issue 9 bull's eye

Complimentary copyNot for sale

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On target for aSupernatural move of God

Who do you want to attract?Are you reaching your target?

Are you asking the right questions?

Bull’s eye

Arguing withhOnOur

One of the most important tools in business today is NETWORKING. If nobody knows about your business you are invisible.

Join a Networking group that is serious about Business and about keeping Christ as our centre and foundation.

OUR MISSION• To grow, equip and encourage Christian business owners• To extend God’s Kingdom by using our unique marketplace gifting to

bring finances into our local churches • To give exposure to each member’s product or service so that we can

support and refer business to one another • To create a culture of excellence, integrity and accountability in Business

JOIN US

Each meeting features a 30-minute talk on a topic that will help you build your business – plus lots of great networking time over coffee and

muffins.

Contact Tracey Olivier for more information. Tel: 084 548 4720 or Email: [email protected]

Highway AreaWhen: 13 Oct & 10 Nov 2011

Durban NorthWhen: 18 Oct & 15 Nov 2011

Cost: R50 members, R80 non-members

PietermaritzburgWhen: 20 Oct & 17 Nov 2011

Durban South (Toti)When: 25 Oct & 22 Nov 2011

Time: 8.00 am -10am

is produced by:

Tracey Olivier - [email protected]

Belinda Peck - [email protected]

Elaine Young - [email protected]

Steve Joubert - Ad [email protected]

Ruth Brophy PlowmanPublising consultant

and is printed by: DNA Print (Pty) Ltd. [email protected]

CONTENTSVOICE OF THE PROPHETOn target for a supernatural move of God 8

HEART OF THE PASTORWho do you want to attract? 11

HAND OF THE HARVESTERBull’s Eye, Hitting your target! 16Understanding your target market 20Save the Question! 23Arguing with Honour 26

IN EVERY ISSUEWhere to find CONNECT 3Letter from the Editor 4The Rest is HIStory 28Advertising Information 30

CONNECT is available at the following locations:

AmanzimtotiSweetwaters Full Gospel ChurchKingsway Church

Durban North -Living Waters Church

EmpangeniChristian Family Church

HillcrestGraceHill ChurchFocus On The Family BookshopHillcrest Christ Church

Kloof/Gillitts Kloof Harvest ChurchSarepta ChurchKloof Baptist ChurchSt. Angus ChurchKloof Catholic Church Kloof Methodist Church

Morningside The Olive TreeArtisan & Well Hairdressers Lambert Road Baptist Church

Musgrave/GlenwoodScripture UnionSt Olav’s ChurchHis People Church

Pinetown/WestmeadHighway Christian CommunityPinetown Baptist ChurchDoxa DeoFour Ways Spar

PietermaritzburgAfrican EnterprisesThe Coffeeberry Cafe All Saints Church

UmhlangaUmhlanga Harvest

WestvilleWestville Methodist Church, Westville Baptist Church, Westville Presbyterian Church

Please let us know if you wish to distribute the CONNECT magazine in your church or business.

4 | www.connectmagazine.co.za

VOICE OF THE PROPHET

1. Target (n. tärgit) 1. an objective or result toward which efforts are directed

When asked

the question, “Who is your target

market?” I have heard many new business owners say, “Everyone! Everyone needs my product or service”. I discovered the hard way – as they will – that this is not the case. It is vitally important to have a clear understanding of exactly who your customer is. If you don’t, you will waste your time, talent and resources (seed) on unfruitful ground and this will not produce the harvest you are hoping for. You need to make sure you are sending the right message of who you are and what you offer to the right audience for your product or service.

At Connect we are very clear about who we are looking for as our customers or partners. We have a mandate to be a Kings’ Directory with a two-fold mission: to Encourage, Inspire and Equip marketplace Christians and to showcase Kingdom Businesses. So we are looking for people who want to impact the marketplace as ambassadors of the Kingdom, and extend the Kingdom by growing their time, talent and treasures through their businesses. We are looking for people who are excellent in business (not perfect – there is a difference). People who understand the value of honouring their brothers and sisters in Christ

through their marketplace giftings and through their business dealings. Oh yes, and we are looking for paying customers! I say that tongue in cheek, but this – not paying or not expecting to pay for a service – is something that is surprisingly common in Christian circles. This is not honouring our brothers and sisters in business and we are killing the businesses they represent.

While the theme of this issue is ‘Targeting your Market’, it is interesting that each of our contributors touch on the subject of Honour – honouring fellow workers, honouring prophets, honouring your customers by keeping your word. It’s more than a coincidence – God clearly wants us to sit up and take notice of what He is saying on this subject.

