COMMUNICATION – A LEADER’S KEY TO SUCCESS

by Dr. John C. Maxwell

For my whole life, I have opened my car door by inserting a metal key into a physical lock. Now, I can unlock the doors and start the car at the push of a button. It seems like magic to me, but it’s actually a simple application of science.

Keyless entry and keyless ignition are made possible when a transmitter within your key fob communicates with a radio receiver inside the car. Two conditions are necessary for this communication to take place: 1) the transmitter must be set to the same frequency as the receiver, and 2) the transmitter must send a uniquely coded message which the receiver has been programmed in advance to recognize.

Communication acts as a leader’s “keyless entry” into relationships. It can open the mind of an employer, the wallet of investors, and the hearts of loved ones. Talented communicators seem magical when they weave their words together. However, much like the concept of keyless entry, great communication depends on two simple skills—context and delivery. Context attunes a leader to the same frequency as his or her audience. Delivery allows a leader to phrase messages in a language the audience can understand.

As we explore context and delivery, we’ll draw upon Steven K. Scott’s book, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived. In the book, Scott offers commentary on the words of King Solomon, the wealthiest man in history. Renowned for his wisdom, Solomon writings are filled with advice about effective communication.

Read the whole article @ Leadership Wired.

Get In The Wheelbarrow

Most of us have probably heard the story of Charles Blondin, the French aerialist who became legedary after crossing Niagara Falls on a three inch hemp cord on June 30, 1859. He returned to Niagara Falls several more times to defy gravity with a twist. Blondin crossed the falls on a bicycle, on stilts, blindfolded and even while carrying his manager piggyback.

On one such occassion, the Prince of Wales was in the audience and marveled at his courage and fortitude. Although amazed, the Prince asked Blondin not to do it again. With alterior motives Blondin then asked the Prince if he believed he could push the Prince himself across the falls in a wheelbarrow.

"Sure, " the Prince replied. And before he could get in another word, Blondin commanded, "Then get in!" Blondin was not surprized to see the Prince scamper away.

What about those of us in leadership and ministry? Sometimes our journey in following the call of God leads us to intimidating heights over troubled waters. If you're anything like me, even though people will warn you not to look down, you inevitably look down. You hang on for dear life unable to cross over on your own. At that moment we have a choice to make. We either run away like the Prince, or we get into the wheelbarrow and let God be God.

The testing of our faith isn't simply the belief that God can do what He says He can do. Faith is getting into the wheelbarrow and allowing Him to take us to the other side. We either trust God or we don't. Do you?

Leadership Website

I recently came across an awesome website for leaders. Although it's purpose is to assist those in government leadership and management, I think it's purpose fits those of us in ministry as well.

"This site was developed by and for government managers in recognition of the fact that managers in the government often face greater difficulties relating to budgetary constraints, bureaucracy, inflexible hiring and firing practices, and external coordination than do their counterparts in the private sector. The extent of these problems has made many government employees believe that real change is not possible."

http://www.govlerders.org/

BIGGER Than Me

"What do you think it will take to reach the next generation?" Bob prodded.

Louie (Giglio) became pensive. And then he nailed all of us. "Well," he said at last, "we've talked about some idead that we like, but then we jokingly said that we didn't like them enough to die for them. My read on the next generation is that they are looking for precisely that - something important enough to die for - and they're willing to follow someone who will put their life on the line for that cause."

OUCH!

We knew immediately Louie was right. And not just about the next generation. Men and women everywhere, of all ages, have longed to be part of something bigger than themselves. Something permanent. Something that matters. And in their best moments, they're willing to lay down their lives for that cause. (Made To Count, Bob Record & Randy singer, Word Publishing, 2004, pg 85-86)

What about you? As a leader, what are you willing to die for? I don't have to give you a history lesson and tell you about our forefathers who sacrificed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness so that we could enjoy those pleasures ourselves. I don't need to remind you of Abraham, Moses, David, James and Paul, all of whom lived and died for something bigger than themselves.

Aplication:
1. Am I as willing to die for the "big picture" today as I was when I first started ministry? If "no", what has changed and why? If "yes", how have I remained so steadfast?
2. What is that primary cause or calling that I am willing to die for?
3. How easily do others see what I am willing to die for?
4. How have I helped others to buy into this bigger picture?
5. Pray that God will reveal one or two individuals that you can share your BIG picture with.

A Family Calling

I can still remember that hot July night at summer camp when God confirmed his call on my life through a prophetic word. I felt honored and excited. At the time I was fearless and felt as if I could take over the world for Christ. I had no idea of the cost not just to me but to my future family. Hey, I was 16 years old. What did I know?

