January 30. How Many No's Does It Take To Get A Team To YES?

As a leader, how do we handle the answer no? As we lead and direct our teams the answer of no can lead to disappointment, frustration and sometimes even anger.

But an authentic no really means that a value proposition has not met the satisfaction to those that were offered the ability to make a decision. Sometimes a no is transformed when the proposition is shared a different way. "Can I have a piece of candy?" asked a child.

“No” says the mother at the checkout stand. Perhaps please might have transformed the next response. You might remember making that request as a child. It could be that you have been in that exchange at a store with a child where the conversation goes on and on.

We have been in places where the questions keep coming and the no answer keeps responding. Why can it take so many no’s to stop a barrage of requests? Persistence, desire, and tenacity can keep the question coming but without a transformation the answer might stay the same.

I have heard the question before, "How many times do I have to tell you no?" Maybe the answer for our teams when we hear no is to focus on our value proposition and communicate it in a different way. Even the child knows that he can reshape the question by going to ask dad or another person.

 The value proposition is more important and provides more value than a piece of candy to a child. An audit of the no’s of the past might be a place to find value. What is the first thing that you can do about it in the next seven days?

In the book of Exodus, God sent Moses to Pharaoh for a request. He sent him to ask Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go. God certainly took the opportunity to show his power and authority when the no kept coming from Pharaoh.

As the one making the decision, Pharaoh failed to modify his behavior from his no answers he gave. Sometimes we do not listen or study when we experience a no. I think that I can get into the same mindset that Pharaoh was with Moses in the passage.

My mindset can be that it is my way, or I have done it this way in the past. I can say, “It is my right, or I have the authority.” Are we listening for God in those moments and responding with something other than a no? It seems reasonable when I am saying no that God might be desiring a yes.

He might want my heart to soften some to honor his way, the way Christ taught. By what authority and perspective will we listen and react? Will it be the authority of our sinful self or will it be the authority given as a new people, saved through the sacrifice of Christ?

I ask Jesus, would you share your love and candy with us as ageless children, please? What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, our life is a continuous battle of no and to know. Thank you for your gift today of Jesus. We want to focus on knowing we are in a relationship. We want your love. Guide us today so that we might see where you have asked, and we have responded no.

Thank you for sharing your love and for turning us towards the yes. Help us to transform the questions and answers that honor you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,