Matthew 11:1 “When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.”    

When I assumed the responsibilities as President of Texas A&M University, I asked the outgoing President for any word of counsel and advice he would give me.  His immediate words were, “communicate, communicate, communicate.”  This fundamental principle of leadership reminded of the similar words in real estate, “location, location, location.”  Jesus is our perfect role model for leadership, and he carefully applied the leadership trait throughout his time on earth and now through the Holy Spirit in each of us.  In our verse from Matthew this week, we see how he instructed, taught and preached wherever he went and interacted.  Research and experience show that communication is the most frequent leadership activity and an important trait of a leader.  While Jesus taught and communicated with groups of thousands, he clearly communicated with those whom he led such as the disciples.  He communicated with both care and conviction.  We must emulate him to be an effective leader. 

A closer look at how Jesus communicated, we see five (5) major ways: 1) By asking questions? 2) Through speaking truth, 3) By engaging the other person (s), 4) Through parables and stories and 5) By listening and even being silent at times.  Our best example of communication is clearly Jesus.  It is interesting that God and Jesus both knew the answer before asking a question.  When God asked Adam where he was, he already knew and wanted Adam to admit where he was.  Jesus used questions with the blind man and the woman at the well in a similar way.  Jesus gave us many stories and parables to communicate truths from real and spiritual life.  He gives us life experiences to share and impact those we lead.  Yes, there are times to listen and be silent and much can be communicated through it.  When Jesus was brought before the chief priests and Pilate, he remained silent and refused to engage in an argument with his accusers.  His previous actions and words had already confirmed his position.  I have personally had to apply this form of communication in some leadership roles and have found it to be hard to do.  Jesus never compromised conviction and always communicated with love and truth.  A leader must always, “communicate, communicate, communicate.”