Engagement Tips
It takes an engaged community to develop our future leaders. Join with us by engaging the young emerging leaders that you know. They will be our future lawyers, doctors, politicians, teachers and more. Your time and effort can make the difference in the lives of these young people and also in the lives of those who follow them.
Leadership Tips
NOTE: This is not a list of “leadership traits” although all of these certainly relate to sound and effective leadership. But rather than leadership traits, these are suggestions for the practical and effective engagement with potential leaders. The best leaders I know are not focused on their own development but are keenly interested in recognizing and developing future and emerging leaders. Keep the following points in mind and you will be effective in your engagement with those who God allows to cross your path. Remember, it’s not just about you. What God has given you, give away to someone who needs what you have.
Be Observant
• Never “go internal.” Look at them and make eye contact. One size does not fit all, but there are certain common ground areas that are evident in almost all leaders and potential leaders. Look for these potential leaders. They are out there, and they want and need what you have.
Question and converse effectively
They must know that you are interested in them. They know this by your questions and how you respond to their answers.
Listen actively and evaluate what you are hearing
Active listening, more than anything else lets the speaker know that you are paying attention.
Tell them what you see and hear as you converse with them
Articulate, but don’t over complement, what you see and hear in their speech. Be as specific as the conversation warrants. Their response will illuminate their “teachability.”
Model an attitude of interest and engagement
They must believe that at that moment, they are the most important person in the room for you. Genuine interest cannot be faked. Seek to influence them through your interest in them.
Always leave them with encouragement
Make a “sandwich.” Even the tough conversations can start and end with an encouraging word. Never fake it, always speak truth. This opens the door for the future and sets the tone for the next interaction.