I recently met a wonderful Accountant, Jenny, who was talking about when Jesus appeared to the disciples after they had been fishing all night and caught nothing. When they obeyed Him and threw their nets off the other side of the boat, they netted a huge catch – they even had to call others to come help them pull it in. There is plenty of “fish” or business out there for all of us. I believe that if we are attentive to His Voice and leading, and we honour and partner with one another instead of competing with one another, there will be plenty to go around for everyone. God is not a God of scarcity, He is a God of plenty. Choose not to participate in the recession; listen for which side to put your nets over...

If we are poised ready to use our finances to

TARGETING YOUR MARKET


1. Target (n. tärgit) 1. an objective or result toward which efforts are directed

“be generous on all accounts” and to extend the Kingdom of God, to feed the poor and clothe those who are cold, we are doing the will of the Father.

Let’s seek His Kingdom first and all the other things will be added to us.

Blessings

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER http://Twitter.com/Connectbizmag

BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/connectbizmag1

ww.connectmagazine.co.za

WhAT’S hAPPEnInG?

We would like to CONNECT people in business. If you have a meeting or

ministry for the Marketplace Christian we would like you to be able to let people

know about it.

Remember that we bring out a new issue every two months so you will have to plan

ahead and give us your dates 3 months ahead. See page 30 for deadline dates.

Kloof Country MarketTina’s Hotel the First Saturday of every month,

Contact Linda on 082 454 3181

Making the Connection21 October 2011, in Kloof 8am - 11am

See pg 18 Contact Sherrene at [email protected]

Mooiplaas Community Toy Story Tea

29 October 2011, Highway Christian Community. 10am - 1pm

Contact Bev Baxter 082 920 5798A craft market with a difference to bless

the children of Mooiplaas, Vryheid. Cost: a new toy or R50 donation per

family attending

Send your info to [email protected]



People ascribe ‘success’ in the marketplace to a multitude of different factors – “I was in the right place at the right time”.... “It

was God’s favour”.... “I have prayed so hard”... “My business plan is brilliant”... “The market was just right for my product”... And yes, all these do play a part in success. But I have noticed in the Word that miracles are consistently released when a particular characteristic is displayed – Honour.

Are we on target for the supernatural moves of God in our homes, business and church?

In Mark 6:1-6 Jesus said that a Prophet is not without Honour – except in his own home, town or city. This passage shows that when Jesus returned to Nazareth where He grew up and wanted to impart the power of God in their midst, he was unable to because “Honour”

was absent. Prophets do carry honour, but unless they are received for who they are, what they carry cannot be passed on. Even Jesus the Son of Man, the Son of God on earth, could do no mighty miracles in Nazareth.

Now I am sure you have wondered, as I have, “Where are the miracles in the church?”

In Matthew 10:41-42 Jesus teaches that if we RECEIVE a Prophet in the name of a Prophet, we will receive a Prophet’s reward. The Prophet carries something – but in order for us to have what he carries, we have to receive him as a Prophet! In the light

of this, where Honour is afforded the “office” of the Prophet, the reward is miraculous... you get what that “office” carries. So miracles can be experienced in Christians’ lives and circumstances; it is up to us to Honour the gift that is sent.

ON TARGETFor a Supernatural

move of God

Are we on target for the supernatural moves of God in our

homes, business and church?


www.connectmagazine.co.za | 9

HAND OF THE HARVESTER

Familiarity is the reason why very little happens in many churches. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 tells us exactly why these new believers had turned the whole of Asia upside down: they believed that the Word in these men, was actually the Word that was from God for them.

Talking about prophets, look at Genesis 20:7. God saw Abraham in that scenario as a Prophet. Abimelech was told that if this prophet prayed for them, he would live. But if he didn’t, then...! Abimelech did the right thing and lived. Wrapped up in the anointing of the Prophet is the ability to bring life. So if we receive a prophet in the name of a prophet, we will have his reward.... We live, and those circumstances trying to throttle and destroy us will have to deal with the miraculous release of life to them!

God sends us ‘gift’ men and women. Because it is from Him, the “office” they carry will work miracles in us and our circumstances. For example, if I listen to the revelatory word of God in a financial mentor, then I will have what he carries. If I receive my pastor as a man with a word from God, then I will have what he carries. If I accept my husband as the “priest” of our home, as the man of God to it, then what God has put on him will be mine. If I honour my wife as my help-meet then what God has put on her will be released into our home and destiny...and so on!

For the business community, the “Honour” of the man of God in your life, the “Honour” of the Word of God when it comes to finances, will lead to miracles in your business. God was never caught unaware in the flood or the drought or the no-hope circumstance. No matter what the case, HE always prevailed.

