Catalyst One Day Session 1: Andy Stanley – What Would a Great Leader Do?

I am live blogging at Catalyst One Day in San Diego. The theme for 2015 Catalyst One Day is “What Great Leaders Do.”

Introduction:

  1. Great leaders ask great questions.
  2. Great leaders surround themselves with people who ask great questions.
  3. Great leaders understand that there is a different between being asked a question and being questioned.

I. Great Questions:

A. Reveals values. 

B. Reinforce values.

  • As leaders, you have the opportunity to choose the values you want to be reinforced.
  • Andy Stanley always asks in his leadership meeting, “What happened this weekend?” We tell stories. I want to know what happened.
  • “Numbers matters because people count.” – Andy’s social media strategist
  • Stories and questions are the two best ways to reinforce organizations values.

C. Reinforce behaviors.

  •  Make it better. (values)
    • What am I doing personally to help us improve organizationally? (values framed in a compelling question)

II. One of the most powerful, clarifying, and disturbing questions a leader can ask is:

What would a great leader do?

  • Andy Stanley asked his spiritual mentor Bill Hybels, “How do you make your decisions?” Hybels answers: I think, “What would a great leader do?

A. This question raises the standard of your leadership above the circumstances of your leadership.

  • Great leaders look beyond the immediate.
  • Great leaders transcend the emotion of the moment.
  • Great leaders absorb; mediocre leaders defend. 

B. This question unveils motives.

  • Corporate mission and vision will eventually conflict with personal
  • Leaders are good at camouflaging personal agendas with the language of mission and vision.
  • This question creates instant clarity.

C. This question reveals weaknesses.

  • It creates tension that deserves our attention.

D. This question will inspire you to reach beyond the limits of personality and style.

Conclusion: What would a great leader do?