TED is an acronym we use in part of our customer service training (thank you Mike Anderson). Part of what we teach is the importance of developing a relationship with each customer and provide Trust, Empathy and Direction. With the busyness of all the tasks that need to be accomplished, it is easy to fall into the habit of “processing” the customer rather than building a relationship with them. It is important that we build trust with the customer, we empathize (sincerely, not a fake or shallow gesture) with them and we must provide them direction on how to navigate the repair process. As I was thinking about our call as believers to be leaders in this world, I realized we too can fall into this trap of just “processing” people. Our lives are jam packed to where we live in a “can’t slow down mode” and we tend to overlook building relationships. In order for us to be effective leaders , we must embrace these three qualities – Trust, Empathy and Direction.
Before you can lead or have influence with anyone, you must first earn their TRUST. Take a look at Joseph with me. I think we all would agree he influenced others in every capacity he was in. First, in Potiphar’s home, he quickly earned Potiphar’s trust and was put in charge of everything he owned, then when Joseph was thrown in prison, there he earned the trust of the prison commander and all the prisoners were put under Joseph’s control, then he gained the trust of Pharoah and was put in control of all of Egypt. I would say trust is an integral part of leadership and we are all called to be leaders influencing the world for Christ.
Secondly, in order to lead people you must be in relationships and empathize with them. We must have EMPATHY for people, to be able to feel compassion of where they are. During Jesus’ ministry here on earth He demonstrated compassion over and over again. Matthew 9:36 says “He was moved with compassion.”. If He was not moved with compassion He would not have taken on the form of a man, suffered and died for all of us. He left His throne in Heaven with His Father for us. That is the ultimate compassion. I could continue siting all of His miracles healing and helping people, nevertheless bottom line, do we have compassion for others?
Finally, as believers we should be giving DIRECTION and pointing people to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me here, we are not to manipulate people, or try to “convert” them, rather our life should be an example for them to see Christ. We should be helping them navigate through this life, however before we can give direction, we must have trust and compassion.
