Qualities of A Winner
You Can, You Will: 8 Undeniable Qualities of a Winner is the latest book by Joel Osteen. Fans of Joel Osteen’s positive message will enjoy the stories throughout the book of inspiration and encouragement.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to talk with Joel, who is the pastor of Lakewood, the largest church in the U.S. He’s immediately recognizable from his television ministry, bestselling books and stadium appearances. Not too long ago, I noticed he has his own SiriusXM station.
My Mistakes
As I look back on my earliest interviews for this website, I laugh. My first three in-person interviews included Pastor Joel Osteen, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and writer and producer John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June Carter Cash.
Let me be frank: I didn’t know what I was doing. I wasn’t a professional interviewer. My colleague, Drew Bordas, had vast video and audio experience. At that point, I think his total experience was that he occasionally videotaped his kids at home. Looking at this interview, I am thankful that Joel was so kind, so encouraging, and so forgiving to allow us to stumble through it. What makes it more remarkable is if you know Joel Osteen’s backstory. Joel is a true pro when it comes to production. Before he stepped up to minister after his father passed away, he worked behind the scenes and became a video and audio expert.
Here are some lessons I learned from that visit.
6 Leadership Lessons
1. Don’t condemn and judge others.
He says it, but my visit proves he lives it, too.
How often we waste time condemning, criticizing and complaining. It wastes time, drains energy, and is counterproductive.
2. Encourage others.
Not only was he unaffected by his platform and position, humbly spending time with us, but he also was incredibly encouraging. He frequently quotes Proverbs 15:4: “A gentle tongue brings healing.”
Organizations thrive when individuals are recognized and encouraged.
3. Find your life purpose.
Whatever you do, you want it to be in line with your life purpose. Observing Joel, I can see that he knows his own gifts and his purpose. He focuses his energy and talent on it. He genuinely wants everyone to have a blessed life, and he believes in the positive nature of people.
An organization with a unifying purpose will galvanize everyone to achieve.
4. Choose happiness.
As he says, “Whatever challenges you may face, whatever circumstances are weighing you down, you can choose your response. How you live your life is totally up to you.” His books are full of strategies on how to live a happier, more abundant life.
5. Know what to ignore.
Don’t allow little things to steal your joy. We all know how something can try to destroy our day. There is always a critic waiting to pull you off course. Learning which voices you should listen to and which you should ignore is an important skill.
6. Be positive.
Think the best about others and yourself. Joel’s positivity can be felt throughout the entire church and through his messages and books.
Some of my favorite Joel Osteen quotes:
