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:
- Great leaders ask great questions.
- Great leaders surround themselves with people who ask great questions.
- 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.