Lesson Learned

Lately, I find myself wondering..
What makes a great leader?  What makes a great debater? What makes a great teacher? & What kind of person is the most influential?

Going back to September..
As I was leaving the Brigham City temple open house, I walked passed some protestors.  However, these were unlike protestors I had ever before encountered.  I agree with and completely support our country's freedoms, including freedom of speech so, I respected their decision to be at the temple, protesting if they so choose.  However, rather than rant, yell, and make a scene (like most protestors I have encountered) this family ever so respectfully of my rights (to enjoy my freedom of religious beliefs), quietly stood on the corner, holding their protesting signs and kindly asked if I "would like a paper, not LDS," they asked chuckling.  "No thank you," I said and continued on my way.  I haven't stopped thinking about that family.

A couple weeks later, the presidential debate was upon us.  As Obama and Romney duked it out on national television, I found myself thinking again.. What makes a great leader?  What makes a great debater? What makes a great teacher? & What kind of person is the most influential?  According to the polls and news articles I have read, Romney "won" the debate.  How is it that he won?

As I think about what qualities can be attributed to a great leader and how one can be "heard" especially amongst people with differing views, beliefs or opinions, I think about the different styles that reach me.  What style of debate is the most effective for me?  I have come to the conclusion that there are multiple styles that reach me however, some are completely ineffective.

You may be wondering.. What does the protestor and the presidential election have in common? Well, for me, both taught me about effective teaching.  The family on the corner taught me more through their meek and subtle protest, than any protestor screaming at the top of their lungs the same message.
LESSON: The loudest person in the room is often times not the one doing the teaching.  I felt that this family was more "Christian" than most of the so-called "Christians" I have encountered.  I felt that they were there protesting, probably out of love for their fellow man, and to share their own beliefs.. peacefully.

Romney was effective in the presidential debate, I believe, because rather than focus on Obama, he focused on himself and what he planned to do for the country.  Obama failed, in my opinion, because rather than focus on how he would improve the country, he focused almost solely on Romney's flaws.
LESSON: Whether discussing politics, religion, economy, etc... An effective debater/teacher/speaker will likely focus on their own knowledge.  They will build on their own topics and strengths rather than defaming, blaming, accusing, the other person/topic.  When focusing on the flaws of the opposing side, the opportunity to teach and build upon ones own cause is lost. This will likely cause people to lose respect and listen less.

Sing praises and build up your cause.  Strengthen your cause, not by tearing another person's cause down, but share information to increase knowledge on your own topic/cause.  Strengthen your cause by sharing knowledge related to your topic.   

If your cause is not strong enough to support itself without first proving how someone else is wrong, I personally will have difficulty, listening to you, or respecting your opinion on the matter you are trying to promote.  

This is what I have learned...