BE A COMMUNICATING LEADER

Whether we're talking about the latest international events or the workings of a group, we all like to be informed. Leaders must be conscious of this need of the people with whom they are working. Keeping people informed is Godlike. God does not leave us to our imaginations. He told us how the earth was created, and how sin came into the world. It is His nature to keep His people informed. He wants us to know. He made known His way to Moses and to the people of Israel. Any organization, like the large band of Israelites, functions better if it feels it is up-to-date and "in the know."

Fools withhold information. Proverbs 15:7 says "The lips of the wise spread knowledge, not so the hearts of fools." Secrecy breaks down trust and creates the "in-group" who know, and the outsiders who were demoralized. Without accurate information, people rely on rumors. Questions are no substitute for answers.

A leader informs continuously. Brief the people at the beginning of any project. This will help the leader find out how others feel about it. Keep the information flowing throughout the project.

A leader spreads the word to all who will be affected. People crave information and are pleased when they are kept up-to-date, particularly when it affects their job or family.

Timely information is valuable. There is a time to speak. If a leader jumps the gun and shares before the people are ready, he or she errs. If a person waits too long, the rumor mill may take over. When rumors are flying, rather than truth being dispersed, the enterprise can get into trouble.

Accurate information is essential. Proverbs 20:28 reminds us that "loyalty and truth preserve the king." When a leader practices telling people the truth - in every situation - stability and confidence develop. But if people are never sure if they are being told the truth, the operation becomes shaky. People will not knowingly follow a liar. Deception and falsehood are death to that leader. Followers must be able to depend on the leader's word.

Appropriate information should be shared. A leader can sometimes share too much information. There are certain things that are better kept quiet or shared only with a few. A leader should share what the people can accept, assimilate, and understand.

Information should be motivating. "A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction." (Prov. 16:23) When a leader's words are motivated by the heart, they are persuasive. All of us can tell the difference between a person who merely speaks what he or she has read or heard and one who shares what he or she has felt and tasted.

From Be A Motivational Leader by LeRoy Eims. Copyright (c) 1996 by Victor Books/SP Publications. Used by permission of Victor Books, an imprint of Chariot Victor Publishing, a division of Cook Communications, Colorado Springs, Colo. To place orders call toll free: 1-800-437-4337.

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