I think I drive some people crazy with all of my mantras, but I honestly think mantras are a key form of leadership communication. The most important truths ought to be communicated in the most memorable ways. And that is why mantras are so important.

The reason why so many mission statements and core values have such little bearing on organizational culture is because they are so forgettable. You can’t just say it. You’ve got to say it in a way that sneaks up on the right-brain imagination, turns on the lights, jumps out from behind the sofa, and yells “surprise.” You’ve got to paint a picture like Jesus did with the parables. The parables are filled with mantras.

My latest mantra is: don’t say it till you pray it. If you don’t pray your messages before you say your messages I think it’ll fall on deaf ears. It’ll lack conviction. It’ll lack credibility. You want a greater anointing? Pray it before you say it.

By the way, I highly recommend a book by Bill Hybels titled Axiom. It’s my favorite Bill Hybels book! Must read for leaders. Why? It’s filled with Bill’s leadership mantras and it’ll help you come up with your own.