Tag: Questions

Two Powerful Leadership Questions…

Two words with three letters establish the most powerful questions a leader can ask.

The first is why? This question determines the purpose behind decisions made and actions taken.

Why pursue this direction?
Why is this work important?
Why is this the best course of action?

The second is how? Once we know the purpose, we must determine how we will fulfill it.

How will we accomplish this task?
How should we handle obstacles?
How can we get others involved?

If leaders take the time to determine the answers, the path to success is much clearer.

Essential Questions…

Voltaire was noted for saying, “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.”

The Forbes website provides information about several areas concerning leadership. An article in June focused on “Four Questions Great Leaders Ask.” Leaders must first ask, “Is this urgent or essential?”

Every leader wrestles with determining the difference between urgent and essential matters. Often times the urgent matters distract leaders from what is essential and the stakes increase related to spiritual matters.

Spiritual leaders are needed who recognize what is essential and lead with an urgency to help others discover the way to what is essential for their lives.

Genuine Interest…

Leaders must have a genuine interest in others, which is often easier said than done, because we tend to have more interest in some than others. We are aware of emotional vampires, individuals who suck time and energy out of our existence.

A genuine interest in others requires a few key components.

Ability to listen. We must listen with our ears, but also our eyes and heart.
Eye contact. Without eye contact, we communicate a lack of interest.
Appropriate questions. Appropriate questions show care about the lives of others. 

Consider these few steps toward an effective leadership.

Unscriptural or Uncomfortable…

A thin line exists between the two and leaders are challenged to recognize the difference. How?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will not know if something is Biblical or not.

Seek wisdom through prayer. This is not a prayer before a meeting, but a “without ceasing” approach to seek God’s guidance.

Ask the right questions. Asking why we do something opens a door to greater understanding.

Be patient. Decisions should rarely be made in one meeting. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

A few steps will help us determine the difference in what is unscriptural versus uncomfortable.