Annette's April RI Review

I have these "airhead" moments a couple times a year where I have checked something off my mental TO DO list, but in the REAL WORLD, it hasn't been done.  I did that with this post.  I titled my March post as April, and I really enjoyed these chapters, so I was thinking I was done with it.  Good grief...I need some gingko biloba or something.  LOL  So I finally got around to posting my new 30 day goal and realized I had missed this post.  SORRY!!

Chapter 5: The Compelling Relator
This chapter was right on for me - part of my ministry life is with teenagers - and the author is so right about boredom.  He calls it a "rampant epidemic in our culture".  It is so true!  People will give you about 5 minutes to determine whether you're worth listening to or not (and that might be on the generous side with teens).  I have to admit that I find myself easily bored - I like to stay occupied with a task.  I rarely just sit and watch a movie.  I'm usually folding laundry at the same time.  :o)  So I'm hoping I can use that for my benefit in leadership.  I liked the practical tips for becoming compelling, and it made me hopeful that everyone can become more interesting if they're thoughtful about it!  So leaders with laid back personalities don't have any excuse.  I decided to rate myself on these things he suggested.  Take a look:

• Dare to be contraversial when the moment calls for it - I give myself a solid B in this.  I'm not ever afraid to say something that might be contraversial, BUT sometimes I work hard to cloke it in diplomacy so it's less offensive. 
• Refuse to be irrelevant - I give myself an A- in this area.  Working with youth demands relevance.  I'd be useless if I weren't relevant.  I don't agree with most things that are going on in the world, but I am aware of what's happening in our culture and take the time to figure out why people care.
• Change the way you communicate - I give myself a C in this.  I'm becoming more aware of it (because of this book), but I feel I'm definitely average and have some work to do.  I think I'm a pretty good communicator in general, but he talks about beginning with the other person in mind.  That was an AHA moment for me.
• Activate your passion - I give myself an A.  I don't know where it comes from, aside from the Holy Spirit, but I've always been a passionate person.  I'm passionate in talking about things I love, I'm passionate about not having mediocre relationships, and I'm passionate when I disagree with someone.  :o)  I personally think it's much easier to follow a passionate leader.

Chapter 6:  The Conversational Futurist
At the beginning of this chapter, I was wondering "what kind of obscure crud is this?".  It took me about three pages before I really understood what he was getting at.  I love the show "House" so I got the reference, but what made me really understand the principle is when he talked about Jesus!!  I wish he had given that story first.  :o)  Jesus had this incredible knack of leading people through conversation right where He wanted them to go.  Even if they were out to get Him, they still followed right along!  It's genius!  After I read that, I could identify a couple of people that I know that do that.  I have to say that there aren't many I know that have this ability, and I think it's definitely something that you have to work on.  I don't know that it's a natural gift like some of these other qualities can be.  Think before you speak is a common principle, but he's going much deeper here. 

I think being a conversational futurist is a combination of being in tune with the Holy Spirit, AND being thoughtful and intentional when you're talking with someone.  How often do we just fall into conversation, and hope it's enjoyable - when we could make each conversation have purpose.  I LOVE this idea and I'm really excited to work on it!!