red Cross. Since 2005, I’ve certified close to 517 people in CPR. I had no idea those classes would change the way I’d lead teams also. CPR is based around one question; does the person have a pulse? A pulse is crucial in the system of CPR. The pulse is the mere epicenter of what the body revolves around. The pulse is the reaction to an action that is taking place on a deeper level. As a rescuer, I know one thing.. When I find the pulse, I’ll know what to do.

Leaders who do not have a pulse on their teams, assignment, and vision are occupying because they do not have a pulse on what is going on. For my teams, we have “pulse points”. A pulse point is the mere core of the project, idea, or topic of discussion at the time. It is taking everything you have just said in a five minute conversation, and dialing it down to one sentence. It is a way to make sure everyone is on the same page, at the same time. There is not a day that does not go by where a team member will not hear me say, “What’s the pulse point?” or “Pulse it.” Leaders who OWN have a pulse on everything that is going on. How do we find these pulse points?

Observe – Watch for the little things. If morning staff prayer is a drag it is not because they hate prayer, it is because they are all night owls and slow morning starters. Pulse it..change it..live it.

Patterns– Find a pattern in everything. Every pulse has a rhythm to it. If a team member is doing something over and over and over again do not ignore it; step in and make changes.

Test – When you think you have it figured out, test what you have got. If you notice the youth come alive before and after service due to the games they are playing, add more games to your service. “Pulse Points” where a game changer for us, but you have to slow down, find the pulse and respond accordingly.

When you have a pulse, you have a life.