So don’t hold back in a time of recession on your “Honour”. Honour is the very characteristic that releases miracles to you. God wants you to have overflow and excess. Proverbs 3:9-10 tells you how to get it: “Honour the Lord with your possessions and with the first fruits of

all your increase. So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

One of the men of God that comes to our shores as part of the Kings.net team related this story. Some years ago his daughter was diagnosed with multiple tumours. The final prognosis from the specialists was that she would not make past junior high! He and his wife were gutted. Then his wife got up and said to him, “Man of God, do what you need to do” and she left the room. (No pressure!) When my friend prayed, a short time later they discovered that every tumour had dissolved. She was completely healed. One of the keys in this miracle was the “Honour” of the

“office” the wife called for in her husband. She received what he carried.

My business is destined to succeed. I will honour God’s financial mentors and word on finances.

Allan RockhillFounder of Kings.Net [email protected]

So don’t hold back in a time of recession

on your “Honour”.Honour is the very characteristic that releases miracles

to you.



HEART OF THE PASTOR

I would like to approach the concept of “reaching your target market” from a slightly different perspective. I want to address two

issues – targeting your church activities and targeting your potential leaders. Then we can look at how this might apply to targeting staff and potential customers.

We had the privilege of spending some time with Danny Silk (Bethel Church, Reading) a few weeks ago and discussing (amongst other things) the process of bringing leaders onto our teams. He had been talking about the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4) – how the input of each ministry is needed in all churches and how this can effect who we bring onto leadership teams. One person asked if Bethel ever looked at the “gift/ministry” they were lacking and then brought someone onto the team with that gift.

Danny had an interesting response that opened up a whole new perspective on leadership and even management within a business context.

“We don’t specifically look for the gift,” he said. “Instead we look for the person who can fit into our ‘family’ leadership team. Effectively someone with the same DNA.”

He went on to comment that in leadership, the focus on Honour that underpins the Bethel

team means that the relationship between people is more important than being ‘technically’ right. Honour is where the love relationship between people survives their differences in point of view.

So when asking, “Who do I want to target for my leadership/management team?” perhaps part of the answer is “Who has my DNA” and “Who can I see fitting into the family of my team?”

On a similar note, but even more of a curve ball for many, will be the question church leaders must ask themselves: “Who am I targeting with my church?”

Now this will come as a surprise for many people, but my answer to this must always be God!

Matthew 6:33 says “Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness” and Psalm

So when asking, “Who do I want

to target for my leadership/

management team?” perhaps part of the answer is “Who has my DNA” and “Who can I see fitting into

the family of my team?”

Who do you want to attract to the church more?

People or God?

HEART OF THE PASTOR


HEART OF THE PASTOR

127:1 says that unless God builds the house, we labour in vain. About two years ago our church was doing well and looked like a successful church by all the traditional measures (i.e. how big is your church?)

Then during a time with God He spoke to our lead pastor and said, “Do you mind if I build my church?” Now when God steps in and speaks like that you know that you are missing something important. We were building our church, but not building His Church!

What I’m about to say now will offend many – but hey, I’m thousands of kilometres away from most of you so here goes:

We are meant to be building our churches for God, not for the people!

So when answering the question about knowing your target market, for church leadership it is very simple and VERY SCARY –

Our target must be “meeting God and building His way.”

Of course we all say – that’s my church. Sorry but we had a great church and we missed it. We can have large churches and great home cell programmes…but if we never encounter God then what have we really built? So as you target your church activities at “meeting the people’s needs” or “meeting the church’s needs”, take a moment to ask the question: Who do you want to attract to the church more? People or God? And depending on your answer you may find some changes necessary.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY BUSINESS?So can we apply this to our businesses? I’m glad you asked this because I believe it is very appropriate!

When we look at customers and target markets we must ask: “Who does God want me to

work with?” and “Who will be long-term quality clients (partners) who will bless my business and be blessed by me?”

The same goes for hiring staff or taking business partners. Do we just target those who can benefit our business OR do we look deeper into God’s plans and ask, “Who will become my partner or family in the business, and who will I be able to trust with this important piece of God’s strategy for His kingdom?”

The questions are different from just profit and sales numbers when we take into account that our jobs and our businesses are for God’s purposes, not our own!

Finally, this question is even appropriate for our personal walks with God. In what you do, what you focus on every day – are you targeting “working” for God or “meeting” with Him? Jesus came to restore what was lost at the Fall – our dominion over the earth, our position as sons in God’s family and intimacy with God.

So as you read all these exciting and God-inspired contributions, will your next

step be to “target your actions” or to “target your heart” at God and spend some time with Him?

If we get what we focus on then why not focus on God and then, according to His promises, everything else will be taken care of.

Blessings and favour to you all.

Kim WhiteHorizon Church, NZhttp://dreamingwithpurpose.co.nz/

HEART OF THE PASTOR

When we look at customers and target

markets we must ask: “who does god

want me to work with?” And “who will be long-term quality

clients (partners) who will bless my business and be blessed by me?”

work with?” and “Who will be long-term quality clients (partners) who will bless my business and be blessed by me?”

