How Can You Create an Empowering Culture?

From fostering radical encouragement to prioritizing people over projects, these strategies will help you lead with purpose and inspire others to grow in their gifts and influence.

Discover 5 keys to creating a culture of empowerment given to us by Steve Backlund:

1. I lead a culture of radical encouragement.

I lead the way in encouraging others by regularly giving specific thanks to people. Our leadership spends time encouraging and prophesying over each other. I even find ways to encourage people with "issues" because I believe everyone's negative qualities are just positive qualities out of whack. Hebrews 10:23-25.

2. I am more concerned about building people than I am about building a ministry.

I intentionally create an environment where people can thrive in life, ministry, family, and in the dreams they have in their hearts. I do not see those in my ministry as servants or slaves of my vision or the mission of the church. I certainly do call people to a deep commitment to these things, but I consider our ministry a “launching pad” for people to grow in their gifts to influence society in incredible ways.

3. I tell those I lead who they are much more than I tell them what to do.

It is very difficult for people to do what they don’t believe they are; therefore I spend more time telling them who they are in Christ, than telling them what to do as Christians. I believe those in my ministry are saints, not sinners. Because of that, I believe they are prone to do what is right instead of what is wrong.

4. I seek first to listen and understand before I seek to be heard and understood.

I am committed to understanding the people in my life. I am a great question asker and I make sure I can communicate effectively the feelings of others before I share mine. James 1:19-20, Proverbs 18:13.

5. I pursue 'buy-in' from leaders and key people involved before making a big decision.

In every situation possible, I involve important people in the decision making process instead of me just telling them what the decision is. This involvement creates a greater likelihood of “buy-in” with those I lead and decreases the likelihood of relational problems in the future. Acts 11.

*For more wisdom and encouragement from Steve Backlund, check out his website, ignitinghope.com.