Eventually I realized, as we all do, that following the call of God comes with a costly price tag. I don't seem to struggle so much with personal sacrifice though. I've always taken it with stride, at least so I thought. It was when my family began to suffer because of my calling that I got uneasy. Watching my wife and kids pay the price of ministry is very difficult for me.

So, as I always try to do, I looked to God's Word for strength. I was reading in Genesis chapter 22, where Abraham was asked by God to sacrifice his ONLY son Isaac as a burnt offering. It sounded crazy! Why would God ask Abraham to offer his only son, the son with whom God promised to bless and make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore? It was an impossible request. It was an incredible sacrifice. I don't think that I could have done it.

That was a life-changing moment for Abraham and for Isaac. His faith was tested and he passed with flying colors. Abraham's family learned that "the call" went beyond Abraham. It was a family CALLING, a family SACRIFICE and a family BLESSING.

I don't think that I am quite the man that Abraham was but I'm praying that I get there. My family has already faced suffering and sacrifice and I'm sure that there is more to come. I know that doesn't sound very compelling but I am confident that it also means that there is more blessing to follow! After all, everything that God promised Abraham and his family came to pass.

Obedience to the call of God may require sacrifice for you and your family, but the rewards and fulfilled promises are unending. Besides, the blessings will also be for those to whom we minister - our church and community. Lord, help me to have the faith to obey and a willingness to sacrifice as Abraham did.

Leadership Begins At Home

A tall-tale sign of a good leader is humility. It's not one of my strongest qualities, but hey, I'm growing in the right direction. To exercise my humility I'm going to confess that I am not the greatest father in the world. In fact, at times I'm impatient, short tempered and I over-react. The good thing is that I'm trying to do something about it. Here is an article that I came across recently that could encourage us all as we raise our children to be leaders.

Parents are the earliest and most influential influences on a child. Their examples profoundly affect the kind of leaders they become. Leadership training takes time (think quantity not just "quality") and guidance in every facet of a child’s life from early on. Additionally, leadership needs to be modeled by the parents. It helps if you view all of this in the long-term. The big picture view assists in smoothing out the immature peaks and valleys and helps keep your goals on track. Here are some (not comprehensive) ideas to think on:

Take time to know your child. Working with a child’s personality, a parent needs to learn to develop that child’s individual traits and abilities and sometimes temper strengths that left unchecked would become a liability. For example, an assertive, outgoing personality is a great trait in a leader, but without self-control it can be seen as overly aggressive and controlling.

Take the time to point out where they can learn from the example of others. Use examples and outcomes of decisions of both right and wrong approaches to situations. Teach them cause and effect. Choices have consequences.

Take the time to understand what problems and issues your child is dealing with and then guide them to the right decisions by applying the right principles. By instilling principles rather than pat answers to problems, you will give them tools to work with that they can apply over and over again in their life.

Take the time to praise them when they make the right choices and gently show them the choice they missed when they go astray. Give them age appropriate responsibilities and let them stand or fall on their choices. (Note: Self-esteem comes from knowing you did do or are doing the right thing and should be praised. It’s not generated from unsupported, manipulative comments designed to make kids—or anyone else for that matter—feel good.) Take the time to involve them in family activities and work. This will help them learn teamwork (sharing and considering others) and a good work ethic.

Why do all this? Pat Williams (senior vice president of the Orlando Magic) in his book, Coaching Your Kids to be Leaders, quotes Jackson University football coach Steve Gilbert,

I tell young people, "It feels good to be a leader!" Success and failure are part of the adventure of life. Young people need to see that good leaders are important in their community—and there are great rewards for being a good leader. Those rewards include a sense of satisfaction and a feeling that what you are doing is meaningful and significant. You don’t always win when you lead, but that’s okay. Young people should be rewarded and encouraged for stepping up and leading, no matter whether they succeed or fail.

Copied from Leadership Minute at www.LeadershipNow.com

Coffee Addiction

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Brand New

I've been blogging for about two years now and I love it. Since I work mostly with teenagers, my blogs have been geared toward students and parents (Revolutionary Leaders). "Leading Through Life", however, will be a blog solely devoted to leaders and ministers. My goal is to share leadership principles from God's Word, from books that I am reading, or simply lessons that I have learned through my life's failures and successes. I encourage you to read, learn, laugh, cry, pray and visit often. Feel free to comment and share your stories as well.
- Roger Nelmes