I noticed for years, when mashing potatoes, my wife first drains the cooked potatoes, adds a little margarine and milk. Then she takes an electric mixer – turned off – and works the beaters up and down in the freshly cooked potatoes. She continues this all around the pan, breaking up the potato pieces before turning the mixer on. Early on I inquired about why she does this before of turning the mixer on. She’s never really had an answer other than it was the way her mother mashed potatoes.
I have, in recent years, seen my Mother-in-Law and one brother-in-law prepare potatoes the exact same way. Why is still in question, but the where is likely from my wife’s maternal grandmother. It is a learned behavior.
Learned behaviors are those ideas, actions, and obsessions we pick up from watching someone we trust or ascertain from. The behavioral traits of leaders are adopted and accepted by those among us with whom we have influence. We not only lead by our actions. We teach and equip others to repeat our actions. Many aspects of leadership are caught, more than they are taught.
Every person is in leadership. Every person is influential in someone’s life. You have influence in the lives of others. Someone is watching you and being influenced by your actions every day, throughout the day.
The Bible in 1 Chronicles 29:1, 5b-9, 17b gives us a great example of positive influence in action.
“Then the rulers of the fathers’ households (heads of the twelve tribes), and the princes of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with the overseers over the kings work, offered willingly… And whoever possessed precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord.”
Notice the chain of leadership. First the King gave, then stepping down through the chain of leadership, each gave, and they gave willingly. No one was forced to give. Each gave voluntarily because of what was modeled by those in leadership.
When it was obvious that the leaders gave willingly, everyone under their influence also gave willingly. People will give, not only of their possessions, but of their time, talents, and giftings as they see those in positions of influence give as heartily.
Commanding someone to do something may produce lackluster results. But modeling good work ethics will always produce greater results and change behaviors.
Remember, giving is of the heart. Every day your actions are influencing others. By the way, my wife, Mother-in-Law, and brother-in-law all make great mashed potatoes. They were influenced well!
To learn more about influence and leadership, contact George Yates and visit SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.
George Yates is a Church Health Strategist and coach assisting pastors, churches, organizations, and individuals to reach the summit of their God-given potential.