Tuesday, May 17, 2016
John C Maxwell - How To Connect With People
Answer the following questions in detail. No less than two paragraphs each.
1. What are the three "Connecting Principles" that John mentions? Describe these principles in detail.
2. What is the definition John gave for the word "Connecting"?
3. How well do you feel you connect with others?
4. In ministry, how important is connecting with others?
Respond no later than Tuesday, May 24, 2016
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How to connect with the people
ReplyDeleteThe definition for connecting is: the ability to relate to and identify with people, that it increases your influence with them.
A key point made is that connecting is not to get people to buy into you and what you want, instead it is to help people get what they want/need and they will help you get what you want. I always hear said that when we show people how much we care then when can expect a response to follow, until then they might not hear you.
Connecting is all about others, when you think about yourself it shows immaturity and until a leader become mature they will remain thinking about themselves. Leaders do not live for themselves but for others. John said it is “Servanthood” always about helping others and only those who are secure in who they are can work with a towel and serve. In other words, no one can be a good leader being insecure, we must remember it is not all about you, but others first.
The Three “Connecting Principles” that John mentions.
1. Connecting “is all about others” In this life it is so easy to get caught up on yourself as I just talked about above. So many times I feel like I could have made the extra efforts to call and reach out to people I know may need encouragement or guidance. As well as being a servant to those who are sick and in need. No, it’s not that we don’t know that it nice to help people in these situations I believe it is simply having you mind so focus that it clouds your vison to see that anyone else may be in need. It is my prayer that I become better in this area driven by compassion/passion for people and for the Leading with excellence the way I know that I can with much efforts and the way God would want me to lead.
2. Connecting “requires energy” We must go the extra mile to connect with people in doing so we will see that it is worth the price you pay once you understand. Jesus was always about going the extra mile and I believe it was Paul who said become like them. Learning to understand people and where they are and how to reach them can be challenging but not impossible with the help of God. Jesus, went out of his way to heal people, Paul suffered much just to win the souls around him.
3. Connectors find common ground to be effective you have to go where the people are, get to know what they know to make that connection and then lift the people to higher ground, but we must first get to where they are.
Common ground is the key to connect, relate to get to the churched as well as the unchurched, making that connection and gaining their respect. You can take the principle of God’s word and yet it is still so powerful to touch their hearts (share the story about how you shared Gods word without them knowing.
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ReplyDeleteHow well do you feel you connect with others?
ReplyDeleteTruly, there are day’s I feel I do well, but there are definitely times I feel as if I could have done some things differently to make that connect. For example, spending more time with them, getting to know what their concerns and needs are. I find myself sometime talking to much rather than giving them undivided attention and keying in on what their facing and how I can be helpful. Another thing I think I need to work on is praying in Faith for those who are sick laying my hands on them and displaying my faith right there rather than just waiting until I get alone. From my experience I see how sincere people are when they make it personal and just say let’s pray right now. That could just be me, but it blesses me that I have leaders that did that for me.
At church and work I have had moments to connect with people, encouraging them with the word of God. Lots of times, especially with my co-workers they had no Idea that what I was telling them was biblical. It amazes me that God works just like that. Some have told me at church and at work that I’m easy to talk to, and so It is my aim to connect with them letting them know that I care and that I am here for them to talk too. However, my prayer is to lead them to Christ.
In Ministry I feel that it is vital to connect with people, it is the key to getting the people’s attention. What better way to have a great Impact and influence on the people and to do exactly what Christ did by making that connection? How else will we get them to listen? We must first meet them where they are and empathize with them. Jesus connected with the people by being compassionate, this is what moved Jesus Christ from his throne to the cross, to heal the lame and leprous, and deliver the bound and possessed.
In John chapter 4 Jesus did what most Jews would not, He spoke to the Samaritan women. Now, the Samaritan nation is a mixed nation they were half Jew and half Gentile people, so pure Jews did not associate with Samaritans. For all we know is she could have felt like an outcast. Jesus knew what she needed and that was him, the living water. Initially, she was not clear as to whom she was speaking too but Jesus exposed Himself. After this conversation she was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Many would not have started this conversation, but what we must understand is that in those moments of stepping out of our comfort zone to relate it will be worth it if we are planting a seed, watering the seed and allow God to bring increase. For he who win souls is wise, and it starts with making that connection.
Excellent write up. I love how you brought Paul and Jesus into the mix.
ReplyDelete1. What are the three “Connecting Principles” that John mentions? Describe these principles in detail.
ReplyDeleteThe first principle mentioned when it comes to connecting is “others”. As a leader it should be our mindset to no longer put ourselves first. We must make the decision to devote ourselves as servants of God. When we continuously think about ourselves and not the needs of others, it makes it extremely hard to make a connection. Of course, when we put others first, this also requires that we use “energy” which is the second principle.
