John Stanko

"All the believers were one in heart and mind.
No one claimed that any of their possessions
was their own, but they shared everything they had" - Acts 4:32.

This verse shows the unity of purpose that was operating in the early church. This kind of unity could not be obtained by coersion or manipulation. It was present because of Jesus' influence that was established through His teaching and life example. When the people saw this and the apostles taught this, there was unity through influence. Leaders know and want this kind of unity in their organization; they often don't know how to get it or want it more quickly than influence can produce. In either scenario, they abandon their role to influence followers and begin to demand compliance.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Today let's examine your role as influencer in your organization or family. One way you can do this is through training and teaching. How much time do you spend instructing your followers in what's most important to you and your organization and equipping them to do what you are teaching? Map out a plan today that will provide you opportunities to teach and influence in your staff meeting, off sites and other corporate gatherings.