Bobby McGraw - August 19, 2020
3 Ways to Combat Overwhelm
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3 Ways to Combat OverwhelmBobby McGraw - August 19, 2020 |
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The Only Good Reason to Lead
Over the years I’ve learned that there are a lot of bad reasons to lead:
- Position
- Perks
- Ego
- Attention
There is only one good reason to lead: to add value to people.
Leadership expert John Maxwell has made this his life’s mission. I’ve heard him say more times than I can count, “I want to add value to people.”
Below are lessons I’ve learned from John on adding value to people.
Four Essential Ways to Add Value to Others
1. Value People
The cardinal sin of leadership is to have a leader that doesn’t value the people they lead. I’ve heard John say, “If you don’t value people, you will devalue people.”
Every person we encounter is made in the image of God and has incredible worth.
…even the ones we disagree with.
…even the ones that may frustrate us.
They have great worth. Value them.
2. Make Yourself more Valuable
- Keep growing.
- Keep learning.
- Keep downloading truth in your life.
Why?
You can’t give people what you don’t have. Commit to being a lifelong learner. Don’t sacrifice your time with God each day.
3. Know and Relate to What Other People Value
Relationships are the foundation for ministry. We don’t lead Groups; we lead people. Walk slowly among the crowd. Find out what they value.
- Great leaders are good listeners.
- They learn what other people value.
- They intentionally connect with the people they lead.
- They care enough to listen.
4. Do the Things God Values
Jesus spent his life on this earth serving others. He demonstrated the life that we are meant to live. Don’t just talk about it; do what Jesus did.
I love this quote from Coach John Wooden:
Don’t tell me what you’re going to do–show me.”
I’m convinced that one of the best ways to find significance in your life is to add value to people!
How to Ask Questions that Get a Positive Response
Do you ask the right question—and in the right way?
You’ve got to grab their attention if you want people to listen.
In her book Communication Counts, media consultant Mary Civiello tells about a sales manager who wanted to introduce an incentive program. Salespeople could earn a bonus of $1,000 if they passed sales leads from customers over to a sales rep in a different division. Because the paperwork required to forward the lead took about 10 minutes to fill, the sales manager opened his presentation with a compelling point: “Who here would like to make $100 a minute?”
Who wouldn’t respond positively to a question like that?
Don’t Stagnate…Innovate!
Today is the last day of 2013. In many ways it was a great year, but I believe 2014 can and will be even better both personally and professionally.
As we head into another new year, a lot of people begin thinking about how they will get ahead and make a difference. The problem is many do not plan and end up repeating past mistakes and patterns. Only doing the same thing over and over again leads to stagnation, not just for individuals, but for the organizations they serve.
Why not make this year your year of innovation?
Leaders love innovators. Without them they would soon fall behind the times and lose their edge. No matter where you work or what your position is, there is always a way to add value through innovation. Here are a few tips to get you thinking.
1. Live, eat and breathe innovation.
Think about how changes in technology or to systems and processes could make or save your organization money, and actively seek out opportunities to innovate if you want to make a name for yourself.
2. Don’t get stuck in today.
Think about the bigger picture and what might be needed weeks, months and years into the future.
3. Look beyond your own team or department.
Often it is easier for “outsiders” to spot opportunities for innovation than those who are closely involved.
4. Speak up.
An idea is useless if you keep it inside your own head. If you spot opportunities, speak up and act on your inspiration.
This year could be the greatest year yet! What are some ways you plan to be more intentional this year? Drop a line or two in the comments section below.
The Local Church is the Hope of the World
What do you think of this statement?
“The Local Church is the Hope of the World.”