We must be willing to go that extra mile in order to not only become familiar with the people that we are trying to connect with but allow them to become familiar with who we are. Connection requires our time, us getting to know the individual, and so on. Last but not least, there is “common ground”, our third principle. In a church setting this is usually based on relationship, however, in the secular world it is based on respect first. This is where you go to the level a person is at and find something that you can both relate to so that you can bring the individual to where you are.
2. What is the Definition John gave for the word “connecting”?
In the video John described connection as “the ability to relate to and identify with people in such a way that it increases your influence with them”. Then He goes on to say that we are to be the salt and the light to the world. The part that sticks out to me about this video is that John always waited for the right opportunity to share his belief. When he first came into the company of others, he simply shared his knowledge. It kind of reminds me of how Jesus would speak amongst the people and they began to ask “who is this man?”
As a leader we should make ourselves relatable simply by showing ourselves friendly and being open, so that people feel welcome. This will make it easier for them to want to ask questions and have conversation. However, we must be willing to go to others as well and allow them to know that we care about the concerns that they may have. It is by love and kindness that Christ drew us all and it is because of that, He is able to have an impact on our lives. Likewise, we as leaders should have the mindset to do the same.
3. How well do you feel you connect with others?
ReplyDeleteI believe that when it comes to me connecting with others, sometimes it can be challenging starting off. However, I can say that when I have become more familiar with the individual, it is a lot easier to be able to have conversation and really develop a genuine love for the person. I have always been the type of person to put others before myself, if there is any way that I can help, I will try my very best. However, I realize more now than earlier in my life, that it is us that plants the seeds but Christ is the one that gives the increase. We can do absolutely nothing without Him.
I believe that I am someone who puts a lot of energy into connecting with others as well but it is important not to be drained by those who are truly not trying to grow and become better. I have always tried to find common ground. I know that I will not always agree with a person belief or how they see things. The key for me has always been to find the good in the person and just go from there. Would I say that I can work on getting better at communicating? Most definitely and I believe God will help me to get there.
4. In ministry, how important is connecting with other?
Connecting with others is extremely important when it comes to ministry. When it come to being able to poor out into someone in order to help lead them into a relationship with Christ, there first has to be a connection. A lot of the time people will not open up to you until they have learned to trust you, respect you, and have an understanding that you care about their well-being. A lot of the times, people have encountered so many others before you even have come around that they have a wall up. That is why it is important to use the communication principles, to show them that you are not seeking your own benefit.
Even when it comes to connecting with believers, it is important to find common ground. Without unity it makes it very difficult to accomplish the work of God. The Word of God tells us that any house divided against itself shall fall. We must be on one accord; we must support each other, and help each other. When it comes down to it, connecting is simply about putting in the necessary work to create change.
Great Post! It does take energy when it comes to connecting with others. It's important not to let those who truly have no desire to connect drain every once of energy from you. Save energy for those that truly want to connect. Thank you for sharing.
Delete1. What are the three "Connecting Principles" that John mentions? Describe these principles in detail
ReplyDeleteOne: Connecting is all about others: if you will help people first get what they want, they will then help you get what you want. This reminds me of what Pastor always quote “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. When we show people that we care by spending time with them, assisting them in their lives the best way we can and ultimately doing this out of a sincere heart and love that is fueled by the Holy Spirit, then people will be support you as well with whatever you want and desire. As John Maxwell says, leadership is servant hood; it’s not about titles it’s about towels!
Two: Connecting requires energy: one of the reasons we don’t connect like we should because connecting requires a tremendous amount of energy, which we have to continually expand to connect. John Maxwell provided great examples of his personal experience when it comes to being able to connect with others; it took his time, money and efforts to show the people that he cared. He didn’t want to go back to try and preach and be effective where he once was without first making a connection with the people and because he made this connection he made a great impact on peoples lives. Like he said, Jesus was the perfect example of using his energy to connect with people all throughout the gospels.
Three: Connectors find common ground: to be effective they have to go where the people are, know what the people know and participate in what the people are doing. Great connectors find common ground and lift the person to higher ground. We have taken enough time to know them so well that we learn how to lift and encourage them and put them in a position that we look up to them, respect them, and value them. John shared an awesome story about how he spent valuable time with the CEO of a big company and the one thing that blessed me was that he was diligent, consistent and strategic about winning his soul to Christ and he made the most of his opportunity to share his faith.
2. What is the definition John gave for the word "Connecting"?
John Maxwell stated the definition is the ability to relate to and identify with people in such a way that it increases your influence with them. I believe that this definition is very accurate in regards to connecting with people. And I agree with him that Jesus is the great connector and that if anybody knows how to connect with people it should absolutely be His children (Christians). Jesus connected and related to many people throughout the bible and He continues to connect with us this very day through His Holy Spirit!
