Being prepared is foundational to influencing others. Challenges and questions are always presented, and the need to be ready to provide an answer is critical for our leadership.

Scripture reminds us to always be ready to give an answer (1 Pe. 3:15). The question that follows is essential to our preparedness: Are we ready?

The way leaders prepare themselves is built upon a few key principles.

Understand the urgency of the situation. By the time questions are asked, it is usually a matter of some form of urgency. We need to be ready to give an answer because it can make the difference.

Recognize that answers can be found in the Bible. Instead of looking to external sources for answers, God has provided a tool by which we can be prepared. We need to know it!

Ask others to provide assistance. Why is it so difficult to seek the counsel of others? Only sinful pride keeps us from using the resource of others to help us improve who we are and the work we do.

Are we ready? A few simple steps will help us get there.