Bruce Wilkinson tells a story of taking his two children, David 7 Jenny fishing for the first time. David had no problem baiting his hook with a worm. Jenny on the other hand refused to. Not accepting the fact that she needed a worm on her shiny hook to catch a fish, she walked to one end of the little pier and cast her shiny hook and bobber into the pond. Her brother on the other hand baited his hook, cast and caught a fish quickly. Jenny came running to see, but still could not be convinced to use a worm on her hook.
After David’s third fish, Jenny was convinced it was his “lucky pole”. So, Dad had them switch poles. David continued to catch fish, while Jenny’s empty hook, remained bare. She began to cry, and her Dad asked, “Do you know why you are not catching fish?” Jenny was convinced the shiny new hook should be enough to attract fish.
Jenny was expecting the fish to accept her concepts and thoughts. She did not consider the fish like to eat worms, but not bare metal hooks.
In organizations, churches, and classrooms today we have many leaders and teachers who are like Jenny. Many classrooms and organizational meetings are structured around the needs and desires of the teacher/leader. As Bruce Wilkinson says, “You can’t force fish to bite your hook; neither can you force students to learn.”
It is the fisherman who prepares and baits the hook. Fish do not bait hooks. In like manner it is the leader’s (teacher’s) responsibility to prepare the material to be conveyed in a manner that is interesting and relevant to our listeners.
If fish are not interested in eating green beans and potatoes, fishermen do not use them as bait. They use what will attract the fish, that bait which is interesting and relevant. As a leader, if I want my listeners to grasp, accept, and put to use the information I present, then I must prepare to deliver it in a manner that will attract their attention. If your employees, volunteers, students, are not motivated by your presentation, they’ll certainly not be motivated to put it into practice.
Don’t be afraid to bait your hook (prepare your presentation). Be sure you ae using that which is interesting and relevant to your listeners.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life.