W3D6 - Influence
January 24, 2014
"Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love" - Philemon 8.
There is no question that at times leaders must tell, even order, others to do something. Yet when possible, there is a better way, and it is described in today's verse. You can take the time and make the effort to influence others to do the correct thing. The problem for some leaders who are addicted to action is that influence takes time and requires effort to fashion the most effective appeal possible. Yet people who have some say in the decision are much more likely to commit all their intellectual and creative capabilities when they do so willingly.
LEADERSHIP STEP: Are you relying too much on your authority, ordering people under you to do this and that? Take a page from Paul's book and begin to find ways to influence people so they can decide for themselves to take the right course of action. This requires that you know your team and learn what motivates them to action. Your step today is to schedule some team-building time during which you can learn more about what motivates or demotivates the people who report to you.
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