Listen. Talk. Act. That’s Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s three-pronged approach to leadership.
Walker gave a speech this weekend to Maranatha Baptist University’s “Developing Leaders for Ministry in the Local Church and the World” seminar.
Walker’s father was pastor of First Baptist Church in Delavan, Wisconsin in the 1970s.
The governor called on those in attendance to pray for America’s leaders. “Don’t just pray for the ones you voted for, pray for everybody,” he said, according to an article by Grace Peters published on the school’s website.
While he acknowledged his political support, “more than anything, I appreciate the prayers.”
Speaking of leadership, Walker said, “Our parents and families have a huge impact in our lives, and for me, a huge impact in terms of how I lead. My father, even though he spent a lot of time talking, spent even more of his time listening. I think that’s probably one of the most valuable things I learned from my father.”
The governor also spoke of what he learned from his mother.
“Even though she was very quiet, [she] was always looking out for the needs of others. She never backed away from what she believed in, but she was never pushy about it, she just did it; she just lived it,” Peters quotes him as saying.
He also alluded to how his spending philosophy may differ from those currently in Washington, D.C.
Reports Peters:
His grandmother, in particular, a widow for 34 years, understood the value of money. She “didn’t buy anything on credit” and taught him not to spend money that he didn’t have. “Always save up for it.” Walker noted this principle has guided the way he governs.
Walker added his time in the Boy Scouts furthered his leadership skills, and his time participating in an American Legion youth program exposed him to public service.
He said the veterans working with the boys were not interested in “making young people Democrat or Republican, but making them patriotic.”
He concluded by explaining his three-pronged approach to leadership: Listen. Talk. Act.
“A lot of times, people in leadership positions do one or two of these things, but not all three. Spend your time listening, then spend your time communicating with people, then go out and act, and do it over and over again,” Walker said.
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