I had the opportunity to sit down (through the magic of the internet) with Joseph Grenny and discuss creating positive change regarding home and visiting teaching, helping those with addiction, and becoming a leader that influences change.

Be Clear on the Results You Want to Achieve (visiting teaching study)

Joseph says so many leaders in the church get so distracted by the “program” and lose focus on what it is they are really trying to accomplish. Making the visit isn’t the point, trying to help others feel loved is the point.

In reference to focusing on the clear result, Joseph references a study he did with a group of Relief Society presidents. They felt the true purpose of visiting teaching was three fold:

1. Every sister can say there is at least one sister the loves her
2. If a sister has a crisis there is a sister that would take action
3. The sister feels there is one sister in the ward involved in her spiritual growth

The result from the study Joseph describes as “staggering and remarkable”. There was no statistical relationship at all between visits and those three purposes.

Helping Others Overcome Personal Addiction

Joseph gave an interesting perspective about how the Lord creates influence and change in the lives of the many prophets in the bible. Rarely does He encourage them to change their motivation. It’s usually a change in those factors around them that are influencing them individually. Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdrey, Abraham, and Moses are all examples of this influence.

As bishops work with individuals dealing with addiction or sin it’s important to keep in mind the willpower trap. Joseph Grenny stated, “you can only control your behavior by taking control of the things that control you.”

Utah Valley Date Night Event

Joseph Grenny will be speaking at the Utah Valley Date Night on September 20, 2013 (see details HERE). Mr. Grenny is a world renown speaker and that fact that you can hear from him for $7 (which goes to charity) is the biggest bargain of the year. He’ll be talking about applying the science of behavioral change in the home.

I’ve attended the last two years of this Date Night event and they have been remarkable. My wife and I have been able to learn on a deeper level how to more effectively communicate and our relationship has been enriched.

Joseph Grenny’s Bio:

Joseph Grenny is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, dynamic keynote speaker and leading social scientist for business performance. For thirty years, Joseph has delivered engaging keynotes at major conferences including the HSM World Business Forum at Radio City Music Hall. Joseph’s work has been translated into 28 languages, is available in 36 countries and has generated results for 300 of the Fortune 500. He works in corporate training and leadership development.

Follow him on Twitter and Facebook