The same goes for hiring staff or taking business partners. Do we just target those who can benefit our business OR do we look deeper into God’s plans and ask, “Who will become my partner or family in the business, and who will I be able to trust with this important piece of God’s strategy for His kingdom?”

The questions are different from just profit and sales numbers when we take into account that our jobs and our businesses are for God’s purposes, not our own!

Finally, this question is even appropriate for our personal walks with God. In what you do, what you focus on every day – are you targeting “working” for God or “meeting” with Him? Jesus came to restore what was lost at the Fall – our dominion over the earth, our position as sons in God’s family and intimacy with God.

So as you read all these exciting and God-inspired contributions, will your next

step be to “target your actions” or to “target your heart” at God and spend some time with Him?

If we get what we focus on then why not focus on God and then, according to His promises, everything else will be taken care of.

Blessings and favour to you all.

Kim WhiteHorizon Church, NZhttp://dreamingwithpurpose.co.nz/


The Spirit of God flows through each of us and when we allow Christ to be our saviour, our life becomes so much easier. Jeremiah 29:11

states: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. That promise should be evident in our lives and our business. I believe that Christ equips us with tools to be the best we can be. When we listen to Christ and use His tools, His Word, and His voice, our obedience culminates in our reaching our optimal BEST.

In my humble opinion, I believe that as individuals and entrepreneurs we are meant to excel at our passion and live an abundant life as Christians. We all need the right tools to make our small business into a thriving success. God’s plans for us are to help us reach our target in our business. I feel that an entrepreneur’s solution to success is similar to a game of archery. We take aim with an intention to reach our target.

Consider these factors when “taking aim” to launch your business in the right direction:

1Focus on the target. Decide how you are going to achieve ultimate success (your

target), then create goals and keep your eye on them all the time. Remember that every target has an expiry date so work within that date. Make the best decisions within that short space of time and stay focussed – don’t allow circumstance to interfere with achieving your goals.

2Use the correct tools.In a game of archery,

you don’t use a rock to hit your target – you use a bow and arrow, and then you see results. In reaching your

target in business, you need to use the correct tools of marketing and advertising for your niche market. These include doing some basic market research, such as:

I believe that as individuals and

entrepreneurs we are meant to excel at our

passion and live an abundant life as Christians.

Are you reaching your target?


BULL’S EYE



• What do my ideal customers need?

• Where do they shop?

• What are their salary brackets?

• What would make them purchase my product or service?

• How am I different from my competitor?

• What newspaper do they read?

• Do they use social media?

• Do they listen to the radio or watch television?

• What are their preferences to certain products?

• What area do they live in?

• What schools and universities do their children attend?

When these questions are answered you can implement your marketing strategies. A successful marketing plan can only be implemented when you have answered these questions – and only after that should you begin your marketing.

3Clear out obstacles. In order to win at archery, you

need to clear out all obstacles and hurdles. In reaching your target, you need to work hard at clearing away all negative influences. For example:• Always establish open communication with your customer in the form of suggestion boxes, surveys and competitions. • Make your company/shop easily accessibleto everyone.• Try to eliminate the hassles of everyday life. Remember, everyone these days is busy and convenience is a priority and a necessity.

4Stick to your schedule. In archery, there are rules you have to play within. You have

to stick to a schedule and not allow the game to come to a standstill. In business, we all have schedules and when we keep our word regarding those schedules, we can only prosper. When you

say you are available from 09h00 to 17h00, you should stay within those schedules and not open at 11h00. Your word is your honour; don’t let your honour be tainted in business. We are a reflection of Christ and our actions need to portray that.

5Other variations. In archery, the wind, the lighting or blurred vision can cause us to miss

the target. The harsh reality is that, in business, we also need to plan for other variations and defeat the ‘unexpected’ by expecting it. For example, there is always the threat of power outages, so plan by having a generator on hand. Take steps to prevent crime by investing in proper security. Make sure there is enough parking for your customers and make sure your company is visible. You don’t want to let your targeted ‘quarry’ get away for a silly reason that has nothing to do with your product or service!

6Correct methods tried and tested to hit the target. Always plan ahead to make a success

of your company. Just like in archery, there are plenty of studies available on how to reach your

target market in business. Do some research and find out the best method of reaching your target. With the power of knowledge behind you, you can hit the bull’s eye on your first attempt.

These simple yet effective methods can assist you in

reaching your target. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us what God plans for us, so together with God, our steps in business can only be prosperous. Use the foundation of Christ to build your corporation and reach your target of success with precision, proper planning and the power of research.

Shirley MaritzMD, Elezar [email protected]

God’s plans for us are to help us reach

our target in our business

Christian Business Magazinepresents

“Making the ion”

We are excited to invite you to the launch of our “Making the CONNECTion” seminars that are geared to leave you Encouraged, Inspired and Equipped.

