Last time, we saw ten benefits of momentum. You may be thinking, “That’s great! I know the importance of momentum, but how do I get it?” Momentum isn’t a solo endeavor. One characteristic by itself doesn’t create momentum. It’s a compilation of the overall health and forward-leaning of your church or organization. I use these ten. And, I personally know they work within a church (and here), a network of churches and for a non-profit corporation where I lead/have led. These also work for many churches I help. Avoiding any one of them means you are missing some of the benefits momentum provides. Consider these ten characteristics of churches who gain momentum:
1-Personal Momentum of the Leader.
It starts here. Your church or organization reflects you. And, when you personally chase goals and see them accomplished, you get a sense of momentum. People who lead momentum organizations lean forward, take risks, accomplish results and see the future. When you see it personally, you equip yourself to accomplish it organizationally. If your church/organization doesn’t have momentum, personally is the place to start. As goes the leader, so goes the church/organization.
2-Clear, Widely Embraced Vision.
Here “clear” means written, as well as shown. Can you, right now, show me your vision? You say a lot of things and do a lot of things, but if you don’t have an easily accessed, written description of where you see us going in the next five years, it needs to be more clear. Focus is impossible without clarity. And “widely embraced” does not mean you told them what the vision is. When people embrace the vision, they tell others. They own it and know it and live it.
3-Quick Resolution of Problems.
Lingering problems, difficulties and people acting “out of sorts” saps energy. It reduces momentum. When you handle problems adeptly and quickly, you gather momentum.
4-Palpable Positive Results.
Not, “It feels like things are going well.” And, not “It seems like…” But “packed the place out”. Higher. Better. Bigger. Measurable, tangible, positive results increase momentum.
5-Life Transformation.
One change changes everything. And, when change is embodied in a person whose life is markedly different because of your church or organization, everybody gets a bump up.
6-Influx of New Leaders.
Adding leaders infuses enthusiasm. And, adding more leaders who focus on the vision increases momentum. It increases the sense of ownership. Upping the commitment of people into leadership propels your current leaders and your church/organization forward. And, we call that forward-leaning, “momentum”.
7-Clear Roles.
Confusion creates chaos. And, chaos creates sideways motion that takes the focus off the preferred future. People who want to do a good job are frustrated when they don’t know what they need to do to be successful. Clearly identifying the lanes where you want them to run and identifying what success means for them empowers them and contributes to momentum.
8-Leaders Know How Their Tasks/Responsibilities Help Accomplish the Vision.
People long to be part of something bigger than themselves. Even when they understand the vision, they don’t always know how their particular function helps. When they see the direct connection, their excitement grows and your momentum increases.
9-Display gratitude & appreciation.
When you spark enthusiasm in one person, it lights a flame of excitement that will kindle that same fire in others. Be generous with praise. Frequently saying “attagirl” or “attaboy” (or a more fitting variant that sounds like a fit, coming from you) lifts the level of morale. It also buoys momentum across the organization.
10-Support by key influencers.
This support comes from your key influencers, not from you. In both words and deeds, people with clout can propel you forward and jettison negativity. Since they carry the lion’s share of the influence, they when they are behind you, create a wave of momentum.
Which of these ten keys do you need? Even if you lead an area within a church/organization, you can level up your area’s momentum. And, momentum helps accomplish your mission in the world.
Who We Are
LeaderINCREASE helps leaders get clear on where to go and understand how to get there, with less hassle. We understand that choosing to make a difference as a leader isn’t always the easiest.
We focus on providing leaders with resources they need to make a difference and become actionable leaders for their organization. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals as we have done for many others.
