PowerPoints for Leaders

PowerPoints for Leaders

J.J. Turner, Ph.D.

Chancellor, World Bible Institute

This is a new series and will be a continuing feature on Jeremiah Institute—visit often and share with others.

DO YOU HAVE THE ATTENTION SPAN OF A GOLDFISH?

In recent months I have caught myself deciding to buy a book or some other printed item based on the number of pages and the font space and size of the text. If the chapters ramble on, regardless of the content, I find myself skipping paragraphs or speed reading to get the main point or finish the time-consuming task. I’m not proud of this, just being honest about the obvious impact on my study and reading time. It has caused me to buckle down relative to my attention span.

We’ve all been in classes, heard speakers, and read books where the main point if there was one, was lost in the weeds of verbiage. You left confused with more questions than answers. The person who said, “A message doesn’t have to be eternal to be memorable” is certainly right in our day of “less is more.” The days of the 45 to 60-minute sermons are becoming memories; even 30-minute sermons have become Sleep-aids. If a listener can leave with one point and one intentional application based on the sermon, an amazing thing has occurred.

We’re living in a time where the attention span is shrinking faster than the dollar or a cheap cotton shirt. The ability to concentrate mentally on a particular activity, especially in events where information is being dispersed is impacting every aspect of communication. In cases diagnosed as extreme by mental health professionals, a new label—ADD—has been coined: Attention Deficit Disorder. It has been estimated that every classroom in America, from elementary to college, contains students with ADD. Some schools have special classes and teachers to deal with attention span issues.

Researchers in Canada surveyed 2,000 persons, studying their brain activity of 112 using electroencephalograms. The results showed the average attention span of a human had decreased from 12 seconds in 2000, or about the time the cell phone revolution began, to eight seconds. In the meanwhile, goldfish are believed to have an attention span of nine seconds. Other studies indicate that the average attention span of an adult or young person who is really interested in a subject is approximately 20 minutes. This calls attention to the need for upgraded communication skills: delivery, listening, attention, remembering, application, etc. Thus the questions: As a leader is your attention span longer than a goldfish? How about your listeners?

One of the major reasons Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863, is so memorable is because of its brevity—272 words. Today that’s about one double-spaced, 8 ½ X 11, typed page. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech lasted 17:29 minutes. Churchill’s “We shall Fight on the Beeches” address lasted 12:22 minutes. Steve Job’s Stanford Commence address lasted 14:45). It has been estimated that an average reader can read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in 18 to 20 minutes.

The Ten Commandments are presented in 17 verses in the NKJV (Exodus 20:1-7) and can be read in three to five minutes. Peter’s sermon—the first Gospel sermon—on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts, is 11 verses (Acts 2:29-39). We don’t have a record of the “Many other words” preached (2:40). In his discourse before the Athenian philosophers on Mars Hill, Paul spoke approximately 268 words as recorded in the NKJV. Yes, I remember he once preached until midnight and a hearer fell from a window (Acts 20:1-12).

My computer word count is growing. So I’d better get to the point. This is the introduction article to my new blog column for WBI: PowerPoints for Leaders. Each blog will be presented with the realization that LESS IS MORE. I will get to the relevant point for leaders. There is amazing power in one word. Paul affirmed this when he used the Greek word rhema in Ephesians 6:17: “And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is A WORD of God. There is awesome power in ONE WORD, e.g.: No! Yes! Love! Repent! Stop! Obey! Etc. This is why James said, “Let your YES be yes, and your NO be no” (James 5:12). A word of God can defeat Satan.

Remember what Jesus said about the Gentiles: “And when you pray, do no use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do. For they think that they WILL BE HEARD for their MANY WORDS” (Matthew 6:7). Yes, less is more! Especially because we all KNOW more than we are practicing. We need continual reminders contained in brief points that, hopefully, will initiate new actions of leadership.

Various Types of Attention

God has created us with brain functions that contribute cognitive processing abilities and resources to focus on stimuli and information. When we are exposed to information our brain exercises mental processes that decode it from our environment which allows us to experience it through our five senses. Our attention span determines how focused or how long we are focused on something we are being exposed to by listening and watching.

Paying attention is the first cognitive function that determines how we process the meaning and application of the subject, etc. Numerous things contribute to attention span and how we process the event. Here is a quick reminder of various types of attention.

