Killalea cites the new book by Margie Warrell titled Stop Playing Safe, who has picked the brains of some of the world's most influential business people, who says we are not doing enough to promote ourselves in the workplace and are being held back by a culture of fear of making mistakes.
"Until we are willing to put ourselves out there and take a risk, we will never be able to achieve professional success and achieve our potential. We need to take more risks, get out of our comfort zone and be willing to risk making mistakes and most of all recognise the value we bring," says Warrell.
With that in mind she says there's five easy steps we can take to get ahead, get noticed and move up the corporate ladder. It is these five tips that equally apply to one to one evangelism that caught my eye.
You be the judge.
Risk awkward conversations: speak candidly
This is part of the advice Margie Warrell offers: "...talk open and candidly, particularly where sensitive issues are concerned. It not only builds trust but also recognition and influence."
What a great parallel for one to one evangelism. Beating around the bush is seen as being nonsense. Others trust you when you speak into their hearts with such openness and sensitive straightness.
Risk ignorance: challenge assumptions
Margie Wallell in part says: "Those who are aware of their own ignorance will be more likely to navigate where they want to go much faster."
How crucial is this wisdom in one to one evangelism, as I for one can recall many a conversation where I didn't know the answer and affirmed that I'd do some research. This is the type of honesty that those to whom we're speaking accept with candour and brings across a consistency of truth.
Risk rejection: flout conformity
How's this for good advice from Margie Wallel: ".... conforming is not only regressive but holds you back from standing out. Being willing to own what makes you unique, to walk your own path, express your own opinion and do what's true for you - versus what others expect of you - is not easy, yet it's crucial to your success and it's what sets you apart from the crowd."
There is nothing more boring when someone is hearing out a clearly learnt route "Plan of Salvation" from memory or a tract. Being your unique self in one to one evangelism is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons the Lord have given you from birth.
Risk imperfect decisions: be decisive despite uncertainty
And what about this - "Taking action, even if it's wrong is ultimately more fruitful and productive than doing nothing at all. Waiting until you have all the information can prove costly and inhibiting. In a world where change is happening fast and the windows of opportunity are limited, indecision can be costly,"
Wow – what brilliant wisdom in one to one evangelism. Go for it. When the Holy Spirit urges, don't do nothing is so lame. When bringing this wonderful good news of Jesus, never be indecisive. It's the most remarkable news anyone will hear in their life time.
Toot your own horn
The author argues there's a distinctive difference between promoting yourself to stroke an insecure ego and sharing your value without sounding like a "braggart" or someone who brags too much. In today's competitive workplace, unless you are willing to toot your own horn from time to time, you run the risk of being left behind. It's no longer about what or who you know but it's more a case of who knows what you know.
I for one cannot recall how many times in my one to one evangelism that the enquirer was interested by the mere presence of someone who obviously knew something about the subject. We've all heard the saying, 'The blind leading the blind" and its clear for all to see those who express themselves in such a way that this statement is more true than ever.
In other words, your integrity for being known as someone who holds something precious and willing to share this incredible joy is beyond value.
There they are, these five tips from Margie Wallel for the work place being paralleled in one to one evangelism.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
