Guest Blogger: Sandy Ellingson
As a friend of Gail McWilliams, I stand in awe of her ability to see beyond. Those words are used by many and in many ways, but I don’t know anyone who uses them in as true a sense of the word as Gail McWilliams.
- She sees beyond any and every obstacle in her way to achieve what God has called her to do.
- She sees beyond the imperfections of others to see what Jesus sees.
- She sees beyond the possible to always reach for the impossible (and often achieves it!)
She is a girl of many miracles and most of us are blessed if we encounter only one in our lifetime.
In my career I work often with investors and venture capital groups to analyze and evaluate software investments. Many times they are start up companies, sometimes they are existing companies who just need a second or third round of funding, and sometimes, they are long standing companies who have been very successful and they have been inspired and have begun to see beyond what they are doing today and dream of what they can do tomorrow. They just need the validation to move forward and invest in themselves.
As I listened to Gail and Tony in their “simulcast” last night, I thought of them in all these ways. In so many ways, they are a start up! God has given them a new and fresh vision for what they are to do next and while it is still in their area of expertise and gifts, it is very new and yet very familiar. Gail has launched her consulting / coaching services this year.
In some ways, they are looking for the second round of funding. For instance, we heard that they needed support to print a new order of Gail’s books very quickly.
But most of all, their is the continuity and stability of a life of serving God very faithfully. They are an established “company” in so many ways, who has years of experience and success in reaching the goals that their Leader has set before them.
Now what does all fo this have to do with leadership and communication? Good leaders communicate. Great leaders communicate effectively. They communicate from the heart. They communicate openly and with no hidden agenda. And they communicate with a purpose to serve and support a greater cause. A great leader is a servant leader who opens up to those they serve, those they partner with, and those they are trying to reach in truth and in love. And then a great leader waits (upon the Lord) for the results, trusting that they will achieve all that they are called to do.
So yes, leadership does require good communication. Without leadership their is no trust. Without trust their is no relationship. Without relationship their is no sustainability.
Last night Gail and Tony opened their hearts to communicate as strong servant leaders the needs they have, the joy and excitement they feel about the future, and the opportunity that we all have to be a part of that vision. Not all of us will ever be able to command a pen and write a book, command the stage and speak with humor, conviction and eloquence, or command a radio microphone and reach millions. But we can be a part of that great work.
The simulcast is a little long (an hour) and I know that it is hard to take an hour out of a busy schedule to listen. So I would like to recommend that you “info-snack” a little this week. Save the link to the message and listen to a few minutes at the time. I know that you will be inspired.
Here’s the link:
Tony and Gail McWilliams, April 30 2013
Gail and Tony have used strong leadership and great communication to convey their needs to all of us, now what?
Take Action!
* Commit to Praying for their ministry
* Tell your friends.
* Share on Facebook
* Donate
Do one or all and be a part of changing the world!