Kinetic: Introduction - On Your Marks!
Welcome to Kinetic
Kinetic is Urban Saints new Leadership Training resource for young people! Kinetic is a pioneering programme that aims to develop and release your leadership ability so that you can be used by God to make a difference in your world.
Now if you are thinking of skipping this introduction then stop! Don’t turn the page. This brief introduction will ensure that you get the most out of the course. There’s loads to learn and enjoy and we want to ensure that you start your journey correctly, so there are some things that you need to know before you start working through your material. The origin of the word ‘Kinetic’ is the Greek word kinetikos which comes from the word kinein meaning ‘to move’. The dictionary tells us that ‘Kinetic‘ is… When you have done this you can then think about (a) what went well and (b) what you would change if you did it again. This will tell you where you are strong in your leadership skills and where you need to do more work.
Firstly, it’s really important that you don’t just work through the activities with a view to tick a box at the end marked ‘I’ve done it’. This will defeat the whole purpose of doing the course. If you’re really keen to become a great leader then it’s vital that you take your time to chew over the material and think through what it means to put it into practice. You will learn much more by using the activities in real life leadership situations.
a) Characterized by, or causing movement
b) Active as opposed to latent
c) Dynamic, energizing
Why is mentoring important?
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It is always good to have someone who is there to walk alongside you through any experiences in life. If you don’t set this up at the beginning of doing this course then it will probably never happen. Mentoring should be ‘intentional’ – it is not something that will just happen.
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The fact that you are considering doing this course means that you want to develop your leadership skills and having a mentor will really help you with this. Your mentor will be focused on seeing you develop in all areas of your life, which will make you a much more effective, well-rounded leader.
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Sometimes we do things without thinking about why we do them or even being aware that we do them. Your mentor can help you spot what you’re missing and help you understand more about why you act in the way you do. They can also keep you accountable for the changes you need to make in order to improve.
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We all have times when we need to be able to turn to someone who we trust and who we know cares for us to help us through some of the harder moments in life. Perhaps your Youth Leader has done this for you in the past. As leaders we do not always act or think wisely and someone who will come alongside and challenge us about this is important as we move forward.
So what kind of person should you look for to be your mentor? We would suggest that you should be looking for someone who…
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you trust
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is a good listener
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will encourage you
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will give you confidence to try new things
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understands what leadership is all about
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you admire for their leadership skills
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will ask you the ‘hard’ questions
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is ideally the same gender as you – although this isn’t essential.
Can you think of anyone who will be suitable? Perhaps your youth or church leader will be the best person to help you. The next step is to ask them and see what they say – assuming that they haven’t already bought this resource for you. Don’t give up if the first person you ask says no - there can be all kinds of reasons why they might not feel able to do it.
Once you have a mentor arrange a meeting with them and show them the course materials. Speak to them about what they expect from you and what you would like them to do. It might be good to sort out the following at the first meeting:
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How often you will meet?
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When you will meet - day and time, as it needs to be convenient for both of you?
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Where you will meet?
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How long you will meet for?
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What they will expect you to bring to meetings with you?
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What general questions you would like them to ask you?
Urban Saints also offer a DVD resource that has some training sessions on mentoring, that you and your mentor could work through before starting the course. If you decide to buy a printed copy of Kinetic you will get a copy of this material free with the book.
Have a great time and enjoy seeing God encourage, develop and challenge you as you seek to serve Him in all that you do. On your marks, get set….GO!