Interpersonal Skills

1. Emotional Intelligence

• Why it matters: Leadership involves dealing with people’s emotions and personalities. EQ helps prevent conflicts and builds stronger bonds.
• Biblical basis: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15).
• Practices:
  • Be self-aware—control your own emotions in tough moments.
  • Show empathy—step into members’ shoes.
  • Don’t lash out; respond thoughtfully.

Practical Example:
 If a member is moody during meetings, privately check in later with kindness instead of rebuking them in public.

2. Active Listening

• Why it matters: People want to feel heard. Listening creates openness and trust.
• Biblical basis: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19).
• Practices:
  • Don’t interrupt when someone shares.
  • Ask clarifying questions.
  • Repeat back their thoughts to show you understand.

Practical Example:
 When a member says, “I feel overlooked,” respond: “So you’re saying you’d like more involvement—let’s see how we can plug you in.”

3. Encouragement & Recognition

• Why it matters: Recognition fuels motivation. People thrive when their efforts are appreciated.
• Biblical basis: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thess. 5:11).
• Practices:
  • Praise small achievements (bringing a guest, consistent attendance).
  • Share testimonies of members in meetings.
  • Affirm discouraged members with kind words.

Practical Example:
 Celebrate a member who invited their first guest by publicly appreciating them during the meeting.