William sat in his office looking over his agenda for the upcoming staff meeting. It is a copy of the same agenda he used last week – and the week before, and the one prior. Actually, it is the same agenda each week. Reviewing his agenda one last time before leaving his office for the staff meeting, William wondered, “What would it take to liven up our staff meeting and overflow to our congregation with excitement?”
Effective leaders use observation before setting their agenda. Their observation is always for a need, a congratulatory moment, or an area for improvement. Effective leaders use observation first. They never set an agenda trusting it to meet a need. Observation for the need comes first. When we read the letters written by the Apostle Paul in the Bible’s New Testament, Paul always addressed the specific needs of each congregation. His letters are not carbon copies sent to the various churches and cities where he had ministered.
Jesus, Himself, did likewise. As He walked life’s roads, He addressed the need at hand. One young (wealthy) man came to Jesus and asked what he must do to enter heaven. After some conversation, Jesus stated, “Go and sell all that you have and give to the poor. Then come follow me.” Scripture tells us, the man walked away sad. He valued his possessions too much to sell or give them away.
On another occasion, a man approached Jesus with a similar question, but wanted to wait until his father died and he was able to settle his father’s estate, before he would follow Jesus. Jesus reply to him was, “Let the dead bury the dead.”
Why did Jesus use two differing responses with these men? Why did Jesus not tell the second man to go and sell all that he had? Jesus addressed the need in the heart of each man. The first man was wealthy and perhaps greedy. The second man wanted to continue enjoying life as he knew it. The first man was not willing to sacrifice his wealth and possessions. The second man was not willing to sacrifice the pleasures of life. Jesus addressed the need in the heart of each man, as He did with everyone he met.
One important factor of leading is understanding the necessity in selecting the proper topic of need, instruction, or guidance. In business and in life leaders become stuck in a rut. The way out of a rut is observation, look around, see what else is available. If your desire is effective production from your employees/volunteers, watch for the area of needed instruction, guidance, and encouragement.
Did Jesus start with His content, then look for someone to listen to him? No, Jesus always began with the need and then taught on overcoming that need. Perhaps, need-meeting is a primary force of effective leadership.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life.