People are being forced to transition during our economic downturn. For others, they are discontent with their current job, and voluntarily choosing a job transition.
What can you do to promise a more successful transition? Here are the top ten lessons I have personally learned and learned from others along the way:
- Learn the organization: the culture, the values, the processes, the politics, the people.
- Be patient and do not exceed the speed limit, but do not move to slowly.
- Prioritize your to-do and to-know list.
- Construct a strategic plan to include a clear vision and communicate it frequently.
- Build a healthy team to include both current team members and those possibly outside the organization.
- Establish what needs to happen right now that is foundational for future construction.
- Secure early wins to generate momentum and establish credibility.
- Build alliances with other team members who can help be a voice for your plan.
- Enter with sustained humility.
- Add value to what other team members are currently doing.
What would you add to this list?
I was reading the most recent issue of Time magazine last night when I came across an interview with the creator and director of Avatar, James Cameron.
He was asked, “Do you have a formula for creating a blockbuster film?”
Cameron’s reply:
“I have principles, not a formula. You create interesting characters. You put them in a story that has a number of dilemmas. Once you have the audience on the character’s side, you challenge that character. You try to create one or more emotional, epiphanous moments within a film. And you provide great visuals.”
I read his reply ten times. Why?
As a speaker, I think there is something I can learn from him. If people engage in movies that include these elements, I wonder what elements I could include in my message that would increase engagement. I am not saying I would take anything away from the Biblical truth. I am speaking more of style and elements. Just thinking out loud.
One of the most powerful communication tools a preacher can use is vulnerability.
I recently read an article written by Mark Galli, Senior Managing Editor of Christianity Today, where he believes it’s time to find different ways to illustrate messages other than me, me, and mine.
He writes:
The sermon has inadvertently become a showcase of the pastor’s life and faith. Less about the centrality and greatness of Jesus.
I somewhat disagree with him.
He writes that we should:
- Illustrate like Jesus
- Illustrate with the Bible
- Illustrate with discretion
Great points and I agree.
However, I do not think using personal stories make me the focus. I think it allows the listener to connect which in turn allows me to land the message more clearly. My goal is to use personal stories inside my message to support the Biblical text and the goal of the message. If I ever use my personal stories to become the focus, then yes, I am showcasing myself and not Jesus. I do not think we should stop using our stories when preaching.