If you are a business owner or wish to be a business owner one day, these breakfast seminars are for you!

PURPOSE | PASSION | PERSEVERANCE

Hayley Ryan is a Life and Personal Development Coach. She is passionate about assisting people discover their life purpose, self esteem building and being internally self motivated. Hayley will show you why it is so important to know and live with PURPOSE.

Brad Sadler is the Pastor of GraceHill Church, an Inspirational Speaker and founder of Pros and ExCons, which took the message of the consequences of fraud to corporates all over SA. Brad will tell you how to live this life of purpose with PASSION

Tracey Olivier is the Owner & Editor of Connect Magazine, Founder of KBN and Life Purpose Coach. She is passionate about encouraging those in the marketplace. Tracey will tell you what the secret of a passionately purposeful life is... PERSEVERANCE

Date: 21 October 2011 Time: 8am - 11am Cost: R250 per personFor more information and bookings, please email [email protected]

We are now accepting admissions for 2012

Pre-school to Grade 12

Date: 21 October 2011 Time: 8am - 11am Cost: R250 per personFor more information and bookings, please email [email protected]

hiGhwAy COllEGE

P I N E T O W N � K W A Z U L U - N A T A LServing the Highway Community since 1991

For more information Call 031 701 2239 Visit us at the corner of Bevis and Oppenheimer roads in Pinetown, alternatively email [email protected]

We are now accepting admissions for 2012

Pre-school to Grade 12

“PreparingChristian ambassadors

for the workplace.”

When I ask most businesses whotheir target market is, I get the ‘hmm song’ over and over!

The first step to a successful business is to understand exactly who your clients are. A targeted market is defined as an aimed attack (marketing efforts) on a specific locale where buyers and sellers gather to exchange your specific goods and services.

THERE ARE 4 EASY STEPS

1Focus – Create a profile of yourexisting customers.

2Aim – Segment them into groups ofA, B and C, prioritising clients from

most desired to least desired.

3Connect – How to reach them anddetermine making them your customers.

• Successful businesses focus on reaching 10% of their desired market and convince them 100% of the way regarding their goods and services.

• Unsuccessful businesses focus on reaching 100% of their desired market and only convince them 10% of the way regarding your goods and services.


4Retain – Most businesses focus on what they offer and not why customers should

use their products and services (i.e. how it will meet their needs). Make sure that your target market knows the benefits you offer, compared to competing businesses. Then make sure you hold onto your hard-won customers by giving them the benefits you promised them – and more!

Remember: 80% of your business comes from just 20% of your clients (Richard Koch).

The best ads focus on the customer’s needs versus your business product or service, and it all starts with a good creative idea.

Summary: Focus – Aim – Connect – Retain!

Mike OlivierOwner of Speak to [email protected]


FOCUSAIM

CONNECTRETAIN!

4Retain – Most businesses focus on what they offer and not why customers should

use their products and services (i.e. how it will meet their needs). Make sure that your target market knows the benefits you offer, compared to competing businesses. Then make sure you hold onto your hard-won customers by giving them the benefits you promised them – and more!

Remember: 80% of your business comes from just 20% of your clients (Richard Koch).

The best ads focus on the customer’s needs versus your business product or service, and it all starts with a good creative idea.

Summary: Focus – Aim – Connect – Retain!

Mike OlivierOwner of Speak to [email protected]

WH

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Johnny Beggs @ the Sound desk

Nelson Mandela Stadium with helen Scholtz

isabell Botha in Shenzhen, China

Elaine, Chloe and Rhys at the hole in the wall

We are looking for the photo of places you and your CONNECT magazine have gone. Post them on our Facebook page and we will feature the best ones in the next two issues.We will announce the WINNERS in the December/January issue. Some of these photos were taken with cell phones so the quality might be less than perfect.

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I remember back in 2002 when the diagnostics company for which I worked, allowed me to choose my first new car.

Based on my own needs and preferences at the time, it came down to a choice between two VW models, the Golf IV and the Jetta IV. For the purpose of this blog, my choice of car is not important. Very pertinent, however, was my insanely heightened awareness of VWs on the road (and anywhere else for that matter) as I neared a final decision.

Nine years later I’m a part-time ‘Life Coach’, and questions have become my new VW. Everywhere I go, I’m acutely aware of good versus poor questioning – and more often than not, the absence of questioning where it would have been most valuable.

Through these newly-acquired lenses, even my preconceptions of Christ have had to be re-examined. I’ve always thought of Jesus as the God-man with all the answers; a Google-search-engine-in-the-flesh whose divinely eloquent answers would come marching out in

military precision, on cue every time.Jesus, however, appears to have served up

as many questions as He did statements – and in great variety too. Sometimes His questions were rhetorical, richly infused with a metaphor that would reveal the absurdity of a particular argument. Other times, like a master surgeon, He would use questions as a scalpel to slice through the skin of outward appearances to reveal a person or group’s real spiritual condition, before dealing with them on that level. And very often (in flagrant violation of my mother’s teaching), Jesus even dared to answer a question with a question of His own.

