When I was in Indiana speaking to over 50 Amish teachers about my work, the leader stood up when I finished and said, “we must be proactive in creating Leaning Moments.”
In the dictionary, being proactive means to; take-charge, to be energetic, driven, motivated, or to go-ahead. So how can we be more proactive in creating Leaning Moments?
I love what Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, felt about being proactive in life and in business. His secret to great leadership was to always speak first. He said “Speak to people before they speak to you. If I knew them I would call them by name, but even if I didn’t I would still speak to them.” He even made an oath that his employees had to say: “I solemnly promise and declare that, from this day on, every time a customer comes within ten feet of me, I will smile, look him in the eye, and greet him. So, help me, Sam!” He went on to build the worlds largest company and achieve the status of the richest man in the world. He was a great example of a Leaner and his legacy of leaning still lives.
What if we took this same approach with the people in our families, communities and in our churches? When we see them coming, be proactive in creating leaning moments. When our children come down for breakfast, take-charge and hug them first, say good morning first, charge the spirit first. This is how Leaners create more Leaners.
When we were in California visiting family, we were told how unfriendly the neighborhood was. However, when we walked through the neighborhood we waved and spoke first when we encountered others, and they waved and spoke back. We found it to be a very friendly neighborhood with numerous opportunities to charge our spirit.
Much of our experience in life is based on perception. So, be the leaner that you wish to see, and you will find yourself living in a beautiful world.
These articles are co-written by James and Elisha, based on the books and work created and founded by James.
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