Imagine boiling down your life and leadership into acompelling collection of 76 principles.
Then imagine having to select which one would be first.
That’s exactly what Bill Hybels did in his 2008 book release titled, Axiom. The axiom he decided articulate first is no mistake: Language Matters.
Hybels shares…
- “The truth is, leaders rise and fall by the language they use. Sometimes whole visions live or die on the basis of the words the leader chooses for articulating the vision.”
- “The very best leaders I know wrestle with words until they are able to communicate their big ideas in a way that captures the imagination, catalyzes action and lifts spirits.”
- “Choose the right words and you’ll set up everyone you lead for a level of effectiveness you never thought could be achieved.
I am amazed at how Hybel’s highly disciplined and carefully artistic word choice has influenced tens of thousands of leaders in the global church; words like “seeker service” and “holy discontent.” Years ago his church that would define an era, was born from the mission to “turn irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Christ.”
Last week, I attended a 25th anniversary celebration for Leadership Network founded by Bob Buford. As leader after leader recounted the stories of impact from Buford’s legacy, a rhythmic drum beat of shared language echoed throughout room: “from success to significance.” The power of the words was palpable. What started as the subtitle of the book Halftime, marked a movement.
Yesterday, I ran into a new church planter in my hometown Starbucks. He thanked me again for writing Church Unique and was enthusiastic to share the results of their arduous process of walking the Vision Pathway found in the book. I was stunned by the clarity and eloquence of his mission to “make true disciples by being true disciples.” The name of his church is “One Life Church” and their living language vision is spearheaded by the rallying cry,
“Now, we really live.”I left that day greatly encouraged that another “everyday” pastor was pressing into and wrestling through the art of word choice. Another pastor was becoming a skillful visionary.
My favorite way of capturing the thrust that language matters is found in the phrase: “Words create worlds.”
So if the words we use as leaders do indeed create worlds for our followers, what, may I ask, are you saying?