The Real Reason Your Leadership Message Isn’t Landing—And How to Fix It for Maximum Impact
Making an impact
Leadership has gotten a bad rap. Especially within recent times.
And when I look at the leadership examples that exist in faith-based settings, I can see why that would happen.
We're so busy following trends and trying to win popularity contests. So dedicated to making people like us and fitting a certain mold, that it seems as though the real leadership markers are being left behind.
And that leads to messages that don't land.
But have no fear.
No matter how far away we've gone from the original blueprint, God's Word is powerful, relevant and true.
And it can always bring us back to what we should be doing.
Let's get into the real reason why your message isn't landing, and how to fix it for maximum impact.
Your Positioning
Did someone say posiitoning?
When Jesus entered Jerusalem before He was crucified, the Bible calls it His “triumphal entry”.
Triumph suggests success and victory. But when you look at what He rode in on, you might get confused.
Kings ride horses, don't they? It paints a picture of supremacy, power and status.
But our King entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11). A beast of burden that's known to be stubborn.
It signaled His humility, desire to work for God and heart of peace.
As a leader, if you position yourself as the one who's come to save ‘the little people’ you've lost them already.
Don't position yourself as the authority figure with boastful expertise to share.
Be confident in what you teach, yes.
But come as one prepared to work in all humility, even knowing what you carry is powerful and relevant.
Jesus knew He was God's Son. He carried it. He didn't crush people with it.
Right positioning opens up people to receive from you before you even open your mouth to bring a message.
Your Language
Say what now?
Big, techie words are cool. But unless you're writing an academic piece, leave them in the dictionary.
No one is impressed by people who are so verbose with their conversation that the other party is left discombobulated after leaving their expert presence.
See what I did there 😉?
All you need to do is keep things simple. Simplicity breaks barriers. It opens minds, hearts and understanding.
When Jesus taught people He told simple stories and made universal analogies that people understood immediately.
You are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Salt is flavourful and valuable. Easy analogy to follow.
You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Light makes the darkness go away.
These pictures are simple to imagine and allow everyone to draw near and understand with ease.
As a leader, your job is to make it easy for people to get into the space where transformation will take place.
They already have so many barriers - limiting beliefs, doubts, fears - that keep them back.
Don't make it even harder by using language that shuts them out. Your message won't land and the impact will be lost.
Your Approach
Which way to go?
Here's one of my favourite quotes by Brian Clark:
“These days, people want to learn before they buy, be educated instead of pitched.”
Have you ever considered that one of the only professions that touches everyone no matter who they are or where they live is teaching?
There isn't any skill you have that you didn't learn through teaching.
Someone either taught you directly, you watched someone doing it or you taught yourself.
But in recent times, leadership practices don't seem to include lots of teaching.
There's a lot of showing off skills, preaching at people, marketing your services and bringing messages that make people happy and keep wallets open.
But people want to learn the truth. The truth that will set them free.
They want to know what, how and why. They want to see how what you're saying aligns with their lives.
It's not enough to market and poke pain points. Especially now when people have been burned by tricksters and trust is so low.
A powerful way to earn trust is to teach what you know. People will see that you're generous and care about them and their progress.
They will be more open to what you're saying and better able to receive the transformation they need.
Your Perspective
Where’s the love?
It's not about you. It's about your audience. Jesus modeled this concept throughout scripture.
Sometimes, He actually told people not to tell anyone else about His miracles (Mark 1:43-44; Mark 9:9).
He wasn't looking to get rich or make a name for Himself. He came to do His Father's work.
To love God and to love people.
The perspective was love.
What's your perspective?
Why are you doing what you do?
If it's to further your own success and legacy you'll be working hard to achieve it.
But if your perspective is love for God. To be in service to Him when you love others as He teaches you…
There will be no limit to what you can achieve through Christ.
And your messages will hit home and make the impact you want them to make.
Pin this for later.
So what should you be doing?
Do what Jesus told Peter in John 21:17 -
“Feed my sheep.”
Jesus taught the crowds with simplicity, power and clarity. Even small children could follow His teachings.
And within that massive crowd He taught 12 men (a small group) who turned the world upside down.
Among the twelve, He was especially close to Peter, James and John. He took them with Him into the garden to pray before He was crucified. That was His inner circle.
Their impact especially is legendary in the Word.
You may be wondering if this is practical today. Let me assure you that it is.
I lived it for 15+ years as a primary school teacher.
I taught a class (big group).
Parents asked me to do lessons and paid me to teach the same things I taught for free during the day (small group).
And even within that group there were students who needed a more personal and closer touch (intimate group).
I never once advertised to do lessons when I was teaching. People reached out to me because of how I was already teaching. They just wanted a closer touch.
That required me to have sound messaging that focused on my students and not my own personal goals.
You can and should do the same.
Teach people the message that God gave you.
Teach the masses. Don't worry about giving it away and then walk in fear that no one will hire you.
Trust me.
People will always want to draw closer to hear what you've already been saying.
They are the ones who will be your best and biggest supporters. Not the masses.
How do you even begin putting this into action?
You can start with getting my expert eyes on your teaching. This will give you the chance to receive practical, actionable insights to help your message land for maximum impact. Just one strategic tweak can build your confidence to know that your audience truly gets it.
You'll get feedback on clarity and engagement, as well as a personalised audio with encouragement and uplifting prayer for your teaching journey.
Let’s ensure your message lands and creates massive impact long after you've spoken.
Click the button below to find out more.