Momentary attention. Out of the blue, you hear a noise and turn to see where it came front. Since it ceased quickly, you paid no more attention.
Selective attention. The speaker is rambling on and you lose interest, but when he comes to a joke or bit of interesting data you listen. This is selective attention. This is a popular form listening to sermons and lectures.
Alternating attention. This is the ability and practice of switching back and forth from one project or subject to another, each requiring different cognitive skills. Sometimes neither task is done very well.
Divided attention. We’ve all heard a teacher say, “Let me have your undivided attention.” This is the cognitive practice of alternating, somewhat successfully between two tasks. This is usually referred to as multi-tasking.
Sustained attention. This is the ability to cognitively focus with a laser beam of attention on one item, subject, etc. without being distracted. It is having “ears that hear and eyes that see.”
Prayerful attention. This is a self-control and spiritual approach to paying attention. It is a recognition that Satan is continually trying to steal the word out of our hearts (cf. Luke 8:12). It is continually asking God to help you pay attention (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Avoidance attention. This is a deliberate cognitive choice not to pay attention to what is being said. It is flipping through the songbook or Bible during the message. It is focusing on a person or item in the auditorium.
Deficient attention. When a person has a brain injury, dementia, etc. it is not possible to focus on what is being said, or comprehend what is being presented.

These are the attention challenges a speaker or writer faces which demand staying abreast of the new advances and practices in communication. Remember your listeners and readers may not have the attention span of a goldfish. How about YOU? I’m looking forward to our next PowerPoint visit.

TIPS FOR PAYING ATTENTION

As a leader and teacher, you must challenge yourself to pay attention as well as teach others how to pay more productive attention. Here are some quick tips:

Believe you can pay attention. This is more than half the battle.
Know why you need to pay attention: to learn, remember, and use materials.
Make a commitment to self, others, and the Lord to paying attention.
Go to the event with an idea of what you will learn, or desire to learn.
Prayer specifically before entering the learning event.
Pray for the teacher before and during the learning event. (Mental prayer—self-talk).
Wear comfortable clothing which is appropriate and in good taste.
Make it a habit
Get a good night’s sleep is will help prevent tiredness and drowsiness.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Proper eating habits contribute to alertness.
Get appropriate physical exercise, it contributes to your ability to stay focused.
Remove all distractions: cell phone, computer, notes, iPad, music, etc.
Stay in the present. Don’t daydream, drift into “trance”, mind wanderings, etc.
Repeat what is being said in your mental self-talk.
Choose a good seat or pew close enough to a speaker or teacher to see his eyes.
Know your learning mode: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.
Take notes of major and relevant points, ideas, illustrations, etc.
Ask questions. (1) What is being said? (2) What does it mean? (3) How does it apply? Etc.
If there is a break take the time to quickly review what was presented.
As soon as possible after the class add additional notes from what you remember.
Prepare a quiz or test over material to check what you have learned.
Form or join a study group where the subject is discussed, explored, and applied.
Don’t continually look at the people around you. Focus on the teacher, etc.
If possible choose short lectures—20 minutes would be ideal.
If appropriate and encouraged, ask questions.
Research deeper into the subject: “become an expert.”
If at all possible, and as soon as possible, teach the material.
Make a plan to intentionally practice points relevant to your daily life.
Be excited about the class. Tell others about it, etc.
Ask for a conference with the teacher if you have major questions, etc.

Yes, you can learn by paying attention. Always remember that Satan doesn’t want you to pay attention. His mission is to steal the word out of your heart (cf. Luke 8:11, 12). As leaders, we must train ourselves and those who follow how to be more attentive.

Watch for additional PowerPoints for Leaders.

12 LEADERSHIP TRUTHS EVERY LEADER NEEDS TO KNOW AND PRACTICE

Introduction

When King Solomon told his son “of the making of many books there is no end” (Ecclesiastes 12:12), his words are still true today. Back on October 26, 2015, the 299th day of that year, it was reported that as of that day, 1,246 paperback books on leadership had been published. That’s an average of 4 books per day.

Amazing! I must confess several of those books were penned by me. I wonder how many articles were written on leadership during those 299 days. How many seminars and workshops were conducted?