I believe that the more time we spend in the presence of God and we are poured more into from His Holy Spirit, connecting with people will become a natural instinct for us. Jesus was surely able to relate to us as the scripture says, “For we do not have a High Priest who is not able to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus knows exactly how to relate to us and has a great influence in our lives because he led by example. If we are going to be able to relate with others we have to know what it’s like to go through what their going through and be able to show them how you overcame.
3. How well do you feel you connect with others?
ReplyDeleteI believe that I can do a lot better with being more productive in connecting with others. I believe principal number two is where I lack greatly which is putting forth the time and effort to reach out to others on a consistent basis so that I can apply principal number three. I believe that I do a good job with knowing how to encourage certain people when I do put for the time and effort which has led to some results but I believe I can be more consistent and reach out to more people.
The information and insight that John Maxwell provided is very accurate and encouraging to me. I never want to be a person who carries a title but ineffective because I don’t connect with people. I enjoy having the opportunity to be able to connect with people and getting to know them, encourage them etc… but I understand that it takes time, effort and consistency if that’s going to be accomplished.
4. In ministry, how important is connecting with others?
Like John Maxwell stated, connecting with people is connected to fulfilling the great commission and drawing people unto Christ. Connecting with people is very essential because it’s the key quality needed if we are going to be effective disciples, leaders, mentors, pastors, elders, ministers, evangelist etc… The Christian’s mission, the gospel message is all about people and compelling people to come to Christ but this cannot be done without first making a connection with somebody. Jesus spent time with the tax collector (sinners) with one goal in mind, to make a connection so that they can be saved; I believe the key was that Jesus spent time with them; he showed them how much he cared.
Ministry is all about connecting with others, it is so essential to ministry to the point your ministry wouldn’t be able to exist without making a connection with people. Your ministry will be so ineffective because it’s not founded on the first principle that John Maxwell mentions which is connecting is all about other’s. Like John Maxwell stressed, it can no longer be about you and that’s what most leaders make ministry to be and becomes frustrated when there are no results. I believe your ministry will never go anywhere if you are self centered and fail to connect with others.
3. How well do you feel you connect with others?
ReplyDeleteI believe that I can do a lot better with being more productive in connecting with others. I believe principal number two is where I lack greatly which is putting forth the time and effort to reach out to others on a consistent basis so that I can apply principal number three. I believe that I do a good job with knowing how to encourage certain people when I do put for the time and effort which has led to some results but I believe I can be more consistent and reach out to more people.
The information and insight that John Maxwell provided is very accurate and encouraging to me. I never want to be a person who carries a title but ineffective because I don’t connect with people. I enjoy having the opportunity to be able to connect with people and getting to know them, encourage them etc… but I understand that it takes time, effort and consistency if that’s going to be accomplished.
4. In ministry, how important is connecting with others?
Like John Maxwell stated, connecting with people is connected to fulfilling the great commission and drawing people unto Christ. Connecting with people is very essential because it’s the key quality needed if we are going to be effective disciples, leaders, mentors, pastors, elders, ministers, evangelist etc… The Christian’s mission, the gospel message is all about people and compelling people to come to Christ but this cannot be done without first making a connection with somebody. Jesus spent time with the tax collector (sinners) with one goal in mind, to make a connection so that they can be saved; I believe the key was that Jesus spent time with them; he showed them how much he cared.
Ministry is all about connecting with others, it is so essential to ministry to the point your ministry wouldn’t be able to exist without making a connection with people. Your ministry will be so ineffective because it’s not founded on the first principle that John Maxwell mentions which is connecting is all about other’s. Like John Maxwell stressed, it can no longer be about you and that’s what most leaders make ministry to be and becomes frustrated when there are no results. I believe your ministry will never go anywhere if you are self centered and fail to connect with others.
Awesome write up! You shared great insight into what you learned from the video. We definitely need to make connecting with other essential in life and ministry if not it will be defficult to make relationships and disciples.
Delete1. Connecting is all about others. John says that everyone communicates but not everyone connects which is very true because someone could be talking but it not register to the people they are talking to. Leaders give up the right to think of themselves and being a leader you want everybody on a the team or that you are teaching to buy into what you are saying you want them to buy into into it. connecting with others is a everyday skill that is needed in our everybody lives especially as christians.
ReplyDelete2.Connecting requires energy
having energy is very important when it comes to connoting with people and trying to reach them. if you have to speak to someone and they can tell that you don't feel like teaching or talking they are most likely to not be all in. It also is important because people can see you excitement and passion the more energy you have. Our main source should come of Jesus because he is our strength.
3.Connecters find level ground. Good connecters find level growing they understand the crowd that they are talking to and trying to reach. John said connecters will go down to the level of the people they are connecting with so that they can take them to a new level. It is hard to connect with people if they don't understand you this is why Jesus had to explain the parables he taught because he had to explain it at the level of the people that wore listening.
