I read this great article, and I thought I would share it with you today. It speaks volumes as to what we need to be doing to reach people today.
Brad Lomenick on Partnership-Building
“Building a bridge is an art...I’m referring to building bridges in business, friendships, co-workers, mentors, and key partnerships,” says Brad Lomenick, director of the Catalyst movement of young leaders. In a blog post, he talks about the importance of connecting with those we work, live, and partner with in ministry, particularly in this culture where new relationships can be intimidating, and 15-minute lunches are common. The following are his thoughts on how to best build a connecting bridge of partnership between yourself and another person:
- Love people until they ask why. Lomenick says your actions of love should speak so loudly that people “ultimately demand an explanation for why you do what you do.”
- Prove your craft before asking for something. People want to know you are competent before they partner with you, and valuing excellence and execution is key.
- Ask more questions than they do. Lomenick says asking great questions can be “way more strategic” than giving great answers.
- Spend lots of time listening. “Once you’ve asked a great question, listen. And listen more. And listen more,” says Lomenick.
- Find points of connection and shared interests, and be intentional. Make a point to discover the person’s interests, hobbies, and what truly motivates them. Then build on shared interests.
- Follow-up. Lomenick says this is the most important step that everyone seems to forget. “Never assume that because you haven’t heard from someone, it means they’re not interested. They’re busy, just like you. Take the first step and reach out. And then reach out again.”
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