Leadership Words of Impactfulness

One of the most important ideas I have on effective leadership, other than owning your own portable dry erase board, is having the ability to use large words to describe your thoughts, feelings, and procedures. I can’t say I have even near the extensive syllable skills as say- the lady who does my message voice mail, but I do know a thing or two about effective verbiage to raise the eyebrows of even the toughest skeptics.

For instance, you could answer a question with a normal, simple “yes." Or you could create longer lasting impact through large key words sparking imagery and creativity and stuff. Parabalic responses.

“Is your ministry doing well?” they ask.

“Does a one legged duck swim in circles?” you reply. Do you see the effectiveness and power of that answer? How about we look at another one.

“Is ministry difficult?” they ask.

“Does a Cracker Barrel have gravy?” you say with confidence. You see the power? A simple “yes” is not enough. (Feel free to substitute Kentucky Fried Chicken w/ Cracker Barrel.)

In my everyday leadership days of leadership decisions, two of the most powerful words I use are “bro “ and “sis.”

I compare them to Cantonese or Vietnamese. Same word—different tones mean different things.

BRO or SIS- with an upward tone means “Hey, I have something to ask you.”

BRO or SIS- with a downward tone means “Are you kidding me? Come on!”

Bro and Sis is that one word that covers all aspects of ministry- rebuke, exhortation, joy, and even sadness. Let’s face it—what other word pops in your mind when you greet a person you’ve met several times but can’t remember their name?

I believe "Bro" and "Sis" are important to ministry. But no other word is held higher with leaders who want to keep their jobs, than the word “anyway.”

Think about it! HAs this happened to you? A new young passionate individual joins the group and shares that one idea or thought or plan of action to makes you look bad in front of your peers or followers. This person wants your role, so what do you do? Humility comes into play and so does the fact that we are to be constantly raising up new leaders-

or-

A simple placement of the word “Anyway…” will put that person back in their place and signing up for Character analysis seminars.

Know the power of big words and how they can help you keep a grip on your job. It’s fundamentally imperative to your Conference reverie.