In my opinion (and opinions are like noses; everyone has one and they usually have a couple of holes in them), the capacity to employ good questioning is no less an endangered species than the handful of Amur Leopard which still roam the remote parts of Russia. While I’m mindful that my chances of finding a benevolent billionaire to fund my Save the Question campaign fall somewhere

Three reasons why asking questions is

good for you – and your business




between ‘say that again’ and ‘cut down on the ketamine’; I’m choosing to raise my voice in support of abandoned questioning skills everywhere.

Social Media gurus like Jason Baer inform me that WHY must come before HOW, i.e. before I start throwing out all sorts of tools and techniques for skilful questioning, I need to convince the reader of the infinite worth of good questions (or at least blister my fingertips trying).

Here, then, are some benefits of good questioning:

Benefit #1:Good questioning improves the quality of interpersonal relationships

Benefit #2:Questions enable people

to plot their own position and bearing on an issue

To put it another way, good questioning creates the necessary space for someone to gather their personal perspectives and beliefs together, and place them at the forefront of their mind. Statements seldom (if ever) achieve this, as the following true story illustrates:

of executive leadership gushes from James’ mouth. Maintaining her

composure, Sharon inquires, “What support would be

most valuable to you right now?” James is

already noticeably calmer as he gulps down a chunk of

steaming pride and humbly requests an

education in spreadsheet formulas.


In the centre of a restaurant, two large marine fish tanks stand back to back. One tank offers a scene that would give Disney’s Finding Nemo a good run for its money, While the other is full of crayfish. From opposite sides of what appeared to be the same tank, Johnny and Jenny are merrily screaming their observations to each other – much to the bemusement of the other patrons. “Wow! It’s so colourful!” Johnny blasts, as he absorbs the multi-hued array of anemones, fish, tube worms and corals. On the other side, giant crayfish scuttle along the bleak gravel bottom as their fate hangs in the balance while a dinner party of twelve peruses the menu. “Noooo! It’s ugly and freaky!” yells Jenny.

As the minute hand on his desk clock loudly hacks its way towards the deadline, James is on the verge of a panic attack. The Sales Director has brought his annual performance review forward by three valuable hours, and. James’ inability to figure out the required spreadsheet formulas is being broadcast to the neighbouring cubicles with increasingly frequent profanity. Several colleagues have made an attempt at dialogue, each with his own variation of, “Hey James, are you okay?” The results were poor, and now everyone is staying well clear of the human pressure cooker – James is clearly NOT okay. And then, in her usual bewildering confidence, Sharon strolls into the war zone and asks, “What’s the matter, James?” A flood of colourful description covering everything from modern technology to the arrogance

In homes, schools, offices and recreational areas all over the world, misaligned conversations like this one happen every day. Two (or more) people gaze upon the same object (or issue) from completely different perspectives and arrive at vastly different opinions or beliefs – worse still, few ever realise it. Until you ask what the other person is seeing, you will never see an issue from his/her perspective.

Benefit #3:Good questions unlock understanding

With this being my first ever blog post – and as a case in point – I arrived on the scene with a large bag of ignorance slung over my ambitious shoulder. I make no apologies then, for having asked a plethora of questions (ranging from ‘Why ask questions’ to ‘How many words should a blog post be’) along the way. Oh! Whilst meandering through the scenic online boulevards of questions and answers, I stumbled across this gem of a quote:

“There is no such thing as ‘dumb questions’ only ‘dumb people’, and ‘dumb people’ often tend to remain

dumb unless they learn to ask intelligent questions...” *

I still regularly encounter people who are scared to ask questions for fear of being exposed as ‘stupid’ or ‘foolish’.

I frequently have the privilege of rubbing shoulders with a mixture of esteemed captains of industry and pioneering academics – as well as teenage surfers, elderly receptionists and middle-aged mechanics. They all seem to have one thing in common: a positive response to intelligent questions. Put me in a room with anyone – seriously, I mean anyone – and I bet you a three-course dinner for five that in a matter of minutes I’ll have him or her genuinely

engaged, unpacking his/her thoughts and perspectives on an issue and enhancing my own understanding in the process.

What would an improved ability to ask good questions do for you and your business?

Simon [email protected]

*Sourced from: http://www.kaschassociates.com/orgcom/417philedu.htm

This was taken from Simon’s blog with permission. www.simonkozlowski.blogspot.com




The word ‘relationship’ literally means ‘connection’ or ‘to connect’. Think about it. Sometimes when you meet someone you

just ‘click’ with them. This click is the sound of a connection happening. That ‘connection’ with someone it is an absolutely fantastic thing to have. It might be a romantic connection, or a friendship connection, or even a work connection. These connections, or relationships as we normally refer to them, make life worth the living. Conflict, fighting and arguing are the greatest threats to relationships because, if they are not handled correctly, they can leave our connections broken. We are so quick today to cut people out of our lives and continue as if the relationship never even happened. This leaves more and more people hurt, untrusting and cynical of relationships.

