I think I drive some people crazy with all of my mantras, but I honestly think mantras are a key form of leadership communication. The most important truths ought to be communicated in the most memorable ways. And that is why mantras are so important.
The reason why so many mission statements and core values have such little bearing on organizational culture is because they are so forgettable. You can't just say it. You've got to say it in a way that sneaks up on the right-brain imagination, turns on the lights, jumps out from behind the sofa, and yells "surprise." You've got to paint a picture like Jesus did with the parables. The parables are filled with mantras.
My latest mantra is: don't say it till you pray it. If you don't pray your messages before you say your messages I think it'll fall on deaf ears. It'll lack conviction. It'll lack credibility. You want a greater anointing? Pray it before you say it.
By the way, I highly recommend a book by Bill Hybels titled Axiom. It's my favorite Bill Hybels book! Must read for leaders. Why? It's filled with Bill's leadership mantras and it'll help you come up with your own.
The reason why so many mission statements and core values have such little bearing on organizational culture is because they are so forgettable. You can't just say it. You've got to say it in a way that sneaks up on the right-brain imagination, turns on the lights, jumps out from behind the sofa, and yells "surprise." You've got to paint a picture like Jesus did with the parables. The parables are filled with mantras.
My latest mantra is: don't say it till you pray it. If you don't pray your messages before you say your messages I think it'll fall on deaf ears. It'll lack conviction. It'll lack credibility. You want a greater anointing? Pray it before you say it.
By the way, I highly recommend a book by Bill Hybels titled Axiom. It's my favorite Bill Hybels book! Must read for leaders. Why? It's filled with Bill's leadership mantras and it'll help you come up with your own.
5 Comments:
good stuff Mark.
i totally agree about Axiom. It is an absolute goldmine of wisdom from one of the great ministry leaders in America & one who has been at it long enough to even evaluate his own leadership & adjust accordingly. Love Hybels
I agree on "Axiom." It is a MUST READ for church leaders.
Ad for what it's worth, Mark, I enjoy your mantras. :-)
It's true, I’ve heard mantras dubbed as "silly", "juvenile" and "elementary"... but they communicate in a way you can't forget!
A mantra of mine that I remember from high school, “Jesus didn’t come to take away your fun, he came to take away your pain!”. It bugged me for a looong time, but I still use it to this day!
It's so funny...working in chidren't ministry for several years (using 252 curriculum), I always say (even to myself)-I need to make the wise choice! I agree and have to get that book QUICK! Thanks Mark!
Mark,
It's seriously crazy how much God has used your recent writing to speak directly top me. I've really been using this mantra lately in thinking about what I say to those on my leadership teams, specifically in situations where constructive criticism is a must. Thanks for sharing this. Again, it's just further confirmation for me that the process I'm using is the right one.
Jace Breeback
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