Good Advice Is More Than a Quick Quote

Poor Richard's Almanac, 1739
Poor Richard's Almanac, 1739 (Wikimedia Commons)

Aphorisms can be harmful.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is an example of an aphorism that could guide the decision making of a leader. Obviously, there are many more reasons for change than breakage but it's a nice saying.

Poor Richard's Almanac was written under a pseudonym of Ben Franklin's fictional ghostwriter. Franklin published the Almanac from 1733-1758. The book is the origin of such oft-repeated aphorisms as "the early bird gets the worm," "a penny saved is a penny earned" and "early to bed, early to rise, make a man healthy, wealthy and wise."

The issue with many "isms" is that the one-liners are advice from man. Many times an inappropriate decision is made from the advice from a simple quote with unknown context.

A leader has few counselors. Hopefully a leader will only receive counsel from godly men and women and, furthermore, only from known prayer warriors.

The best book for leadership advice ever written is the book of Proverbs. I'm consistently amazed at the clear direction provided by the Proverbs to virtually every business and leadership quandary.

The Holy Spirit provides wise counsel through the Word of God.

 


 

Today's Scripture

"But when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own authority. But He will speak whatever He hears, and He will tell you things that are to come" (John 16:13).

 


 

Platform Tip No. 38

Listen to how you answer questions today. Note the question and your answer. It's very likely that you are asked and you answered a question relevant to your message.

Be mindful throughout this week of how you hear yourself speaking your message with repetition and clarity.

Capture your content as you speak and write.

Then select the platform and add frequency.

 


 

Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?

Send for my free series of lessons titled, "The Fundamentals of Creating, Curating and Developing Content for Multiple Platforms." Send your request to: [email protected].

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Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president—Media Group, Charisma Media. Sign up here for Dr. Greene's newsletters.


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