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How Are You Doing….Really?

In the American culture when people are asked, “How are you doing?” people usually respond with a one word answer, FINE! In our culture, if you are truly interested and you want the other person to give honest insightful responses, you have to rephrase the question slightly. Ask, “How are you doing, really?”

No matter what the goal of your organization, do not become so professional and efficient that relationship building and community gets squeezed out. It is shameful to spend half a day with a colleague without realizing they spent the night in the ER with an ailing family member. Is it so difficult to take a few moments of your time to ask how your team is doing, really? The responses to this question at the beginning of any meeting is not for leadership’s sake, but for love’s sake.

As a faith based organization, is it to much to be reminded that we are biblically driven to “…bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2). The people you are leading have to know they are part of a burden-carrying team. They have to know there is an avenue for them to convey personally or professionally any calamity they are facing. They have to know their colleagues will hear them out without prejudice or judgment.

It would be helpful to start your meetings with the question that is the focus of this leadership axiom, “How are you doing, really?” Once everyone has responded to this question, take the time to prayer for each person.

Speed of The Leadership, Speed of The Team

The two most powerful words that can be spoken by any leader is FOLLOW ME! These two words were spoken by Christ. The Apostle Paul would state that his followers should follow him only as he follows Christ. Both of these statements refer to the power of leading by example.

Understand there are questions that your followers are asking. They wonder how joyful they are going to be by observing how joyful your are as their leader. How joyful are you? How determined are you? How loving are you? The answer that is formulating in the mind of your followers will determine how joyful, determined, and loving they can become. Leaders should never assume more from their followers than what they can deliver. Never expect higher levels of commitment if they cannot see it in you.

If you cannot say FOLLOW ME to your followers and mean it – then you have a problem. A big one! Speed of the leader, speed of the team.

Pay Attention To Greetings and Goodbyes

Leaders by nature can see a mountain to conquer and they want to accomplish yesterday. Leaders will open meetings usually with, “I will open with prayer, then let’s get after it so that we don’t waste anyone’s time!” The most important part of your meetings are the “Greetings and Goodbyes!” Every person who works for highly motivated leaders carry a low-grade concern if they are going to be tossed aside after being used up. Deep down inside every person wrestles with the notion they are just another cog in someone else’s wheel.

It seems to me that we have lost the art of eye to eye contact and communicate statements of warm appreciation for the other person. This is to be followed up at the end of a meeting with sincere THANK YOU for being part of this awesome team should be given. TRY IT at your next meeting to see if it want produce different results that what your are presently getting.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!

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