How do I receive favor and how do I maximize time spent with my leader?
Let’s admit it we all want more time with our leaders. But how do we get more time with them. And we all want more favor with our leaders. But how do we receive that favor. Below is a list of best practices I have learned through trial and error. I pray that you will take advantage of these tools by allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and mind.
Abstract
Leaders are constant thinkers, so they can appear busy, uninterested and even self-absorbed. This can be daunting for the shy and timid leader who thinks it’s better to wait their turn to speak to their leader. Unfortunately, no time is good for busy leaders, who are trying to balance the demands of ministry with personal life.
Junior leaders should make time to see their leaders. Why? To keep the line of communications open! How? Start by writing down no more than three questions—then approach your leader for the best time to address these questions. Don’t assume because you have three questions ready, that right then, is the right time. Be patient and wait. Being patient also allows some time to go by, so that you can revisit and rethink your questions.
In my personal experience, trying to reach my covering (Apostle Bride) can be tough at times. How do I handle it? I leave clear messages letting him know the urgency for my calling.
There’s nothing worse than trying to read through half-thoughts on text messaging. Thus when using text or voice messaging please be clear and concise. Don’t leave one word responses, like “No” or “Yes.” This is annoying. Leaders hate it. Be professional. Why? Text messaging is a very impersonal way to communicate, so you really want to think clearly before sending a text. Always remember, leaders can’t see your response through the phone, so what you write is a reflection of who you are.
Next, address your leader by title. Don’t just send a response. Be humble when sending a response. Lastly, be polite and clearly ask your leader to return your call. This is what it sounds like: “Pastor, I have three questions for you…that should take no longer than 10 minutes…Can you return my call at your earliest?”
Again, rethink before you speak or send a text, and never leave rambling thoughts or questions on either cell phones or voice machines. Wait to talk live or in person.
It may be a day or so before your leader gets back to you, so be patient. Here is what you can do in the meantime—rehearse!
1. Rehearse
Though a day or so may go by before I hear from Apostle Bride, I spend that time rehearsing. I will replay my questions over and over again until I have perfected what I am trying to say. Remember, you want to come off polished. Why polished? It lets your leader know that you value their time, and that your thinking is on point. And every leader loves that! Remember, you don’t want to come off wordy, ambiguous, or even unsure of yourself.
Only asking 3 questions makes it easier for your leader to follow your thoughts. And it will also allow the conversation to stay focused on what really matters. Remember, leaders can only process so much information at one time.
Also, if you have to meet with your leader over touchy issues, first confide with a trust worthy friend who will be impartial to you or the leader, and who will help you wordsmith your conversation. Use this individual to vent and/or to rehearse what your conversation will look like when you actually sit before your leader. This technique allows someone else to help you reword your thoughts. I use it all the time.
Moreover, being prepared through rehearsal allows you not to smother your leader with lengthy details and unimportant information.
2. Leaders Don’t Like Details
Leaders like the bottom line. So when speaking with your leader, give them the big picture. Note, leaders think in big pictures. Leaders only need details when it involves crashing a particular project or when lives are in danger. So remember, give your leader facts and solutions—and you will gain more favor and time with them.
Remember, when you are capable of solving problems, leaders lean on you for guidance—they see you as an asset.
3. Keep a Notepad
Make use of a notepad or even a blackberry type device to take notes when meeting with your leader. For instance, growing ministries change so much that it is impossible for you to keep up with the demands God places on the church without having a to-do-list.
Leaders look for organized individuals who take and keep good notes, and those individuals who know how to brief senior leaders on any progress made on a particular project. For instance, an assistant pastor may be tasked with organizing a church picnic for June of that year. Thus it is the responsibility of the assistant pastor to brief the senior pastor on what is going on with the picnic.
Remember, control the things you can control. That’s why you are leader. This will get you more face time with him or her.
Also, being organized with notes allows you to remind the leader of what he or she said in a previous meeting. In other words, good notes will protect you.
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