What is the major and minor purpose or objective of leadership? The answer is one word: RESULTS. How we get there is the stuff all those leaders' books are all about.

At the end of the game, it doesn’t matter how well you played, how loud the fans yelled, or how colorful your uniforms were, etc. What matters is the RESULTS. Did you win or lose? Which?

Church and spiritual leadership differ greatly from secular leadership at the core level—the unchangeable factors. These are the impeccable truths from God’s word which determine spiritual results and do not change.

God’s core truths, which are used in this lesson to focus on the essential, enduring, and effective leadership truths. They are cause and effect. Most leadership principles are tied to the process, i.e. plans, goals, and process. God’s core leadership truths do not change with the culture, times, nor wishes of followers. The core of unchanging leadership principles is TRUTH—God’s truth (Proverbs 23:23).

It is in the context of people where the venues of God’s truth develop a strong foundation that lasts regardless of what may or may not happen on the action road to results. It is in DOING, not around nor about the word, but in the purity of the WORD that sustains leadership success.

Why so Many Leadership Books?

What does this proliferation of leadership books say to those of us who are leaders and interested in leadership? I think several observations can be made:

There is unlimited freedom to write and publish books on leadership. It is our First Amendment right.
Everyone has an opinion about leadership as is free to express it.
There never seems to be a decline in interest related to leadership. It is a popular subject.
The numerous institutions, with different objectives, need differing leadership principles and practices.
The understanding of the nature of leadership continually shifts as academics and pep-rally gurus shape our mindsets relative to leadership.
The endless number of leadership books and seminars point out the fact that most leadership philosophies and principles don’t last for very long. The sands keep shifting.
Some are waiting for the next book by their favorite author (e.g. John Maxwell). What he has already written needs improving, approached differently, and emphasis needs shifting.
The demands tied to the science and art of leadership are not static. They are always changing.
The leadership team, trainees, and veteran leaders continue to change. Leaders come and leaders go. What may have worked as a method months or years ago, has changed. Each new leader brings a new set of dynamics.
Reading, studying, and emphasizing leadership don’t produce a leader. An office or title doesn’t make a person a leader.
The world is changing at an almost out-of-control rate. The media has brought the world together. It is having an impact on character, morals, ethics, and practices in every person’s life; especially leaders—church leaders, too.
The lack of individual commitment to see self as a leader has contributed to the perceived need for an “expert” to train me. An attitude of “I can’t make it on my own” has emerged.

I am sure there are additional reasons we could note for the continual growth and interest in leadership books, seminars, and articles. These 12 are only introductory eye-openers.

World’s Best Leadership Advice

Have I lost my mind? Do I dare advocate there is the “World’s best leadership advice” during 4 new books being published every day on leadership? Why do I dare and make this claim? One reason. These leadership principles are based on commonsense and the truth of God’s word. These principles aren’t based on culture, academics, and human wisdom.

Here are those truths deducted from a Study and application of Scripture, Scripture inspired by God for the intended purpose of directing mankind (cf. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3).

