How to rally people around you (2)
Jesus gathered a team of twelve people around himself. He lived with them and fellowshipped with them for three and a half years.
The Bible tells us about Rezon, a man who became a leader in his time. The Bible says that he gathered people unto himself.
…Rezon, the son of Eliadah... And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band…1 Kings 11:23-24
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• Be an encourager!
You must notice when somebody has made an effort to achieve something. Perhaps the person wrote a song. Perhaps he wrote a book. Perhaps he sang a song. Appreciate the effort that was made. You need to notice the effort and appreciate it.
• Say ‘thank you’ for everything.
It is better for people to think that you are saying ‘thank you’ too often than for them to feel that you are ungrateful. Learn to show your appreciation for both the little things and the big things.
• Smile.
People gravitate around smiling and friendly people. We know that we are not perfect and so we do not need a stern, frowning person to remind us of our failings.
People need someone to encourage them that despite their failings, they are accepted. A smile can break the ice and draw someone close.
• Do not be partial.
One of the first things that people notice about leaders is when they are partial. The Bible says in James 3:17 that it is not wise to be partial: “But the wisdom that is from above is… without partiality...”
Partiality is a human weakness that we tend to live out. A leader needs to make great efforts not to be partial.
• Whenever there is an opportunity, give a gift. A gift makes room for a man.
A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Proverbs 18:16
This means that space is created within the person’s heart for you. You will be accepted, and the person will rally around you.
• Mourn with people who are mourning.
Times of sorrow are some of the most remembered times in people’s lives. The person mourning is in one of the lowest moments of his life at that time.
If you remember people during that period, they will never forget you. I have had people joining my church simply because I was by their side when their parents and other loved ones died.
• Go the extra mile to help someone.
Whenever you help someone in need, he remembers you. People notice when you make the extra effort, and it touches their hearts.
When you ask them to rally around you for a cause, they will be there because they remember how you helped them. I assure you of this one thing: if you do not sow a seed of help in someone’s life, no one will help you in the future!
• Be friendly.
Try to be easy-going! Learn to be sociable! Sometimes you need to shake hands with someone, hug someone, give a pat on the back, be affable and pleasant.
Warmth is attractive and draws people around you.
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
• Be concerned when listening to people’s problems.
When listening to people’s problems, your facial expression must show deep concern and interest. Try to pick up the details and show that you are following the story.
This can only happen if you are genuinely concerned about the person.
• Notice when people are absent.
Do you care enough to notice when someone is absent? People are offended when they find out that you did not even notice when they were away. How can they be important to you if you do not even notice their absence?
These 20 steps can help you to be a rallying point for people. Decide to be a gathering point for people. Whatever is offensive in your personality and whatever scatters people must be dealt with if you take leadership seriously. Learn how to speak without offending and scattering people. Rally people around you and lead them!
Culled from The Art of Leadership
The writer is the founder of the Lighthouse Group of churches
E-mail: [email protected]
