Things to Keep in Mind… #2
There are 2 kinds of ASKS.
1. When I am asking someone I already know.
2. When I am initiating with someone I don’t know.
I guess some people have natural salesman personality and could get a YES response out of anybody. Those folks naturally know how to make each of these asks.
Me? Well, I don’t have that ability and therefore follow to methods for making these ASKS.
TO THE PEOPLE I ALREADY KNOW
I See In You… Dave Ferguson says that he brings this up almost every time he makes a leadership ask of someone. This shows that you have been watching this person and see admirable traits and qualities that could greatly benefit the Dream. It puts the focus on strengths the person has and shows them how they will be able to contribute to the team.
Small Asks First… Their response to a small task will tell me a great deal about how they will treat a big ASK. If they are late, sloppy, incorrectly, or unimaginative, then that’s a good indication that they are not the right fit for a larger role on the team.
TO THOSE I DON’T KNOW
Neutral Territory… If I think someone MIGHT have potential (either their appearance, the way they carry themselves in public, random conversations in passing, career, hobbies, etc.) I try to get to know them through neutral territory , that might be Facebook, email, playing Basketball on Thursday night, grabbing breakfast one day during the week, inviting them (and their family if possible) to brunch after church.
Have a good time… if you can’t laugh you won’t like serving with this team. It can’t always be about getting things done. Sometimes you’ve gotta be able to kick back and laugh a little.
I think Philemon is an awesome textbook on making an ASK of someone. Paul does a lot of things in this letter that we can learn from.
- Court