The first question is: Where does all leadership begin? It starts with a person. It doesn’t start with an abstract concept nor observations in the animal kingdom. All leadership starts with the man in the mirror. Remove him and you don’t have leadership. This principle is taken from Ezekiel…..” I sought for A MAN” (Ezekiel 22:30). Leadership doesn’t start with a committee or group; it starts with a man. YOU!
Leadership is based on knowing, understanding, believing, and activating a clear mission. Our mission as church leaders has been clear for almost 2000 years. It was given to us by our Leader—Jesus Christ. We have chosen to call it the “Great Commission.” It is recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke 24).
Effective spiritual leadership is based on a 101 percent commitment to our mission. 99% won’t do. Our mission starts with a commitment to our King. Here is the core of our allegiance: “If any man will come after Me, let him DENY himself, take up his CROSS, and FOLLOW Me” (Matthew 16:24).
Effective and approved leadership originate and flows from the heart. It starts with our thinking (Proverbs 23:7), then is demonstrated in our behavior (Mark 7:21-25), and is based on the Greatest Commandment—Love (Mark 12). There are over 800 Scriptures that reference the heart; obviously, it is a key to successful and God-approved leadership.
Effective and approved leadership is guided by LOVE. Love is the basis of our obeying our Master (John 14:15). Love is the basis of keeping His commandments. Love is the practice that will “cause all men to know that you are My disciples (John 13:31-33). Love is the greatest. Some of its major attributes are described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Effective, commanded, and approved spiritual leadership is based on being a servant; not being served. There have been and are presently, many great examples of serving. None, however, are greater than the one where God dropped to His knees and washed the disciples’ feet (cf. John 13:5-20).
The effective spiritual leader stands firmly on God’s word. All ideas, programs, and efforts are launched, sustained, and perpetuated by Biblicist’s obeying God’s word (i.e. believing and practicing God’s word). The first question which must be asked before any movement is made in pursuing a leadership objective is: What does God’s word say? The danger is one of “launching” from a verse and what it originally meant, to now making it into something else to prop up an idea, program, or personal agenda.
An unchangeable principle of leadership is accountability. From Adam and Eve (Genesis 1-3) through Revelation 22:21, God alone is the author, sustainer, and judger of whether or not His will has been done. His will must not be confused with man-made programs, rules, and standards of accountability. Jesus said His word would judge us on the last day (cf. John 12:48), and Paul said we will be judged by his Gospel.
There is no doubt, nor should there be, that an unchangeable and effective leadership truth is leading by FAITH. A leader may have charisma, knowledge of biblical languages, speak with “tongues and men and angels”, cajole and persuade others to accept his agenda, BUT “without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Because “We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 4). Sadly, most leaders determine what they will do or not do by the balance on the checkbook, approval by members, and personal applauds by followers.
Few things should be more obvious to both leaders and followers than the dynamic and essential place of communication in leadership efforts. The rule of communication is: “You cannot, not communicate.” The challenge is—what are you communicating? Leadership communication is tied to influence. Influence relates to two major qualities: what a leader DOES and what He SAYS. With what he DOES being the most powerful of the two.
Another major principle of leadership that must always be in place is the training and education of leaders. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus didn’t spend His time behind the closed doors of a theological institute, making a rare public appearance, and giving selected lectures to paid attendees? Why did He spend His years of public ministry selecting and training leaders? Paul was the master trainer of preachers, leaders, and servants. Timothy would be a prime example.
The last principle I will mention is actually the first. All leadership begins, continues, and culminates with the “attitude of Christ.” The previous eleven principles will not become realities until your attitude is that of Christ. Paul commands us to have the attitude of Christ (cf. Philippians 2:4-7). Everyday leaders are given a set of circumstances with which they must deal. How they deal with them depends on their attitude. It is a choice tied to our thinking (Proverbs 23:7; Jeremiah 6:19; Colossians 3:2).

Developing and Doing These Principles

By now I’m sure you’ve gotten my point and that is these points will be no more than talking points, powerless to achieve the results God desires. I have no idea how you have received these principles nor how you plan, if you do at all, to use them. Regardless, for those who choose to become intentional about using these impeccable principles, I offer the following suggestions.

Create a clear awareness and understanding relative to what the principle means to your life and personal leadership. Answer: why is this principle so powerful? How can I best develop and use it in my life and leadership? What is my first intentional step in DOING this principle?
Make a commitment to yourself and to your team that you will develop and use these principles. The congregation needs to be made aware of your intentions, as well as those on the leadership team. This adds motivation to the commitment.
Never, ever forget that it is PRACTICE that makes perfect and enhances the skills needed to make the best and most productive use of the principle
Be sure you have first built a foundation with these principles before you start activating the second phase of leadership: planning, setting goals, budgeting, timelines, etc. These secondary practices will shift like the sand as you move forward. The foundation principles will not move. They are the solid foundation on which all else is built on.
Never forget it is up to YOU to keep YOU motivated. Others may contribute through external stimuli but only you can flip the motivation switch which is inside your heart. Remember, “If it is to be, it is up to ME.”
How do you eat an elephant? One small bite at a time. That’s how you reach and continue developing these principles. Don’t try to do them all in one giant leap. Map out the steps you will take to make each one a reality, then take baby steps. Remember, “Inch by inch its cinch, yard by yard it’s too hard.”
Dare to do more than is required or expected. Be a “second miler.” Remember, this is what God is expecting concerning loving Him (Mark 12: ). Start strong and finish stronger. Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding toward reaching your goal.
Never forget, your goal is to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21).