Leaders are encouragers!

James Kounzes and Barry Posner, two of the most respected experts and authors on the subject of leadership say that, “Encouraging the Heart is one of  The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.”

In their book Encouraging the Heart, Kouznes and Posner have identified “Seven Essentials to Encouraging.”  I am going to simplify and modify the 7 Essentials for the purpose of church/ministry application.

1.  Set clear standards – communicate very specifically to the church what God has put into your heart to do.  It’s encouraging to followers when the leader clearly communicates where he is leading.

2.  Expect the best – verbalize your belief in people – people tend to live up to our expectations.  It’s a prophetic declaration of their God given potential.

3.  Pay attention – as the leader constantly be looking for those who are being faithful to the vision/ministry.  It’s  attention for the purpose of acknowledgment.

4. Personalize recognition – acknowledge for the purpose of appreciating the individual.  Individual acknowledgment increases personal  involvement.

5.  Tell the story – as the leader tell how someone in the church/ministry is helping you to accomplish your vision/mission.  When you publicly communicate how someone’s partnership is making a difference, you add value to them.

6.  Celebrate together – publicly testify to how God is using the people in your church/ministry, this brings unity and shared joy.  Celebration also fuels momentum.

7.  Set the example – be an encourager, model what you want your church to become.  You can’t delegate encouragement!

Encouragement is essential to Kingdom accomplishment!

As the leader you should be the primary encourager.  Remember, what you sow you reap – as you encourage others, it encourages you.

I appreciate you and believe in you.  Together we are building the Kingdom of God in Virginia.