Is it possible to argue with a friend, spouse, family member or colleague in such a way that that argument builds and does not break your relationship? Is it possible to ‘argue with honour’?The word ‘honour’ means ‘to greatly respect or highly regard someone’. If honour – or the respecting of others – is a value you hold in your life, then it is possible to argue with honour. As business people we should all hold this value of respecting others as one of our core values. Now let me show you four ways in which you can argue – but with honour.

1.Identify your Need Most arguments revolve around our not getting our needs met. Identify what exact needs you have which you need the other person to meet. Once you have identified them, communicate them clearly as your needs. Say something like, “I don t

Is it possible to argue with someone in a way that builds

and doesn’t break your relationship?

Communicating your need instead of your anger

is arguing with honour.


Arguing withhOnOur



want to moan at you, but I have a need that you listen to and respect my opinion. Would you please meet my need?” When we tell someone about a need we have, instead of fighting with them for not meeting that need, we are far more likely to get that need met.

2.Find the ThemeAnother great way to argue with honour is to identify the things over which you often fight. For a married couple it might be the in-laws. For work colleagues it might be punctuality. Whether you are a married couple or work colleagues, most of your arguments will tend to fall into a particular theme. Maybe it would be in-laws, sex, money or working hours in a married couple’s life. For work colleagues lives it might be missing deadlines, punctuality or not following protocol in the office. Identify the theme and recognise that it is just a matter of time before you argue again about the same things. If

you have had five arguments about the in-laws, then you can count on the fact that you are going to argue about them again! And if you have argued about punctuality on many occasions, then in all likelihood you will argue about it again in the future. Then, when there is no emotion involved, discuss the issue with the person with whom you mostly argue. When you approach the situation like this, you end up raising the controversial topic in an emotionally neutral environment.

3.Please Help MeSay something to the person with whom you often argue like, “Could you please help me? Every time you and I get onto the topic of punctuality/in-laws, we end up arguing. I value our relationship and don’t want to argue with you again. Could you please tell me what I could do/say next time this topic arises, to avoid arguing with you?”

4.It`s not Who is Wrong ,it`s What is wrong.A very effective way to argue with honour is to have a healthy focus in the argument. Focusing on what is wrong instead of who is wrong, is the healthiest approach to take in any argument. This focus creates a scenario where there are no winners and no losers. Arguing like this takes the spotlight off of the person and puts it onto the issue. The issue now becomes the enemy and not the person with whom you are arguing.

Arguments can be one of the healthiest things in any relationship, provided they happen in an atmosphere of honour. As long as honour and respect are the filters through which we argue with other people, our relationships will be built up by, and not broken down by, our arguments.

Gavin [email protected]

So now that you know in advance that an argument

is on the way, settle it before it happens again.

This is arguing with honour.

When you turn a potential argument into a request for help, you are arguing

with honour.

Focusing on what is wrong instead of who is wrong, is arguing with honour.



“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13) These were the words spoken to Jasmine and I some 27 years ago. We were a young married couple, recently born again, and had two small children – Ruth and Joshua – who were ready to start school. South Africa at the time was a deeply divided and racialist country, and God was convicting us that it was primarily our responsibility – not the government’s – to teach our children. How could we personally school them? Home schooling was unheard of in 1984; all children at that time were required to attend a government-regulated institution. We weren’t prepared to risk our children being indoctrinated with racist and nationalist ideals, so we relied on God for a solution. It turned out He had an amazing plan for us. We decided to tackle the Education Department ourselves and wrote to them about our religious conviction. I had done some research on farm schooling and indicated in my letter that we somehow complied with the minimum requirements for a farm school. It was then really just by the grace of God that our farm school, “Honey in the Rock” (Isaiah 7:15), was registered. Jasmine suddenly found herself in the role of both mom and school teacher, following a home curriculum consisting primarily of the Bible and suitable books borrowed from the local library. After two-and-a-half years of relatively self-regulated education, following the government curriculum to a tee, we were informed by the Area Inspector that we were “not adhering to regulations”. By the grace of God, Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) had just started up in the

Pinetown area and we were able to assure the Department that our children would go to a “normal” registered school. We continued to support ACE until all our children – Ruth, Joshua, Nathaniel and Hannah – graduated from Highway Christian Academy (now Highway College).Education – a priority for Christian parentsEducation is the responsibility of all Christian parents who want the assurance that their children will follow the Lord and reign in life when they get older. In Psalm 132:11-12 God promises David that if his sons keep His covenant, they and their children will reign. This promise was primarily fulfilled in Christ who was the Seed that would raise the throne of David above every other throne and establish it in Heaven forever – from whence He now rules and reigns (Acts 2:34-37).

