James Galloway

Last night I spent 20 minutes on the phone and was struck by the volume of information/revelation that I downloaded.

Pastor Dave Gilpin of Hope City Church was patient enough to give me time out of his busy schedule to fire several questions at him in order to help me at this stage in my leadership journey.

I love Dave. I think he is awesome.

Here are five tips to help you learn in a more successful manner:

1. Ask questions of people of a proven track record

There are so many theorists on this avenue called 'leadership'. The thing I love about Dave the most is not his creative flair (which is most admirable), or his prophetic edge (he is sure saying something to this nation); even his apostolic networking; but his proven track record.

When downloading from Dave, I'm not receiving from a manual or an academic, (which are good) but I'm receiving proven revelation from an active practitioner.

Please don't allow the rhetoric to fool you. Look at the fruit and build accordingly. Get a 'Dave'; someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

2. Don't be an island

I love the UK. It is the BEST place to live on the planet! Serious!! If you are reading this from anywhere else on the planet, you need to emigrate to the UK - you're missing out!!

The one problem we have though is that we are an island. Not that being an island is a bad thing but it produces something in our worldview.

As an islander we always fall back to our default position of 'backs to the wall'.

One of the worst/most difficult ways that you can learn is from a 'defence mode' posture.

Please don't learn to validate your present activity. Learn to advance your present activity.

3. Accept you don't know everything

It is kinda impossible to learn any more when one considers themselves full. I choose to live naive; innocent; young and just setting out. I've lived in an environment that assessed everything against what they already knew - it's not a good place, even Pharisaic.

Live free, not having to prove yourself. Live vulnerable. You'll learn easier!!

4. Savour the gems

Last night, when I got off the phone I was bouncing. Simply because I value the gems that come from great men of God. I am privileged to have the private numbers and email addresses of some great people - I savour and protect that privilege, I don't brag or name drop (not often anyway!!).

When you get a gem of a revelation, don't abuse it, savour it. It is my personal belief that all revelation comes at a cost. That revelation that you receive from another came at a cost that you got for free!!

Savour it.

5. ??

Don't know a fifth.

Except save room. Always.

You'll always discover more later on in the journey so never seal your knowledge. Never deem yourself complete in a certain area. If you do, you'll have no more room for fresh revelation and learning will cease.

That's it.

Leaders are learners.

P.S. Thanks Dave!!