Leadership
Jesus spoke directly and clearly when he was speaking directly to an individual. Even his parables were clear when you figured out the key. The biggest problem with his message to his listeners was that it was so radical it took time to soak in.
Donald Miller wrote several books I admire. Yesterday, he wrote about being clear. Referring to a poetry reading by former Poet Laureate Billy Collins, Miller writes, “How can any of us get what we want in life if we don’t communicate what we want clearly? Billy Collins might as well have been echoing the words of Jesus: Ask and it will be given to you.”
He says later in the essay, “Everybody kind of knows what they want, but few people have taken the time to reflect so they can communicate in such a way people understand. Most leaders kind of know where they want to take people but revolutionary leaders say it clearly.”
Ah, here is a key–take the time to reflect. Don’t short circuit the path from thought to mouth. Actually think about what you want and where you want to go. Victoria Elizabeth wrote recently on a Website called Problogger that we should blog like Hemingway. Use short sentences and research the truth. There’s more, check it out if you’re a writer or leader.
Miller says this process of thinking and speaking clearly is especially important for leaders. “The reality of leadership is this: The world is standing before you, curious, asking where you’d like to take them. If you kind of have an answer, they’ll follow somebody else. If you want to be a leader, communicate clearly because that’s the only way anybody can know whether or not they want to join you.”
This is important for leaders. And for all of us trying to communicate the Gospel. Think things through. Find the truth. Use simple sentences. And, “Know where you want to take people and ask them to come with you. Then, confidently take them there.”
Tags: focus, Leadership
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