Over the next few weeks I will be exploring this topic I talking about how leaders a firm others. I will be using the letter that spell out AFFIRMATION in the next few articles; it is about motivating and encouraging others.
AFFIRMATION #1: ATTENTIVE to the needs of others.
When I worked at Indiana Wesleyan University I was able to attend their Society of World Changers when they inducted S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A. He was given the opportunity to speak about some of his leadership beliefs. One of the most profound and humorous things and he stated that day was; "How do you know when someone needs encouragement?" He continued, "When they are breathing!"
A leader is someone who begins their leadership by attending to the needs of others. Leaders guide. Leaders listen. They are less a boss and more like a coach. Leaders that manage do little more than getting people to do things. Leaders engage people!
Managers are not necessarily leaders. I contend that while these people may be in a leadership position they do not necessarily have the influence necessary to lead effectively. Managers put the organization or task before the person. Leaders put the person first. You may think to yourself that the organization may suffer with this kind of leader ship but I contend that the leader makes every effort to raise the awareness of not only a person’s potential but also the opportunities within the organization as well. Lift up a person and you lift up the organization they serve.
All throughout Scripture you find examples of affirmation. Throughout the New Testament you find many expressions that include the words, "one another". Go ahead and do a Bible search and you’ll find many passages that talk about encouraging and spurring on "one another." Each of these expressions in the scripture talk a great deal about the needs that all of us have. Love one another. Serve one another. Encourage one another. Motivate one another. Remain faithful to one another.
Submit to one another.
Leaders attend to needs. In fact as the leader attends to the needs of others it engages and strengthens those they lead but the organization as well. Think about your most basic needs. Your needs are what sustain your life or happiness or what motivate you to get up in the morning. As a leader cultivates you and meets your needs you will inevitably accomplish more.
Leadership equals affirmation. The first letter that helps define what a true leader is starts with being ATTENTIVE to needs. Whether it’s simply listening or providing sincere encouragement or even giving direction, you are meeting needs and putting people first.
Leadership is attending to the needs of others; it is worth the investment and the return on this investment in people has heavy rewards for them and for the leader.
Leadership Article #2