2. Connecting is the ability to relate to and identify with people in such a way that it increases your influence with them. Influence is to have an effect on the character,development,or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. Just in the word of influence we find what john was talking about development can be found on the ground level.
3. How well do you feel i connect with others.
I feel this is one area that i can really work at improving because i talk to a lot of people but i don't feel i connect with people as well as i should. I have to get out of myself and think about others a lot more in order for me to be a effective connecter.
4. I think connecting is important period but in ministry it is very important as a teacher of Gods Word you will encounter a lot of people with different mindsets,different struggle,doubts and fears. So it is important that in ministry that you understand what level people are at and how you can connect with them by teaching Gods Word. The influence as ministers that we can have on somebody life can be huge if we become great connecters.
Great job sharing what you learned. I like how you pointed out the parable that Jesus taught and Him explaining those parables in an effort to connect with the people.
Delete1. John mentioned the following three “Connecting Principles”: all about others, it requires energy, and find common ground. All three of these principles on their own are vitally important as a leader in God’s kingdom but when effectively applied and used together on a consistent basis goes a long way in completing the assignment from God in making disciples in all the land.
ReplyDeleteStarting with the first principle of its all about others, this means you must put your pride to the side and become a servant. Dig into other people’s issues and work on your active listening skills and showing that you care for them and not only about yourself. It is about being secure in who are and not being afraid to get that bucket and a towel and get on your hands and knees and wash your followers feet, being a sold out servant for others and leading them to the Father.
The second principle was it requires energy! This principle is the key component in connecting with others, because if you do not put in the work needed to continue the growth in the relationship then you will not be able to lead anyone where they need to be in God. It doesn’t matter how much knowledge you may have given them if you do not continue to follow up or put in maximum effort in connecting with someone your voice will become stale in their ears. This is a principle that every leader should apply to their everyday life in order to grow relationships with others and God.
The last principle is find common ground. This principle is also important but this principle can also get some leaders/churches in a place where they conform to the world. Yes we must be able to go out and meet people where they are and find a way to gain respect of those who are not in the church but we must do this in a way that does not give the impression that we are condoning any lifestyle an individual may be at. But we must get outside of the four walls of the church and get on the street and show the people that we are human as well.
2. John defined connection as “the ability to relate to and identify with people in such a way that it increases your influence with them”. This reminds of Pastor Burrows phrase on connection which states “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. Both quotes are beyond accurate and applies to every ministry within the body of Christ. It doesn’t matter if you have all the knowledge that God can give you, if you are unable to develop a connection with people on a personal level that your knowledge is useless.
I relate this back to a head coach of any of our major team sports. As a former athlete having a head coach who is able to relate to me in a positive way increased my likelihood that I would listen to him/her when I was given instructions. What that connection did for me allowed me to gain a level of respect for my coach and their knowledge. Something that I would have never done if the various coaches would not have shown interest in my personal growth as an athlete on and off the playing surfaces. This same concept applies to all leaders in various ministry roles. Which always points me back to Pastor’s favorite phrase “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
3. I believe that when it comes to connecting with others I feel that I am missing some of the key factors mentioned by John. Especially the first principle of its all about others, where as a leader you must kill the idea of you are important because of a title or even getting out of your own selfish desires. I feel that I miss this mark which makes it easier to connect with others and find common ground that can lead to relationship that is built on godly principles.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why I feel that I miss the boat on being effective with connecting with others is the lack of consistent energy in maintaining contact with those people who may need an encouraging word even if they do not verbally express any trails in their life. This is a key part in building a relationship with people and leading them to Christ, I pray that as leader that I do what is necessary to lead others to Christ by showing them how much I truly care for them as an person which will give me the opportunity to be effective with sharing the gospel with them and lead them to Christ. I must show the person that I am willing to do whatever it takes in helping them grow in God and keep them encouraged in their time of need.
4. Connection as a Minister/Leader/Mentor/Role Model is extremely important to ministry. If you are unable to build a relationship, gain the peoples trust and respect no one will care how much you know. Which means you are unable to fulfill your mission as a Christian which is to go out and make disciples, which means you are not growing the Kingdom as commanded by the word of God.
As John stated with the first Connecting Principle it is all about others which reminds of the scripture from Matthew 20:26-28 which reads: Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus provided the greatest example that portrays the principle of it being all about others, because as a leader, pastor, elder, minister, evangelist, mentor, role model, etc., we must be willing to lay down our pride and serve the people where they may be in their life with the love and kindness of God. To build that valuable connection with an individual to express how much you care which will open the door for a leader to show how much they know.
Nice! I love the statement you made about finding common ground. Finding common ground doesn't imply being like the person but rather find ways to relate to the person at their level. When Paul mention in Corinthians that we are to be like them he was in no way implying that we participate in sin but rather we find away to connect with them.
ReplyDelete