“The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it. Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.” Psalm 132:11 (KJV)Bringing our children to Christ and teaching them about the New Covenant is the only blessed assurance that we parents have for our children to be seated with Him in heavenly places to rule and reign in this life, and fulfil their kingly and priestly mandates.

During our years of Christian education, my career took me in the direction of corporate training – where the Lord laid educational foundations in my own life. It would seem that education was set to play a major part in my calling. I studied until I was 48 years old, in areas including electronics, micro-processing, computer


Pinetown area and we were able to assure the Department that our children would go to a “normal” registered school. We continued to support ACE until all our children – Ruth, Joshua, Nathaniel and Hannah – graduated from Highway Christian Academy (now Highway College).Education – a priority for Christian parentsEducation is the responsibility of all Christian parents who want the assurance that their children will follow the Lord and reign in life when they get older. In Psalm 132:11-12 God promises David that if his sons keep His covenant, they and their children will reign. This promise was primarily fulfilled in Christ who was the Seed that would raise the throne of David above every other throne and establish it in Heaven forever – from whence He now rules and reigns (Acts 2:34-37).

“The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it. Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.” Psalm 132:11 (KJV)Bringing our children to Christ and teaching them about the New Covenant is the only blessed assurance that we parents have for our children to be seated with Him in heavenly places to rule and reign in this life, and fulfil their kingly and priestly mandates.

During our years of Christian education, my career took me in the direction of corporate training – where the Lord laid educational foundations in my own life. It would seem that education was set to play a major part in my calling. I studied until I was 48 years old, in areas including electronics, micro-processing, computer

networking, programming, supervision, management, business administration and leadership training. I often complained to the Lord about all the studying, but He would just say, “My grace is sufficient for you Gavin. I am training you for my purpose and you must endure to the end”.

My training was not always academic; it was very often experiential. In 1992 we lost our 6-year-old daughter, Mary-Magdalene, to cystic fibrosis and I entered the lowest point in my life. I wallowed in my grief and questioned how a merciful God could allow such a thing to happen. One day I encountered God in my car and He assured me of his unconditional love. The flood of love that I experienced from that day gave me hope once again. His instruction very often comes at a price and in a way we would never imagine, and it is very often because we are too stubborn to learn the lesson the first time around.

While studying for an MBA I discovered that economics was just about the management of the resources and commodities needed to make a country’s economy work. Money – the main commodity – is used to enable trading and the exchange of one commodity for another. It would seem then that money was made to make the world go around. I also discovered at the same time that God’s kingdom also had an economy; and its economy was run by a commodity called Grace. In Ephesians 3:2 Paul asks the Ephesians “if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you”. The Greek word for “dispensation” is oikonomia, which is where the word “economy” comes from, and it really means “stewardship”. So God gave Paul the “stewardship” or “economy” of grace with which to manage the kingdom. Christian education has to do with teaching responsible stewardship, because if we are diligent with the least, God will give us the true riches.

At the end of 2003 I was given the opportunity to head up the management and leadership department in the company I was working for; but that would mean relocation for me and my

family. Jasmine and I intuitively knew that the Lord had something else for me to do besides moving to a harsh environment that would be detrimental to our son Nathaniel, who was also suffering from cystic fibrosis. So I basically retired at the age of 50 and in 2003 took Hannah and Nathaniel to the USA with the hope of finding more grace that would extend Nathaniel’s fragile life. But by the end of that year, having fought the good fight of faith to the end, our beloved son went to be with his Lord and Saviour.

The pain was unbearable. What was the lesson this time? Nathaniel means the “the gift of God”, and I finally realised the meaning of the gift God gives each one of us. As the scriptures indicate, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. We all receive this gift as Christians, but never consider that it needs to be stewarded. Christian education is about responsible stewardship. Unless we steward the gift God has given us, we will never grow in favour and grace like Jesus (Luke 2:52) to destroy the works of the enemy.

I lectured for a while in post-school colleges in the Durban area until 2009 when Chris Barnard from Highway College asked me whether I would consider taking over the school as he was being called to ministry in New Zealand. The vision for Highway College is to prepare Christian ambassadors and entrepreneurs for the workplace. This we will do by the Knowledge and the Grace we impart to our students, knowing that it is only by God’s GRACE that the darkness will be defeated (1 John 3:8) and all His enemies will be made his footstool.

“But our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down in the place of honour at God’s right hand. There He waits until His enemies are humbled and made a footstool under His feet.” (Hebrews 10:12-13, NLT)

Gavin BrophyPrincipal of Highway College, Pinetown

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