Craig Groeschel - Heart over Head

The power of emotions in leadership:

• As a leader, to really move you, you have to connect with your heart not just your head
• The best leaders don’t let emotions interfere with business
• Emotions are not only relevant but the catalyst to change and growth
• The fastest way to change someone’s mind is to connect with their heart

Information: Here’s what I want people to know.
Action: Here’s what I want people to do.

• Knowledge alone rarely leads to action
• Knowledge leads to conclusions
• Emotions lead to actions
• Don’t change the message but the method in which we reach people

As leaders, how do we create the emotion that moves people to action?

1. Share Stories Purposefully

• Stories stick, facts fade
• People are processing what you say with one of two processors in their brain
• Emotional Processor: Automatic and unconscious
• Logical Processor: Control, conscious, functions slower and takes more focus
• When you use a story, you connect the heart of emotions to the strength of logic igniting a powerful action

“People work for a what, but they’ll give their lives for a why.”
- Simon Sinek

2. Choose Words Deliberately

• The words you choose determine the emotions people feel
• Vision of values help drive culture that should be burned on our hearts not words on a wall
• If your vision doesn’t inspire you, if your values don’t scare you or move you, they’re too dull, small and safe
• The power of words, create emotions around values

3. Show Vulnerability Thoughtfully

• You can do it irresponsibly
• We may impress people with our strength, but we connect through our weakness
• The moment you slow down and open up, you’re engaged on a whole new level
• Your heart bonds and there’s a real power and connection
• Show people what’s in your heart and what you value
• Help people know who you are
• Lead with vision
• Lead with boldness
• Lead with vulnerability