Craig Groeschel: Heart Over Head

The following are notes from Craig Groeschel’s closing talk at #GLS19. Use them to help you apply the content you learned at the Summit.

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

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

How do you do this?

Share stories purposefully.

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

How do we do this? Instruction in Craig’s podcast episode 51 and 53.

• Don’t feel pressured to know it all
• People want to follow a leader who’s than one who’s always right
• What had been stuck and stagnant came back to life
• You’re capable, you’re called, you’re gifted, you’re a masterpiece

Do what leaders do: Step into your calling and embrace your mission.

• Our world needs bold leaders
• Lead with profound humility and cast a vision for a brighter future
• Strive for excellence
• Confront injustice and right wrongs
• Everyone wins when the leader gets better
• Create, inspire, innovate
• Empower people to make a difference in the world.

You are a leader. You have influence.