The Importance of Investing in People and Practical Steps in the Process
Where does one start on this subject? Great question! This has been a life-long pursuit for the Ole Sarge.
I tell people all the time, “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, at the end of the day, we’re all in the people business.” – Sarge Summers
Think about that quote for just a moment. Truth or fiction? It depends a lot on one’s attitude doesn’t it? You see, your perception of me is in fact, my reality! If you perceive someone to be a good person, then in your mind it is so…
Let’s explore how one invests in the life of another…
Step 1: Pray about it!
Sounds simple enough, right? The Bible instructs us to pray for one another and so we do. I believe, God wants us to pray in “specific” terms. In order to do this we have to do some research about the other person. Get to know them and show genuine concern for them and their respective needs.
Step 2: Know your own limitations.
Do not exceed these limitations. In other words, if you’re not a certified counselor, don’t try to give the impression that you are. You’ll find that most folks, just want someone to listen to them. Be willing to do this, but never assume that because someone says, “I’d like your advice,” that they really mean it. Be careful because many have fallen into this trap.
Step 3: Try your best to have and display the “Mind of Christ.”
The question, What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)? Well, what would He do? If we keep this thought/question at the fore-front of our thinking, it will save us a lot of heartache and grief.
Step 4: Respect the other person’s opinions.
You don’t have to necessarily agree with them, but understand that their opinions are important to them and have been formed over time and that we are in fact, “a product of our own environment.” Give them space…
Step 5: Be the “genuine” article.
In other words, don’t try to be something that you’re not. People are drawn to you for who you truly are and they don’t want to find out later that you are not who you portrayed yourself to be. Be yourself and align yourself with the Word of God. Too spiritual? I hope not…
Step 6: Be cautious!
We can’t be all things to all people. Many have tried and many have failed in this role. Again, know your limitations and never over-sell. Don’t over promise and under deliver!
Step 7: Take inventory.
This is a necessity! Where are you in the process of investing in people and what do you have in the way of resources.
This is a short article and not an exhaustive study on the subject. The intent is to stimulate some thought and ideas on the topic.
My encouragement to each of you is to enjoy the process (journey) and be a “Difference Maker” in this world.
One more thought… You will need to allow yourself to be vulnerable. That’s a bonus statement! Jeremiah 29:11
Respectfully,
Sarge Summers
God’s Faithful Servant-Leader
Director of Development, Royal Rangers International (RRI)
Joshua 1:9
Last Updated: October 28, 2021 by Sarge Summers
The Importance of Investing in People and Practical Steps in the Process
The Importance of Investing in People and Practical Steps in the Process
Where does one start on this subject? Great question! This has been a life-long pursuit for the Ole Sarge.
I tell people all the time, “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, at the end of the day, we’re all in the people business.” – Sarge Summers
Think about that quote for just a moment. Truth or fiction? It depends a lot on one’s attitude doesn’t it? You see, your perception of me is in fact, my reality! If you perceive someone to be a good person, then in your mind it is so…
Let’s explore how one invests in the life of another…
Step 1: Pray about it!
Sounds simple enough, right? The Bible instructs us to pray for one another and so we do. I believe, God wants us to pray in “specific” terms. In order to do this we have to do some research about the other person. Get to know them and show genuine concern for them and their respective needs.
Step 2: Know your own limitations.
Do not exceed these limitations. In other words, if you’re not a certified counselor, don’t try to give the impression that you are. You’ll find that most folks, just want someone to listen to them. Be willing to do this, but never assume that because someone says, “I’d like your advice,” that they really mean it. Be careful because many have fallen into this trap.
Step 3: Try your best to have and display the “Mind of Christ.”
The question, What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)? Well, what would He do? If we keep this thought/question at the fore-front of our thinking, it will save us a lot of heartache and grief.
Step 4: Respect the other person’s opinions.
You don’t have to necessarily agree with them, but understand that their opinions are important to them and have been formed over time and that we are in fact, “a product of our own environment.” Give them space…
Step 5: Be the “genuine” article.
In other words, don’t try to be something that you’re not. People are drawn to you for who you truly are and they don’t want to find out later that you are not who you portrayed yourself to be. Be yourself and align yourself with the Word of God. Too spiritual? I hope not…
Step 6: Be cautious!
We can’t be all things to all people. Many have tried and many have failed in this role. Again, know your limitations and never over-sell. Don’t over promise and under deliver!
Step 7: Take inventory.
This is a necessity! Where are you in the process of investing in people and what do you have in the way of resources.
This is a short article and not an exhaustive study on the subject. The intent is to stimulate some thought and ideas on the topic.
My encouragement to each of you is to enjoy the process (journey) and be a “Difference Maker” in this world.
One more thought… You will need to allow yourself to be vulnerable. That’s a bonus statement! Jeremiah 29:11
Respectfully,
Sarge Summers
God’s Faithful Servant-Leader
Director of Development, Royal Rangers International (RRI)
Joshua 1:9
Category: Junior Leadership, Recruiting
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