A Positive Attitude of the Leader Influences the Attitude of
the Followers
Luke 6: 20-23
There is a natural tendency for people to focus on the
negative aspects. And from there it follows that we get more of what we focus
on. Whether you are a leader in a group or a follower/member I would guarantee
that at some point in your career or time with a group that you have done a
SWOT analysis of your organization. SWOT is an acronym for Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. I would further assert that while you
group engaged in a SWOT you spend more time on Weaknesses and Threats. Don’t
worry, you are not alone most groups do. SWOT usually does little to change
perspective and focus. If you want to change focus in your group I suggest SOAR
– Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. This approach shifts the
focus on strengths and what will be.
Early in the training of the apostles and disciples Jesus
called them to change their perspective – from SWOTting to SOARing. The
weaknesses and threats were that Rome occupied and controlled the region. Many
of the disciples may have felt powerless or ill equipped to follow or engage
the change that was to come. By transforming their perspective through the
Beatitudes Jesus changed the attitude of those he led. From places of weakness
and threats they would move into spaces strengths, opportunities, and
aspirations. Focusing on strengths would multiply their effectiveness.
If things are broken, dysfunctional, or in turmoil it is the
first job of a leader is almost always to change the attitudes of the members
of the group or organization. When the focus is on strengths and opportunities
we get more opportunities. Jesus was preparing his disciples for the work which
was to come. As leaders we each need to help those we lead shift from places of
negativity to positive outlook and attitude. When this happens we help
followers transform from the inside out and they become less concerned with the
external weaknesses and threats.
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