Leaders are servants. We show compassion through our actions. We lead by example. We get things done. We meet needs. If we really care about others and want to influence them for the good, we serve them. But serving is not enough to move people in the right direction.
If we want to lead, we must use words. That seems obvious enough. Technology gives us so many communication tools that the thought of a silent leader is ridiculous. But it is not that leaders are silent, we just do not always say a lot that is meaningful to the people who want to follow us. Many of our words are, to borrow an old phrase, “off message.”
We can use words in many ways, but let’s start with these four:
Words explain the why.
The people we care about so deeply appreciate our love, but they are loved by a lot of people who are not responsible to lead them. As a leader we explain the cause with as much precision as possible. Confusion and frustration erupt where there is no clarity about our purpose. So a leader uses well-crafted words and phrases to clarify the “why.” Followers may debate the “why” or even reject the “why” but at least they are clear about it.
Words define the win.
Objective goals get a bad rap because we all know that not every win is measurable. Some wins can be quantified and some cannot. That is okay. Whether the goal is objective or subjective, we still use words to define the win. What does victory look like to you as a leader? Where do you see progress? What objective measurements are important? When leaders assume that everyone knows and agrees on the win, winning becomes nothing more than a pipe dream.
Words show the way.
If everyone knew exactly how to do what we are called to do, we would not need leaders. Leaders use words to instruct. We tell, we show, and we tell again. I need improvement in every area of communication, but this may be where I need the most improvement. I tend to assume if someone loves the cause and understands the goals, they will know what to do. That is unrealistic, unfair, and sets people up for failure and the frustration that follows. Leaders are servants, but we are also teachers. We do not know how to do everything so we cannot teach everything that must be done. But we can use words to teach what we know and then get help wherever we can find it to build up others for success.
Words connect the who.
Words are more than information. They are revelation. If I want my wife and children to know that I love them, I tell them. Sure I serve them, but the trash disposal company employee serves them as well. Because I’m building a relationship, I go beyond acts of kindness and use words to reveal my feelings and connect with them at an emotional level. Leaders do that. They are vulnerable. They are transparent. They feel deeply for those they lead, and they tell them so. People don’t follow smart, competent, or even spiritual people just because they are smart, competent, or spiritual. They follow people who connect, people who believe in them, people who love them.
Words matter. But leaders know that the right words matter more.
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