LEVELS OF RELATING

Level 1. Giving and Receiving Basic Instructions : Can understand and written information (one-way) communication.

Level 2. Serving others : Responding to implicit or explicit requests for action.

Level 3. Amusing : Able to divert with humor.

Level 4. Persuading : Influences others in favor of a product, service, or point of view.

At various times in my workshops students have stated with some truth that most churches and businesses want leaders with these four mmost basic skills. Many elder boards want a pastor that can 1. Take instructions, 2. Serve them, 3. Amuse the congregation and 4. Persuade people to follww him and donate time and money.

I am reminded of an old comic stip called "Li'l Abner". He was a Redneck with great looks and very poor mental abilities. This left him victim to many shysters who wanted to draw Abner into schemes where they could use his good looks to make people think he was a gifted leader. However, it always backfired because Abner just could not pull it off.

This is true of many pulpit committees and organizations. They choose the beautiful and well spoken, persuasive types with few skills of management, mentoring, coaching, leadership and influential relationships.

In the following posts you will see that the above four skills are necessary but far from sufficient. However, many graduates from seminary and business schools can do little else. Unfortunately, these four skill levels do not begin to empower a person to lead an organization.

For many years I have been training people to move on up to the higher skill levels. We are excited about helping churches, NGO's and businesses find ways to increase the skills of their key leaders. Call me to discuss how we can help you and your organization.

Post your comments and let me know what you think.