#570: Unlocking the Power of Diligence: The Key to Exceptional Leadership

In the dynamic and often challenging world of leadership, diligence is the one quality that stands out as indispensable.

Diligence goes beyond mere hard work; it’s a commitment to excellence, a relentless pursuit of one’s calling, and an unwavering dedication to a vision. Reflecting on my years as a boss, diligence was among the most important traits I looked for in potential employees. Diligent employees and leaders are worth their weight in gold to any organization.

A few weeks ago, I read Gordon Smith’s book, “Courage and Calling,” and was delighted to see he listed diligence as one of four attributes (along with excellence, truth, and generosity) Christians should have as we “work unto the Lord.” Today, I want to unpack Smith’s profound insights on how today’s leaders can embrace and embody diligence in their professional journeys while drawing inspiration from timeless biblical wisdom. Let’s explore some key takeaways.

1. Understanding Diligence

Diligence is the bedrock of effective leadership. It involves a wholehearted dedication to one’s responsibilities, a willingness to put in the effort required to achieve a vision, coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s not merely about working hard but about working with purpose and intentionality.

Solomon, who knew something about diligence, wrote – “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” (Proverbs 13:4)

2. The Role of Passion

Passion plays a pivotal role in diligence. When leaders are passionate about their work and align it with their calling, their diligence becomes an unstoppable force. In this way, passion fuels perseverance and enables leaders to inspire others to follow suit.

Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)

A few years ago, Mark, a friend and co-worker, was responsible for the logistics of a major product launch. Millions of dollars were at stake. Mark led the team of dozens of employees who, in their “war room,” filled whiteboards and spreadsheets with every conceivable contingency for weeks ahead of the launch day. Due to their passionate planning and diligence, hundreds of semi-trucks delivered their precious cargo across the United States in the dead of winter without missing a single appointment. The product launch was a resounding success, mainly due to the diligence of Mark and his team.

3. Balancing Diligence with Rest

While diligence is crucial, balance is also essential. Burnout is a real threat to leaders who push themselves too hard. Diligence should be accompanied by self-care, rest, and rejuvenation.

David expressed this idea of balance when he wrote, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (Psalm 127:2)

Frankly, achieving balance is an area I need to work on. When knee-deep in a project, I tend to bury myself in my office and come out only when called for meals (sometimes even eating at my desk). I know that it’s unfair to my family, but the desire to finish a project overrides my sense of balance.

4. Leading by Example

As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. The significance of leading by example is critical for every leader. When leaders demonstrate diligence in their work ethic, it sets the tone for their teams.

Paul, writing to Timothy, stressed the importance of setting an example when he said, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Steve, one of my favorite pastors and a giant of a man, was known in our church and many others as the “Pastor of Disaster.” Whenever there was a disaster anywhere in the world, Pastor Steve rallied his team of volunteers and headed to the disaster site. No matter the hours or the conditions, Steve was up first and to bed last, working side by side with all the men and women on his team. No leader ever led more by example than Steve.

5. Adapting to Challenges

Challenges are an inevitable part of leadership. Diligence is tested during difficult times. Accordingly, leaders must adapt to adversity while remaining committed to their calling.

James wrote to beleaguered, persecuted believers, saying, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

As a leader, you are responsible for making decisions amid the most challenging circumstances. Often, those decisions are made with incomplete information, and the stakes are high. We must face those challenges head-on, knowing that “He who is in us is greater than the one in the world.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Smith’s “Courage and Calling” provides invaluable lessons on diligence for today’s leaders, deeply rooted in biblical wisdom. Diligence, fueled by passion, balanced with rest, and exemplified through leadership, is the path to excellence. In the relentless pursuit of one’s calling, leaders find their greatest fulfillment and make the most significant impact, just as the Bible teaches.

As you embark on your leadership journey, remember these lessons on diligence. Apply them in your professional life, drawing inspiration from the Bible’s timeless teachings, and you’ll not only achieve your goals but also inspire those around you to do the same.

Action Steps for Leaders

These action steps provide practical guidance for you to implement the lessons on diligence.

1. Reflect on Your Passion: Take some time to reflect on your passion for your leadership role. How aligned is it with your calling? If there’s a gap, consider how to infuse more passion into your work to enhance your diligence.
2. Implement a Balanced Routine: Assess your work-life balance and identify improvement areas. Create a routine that allows for dedicated work time, as well as essential rest and self-care. Remember the wisdom from Psalm 127:2.
3. Lead by Example: Evaluate your leadership style and determine if you’re setting a strong example of diligence for your team. Identify specific ways you can lead by example, as suggested by 1 Timothy 4:12.
4. Adapt to Challenges: Reflect on your recent challenges as a leader. How did you respond? Consider how you can better adapt to adversity while remaining committed to your calling, drawing inspiration from James 1:2-4.
5. Engage in Discussion: Share this article with your team or colleagues and use it to discuss diligence in leadership. Encourage open dialogue about personal experiences and insights related to the article’s themes.

Discussion Question

These questions can serve as a valuable framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.

1. How has the concept of diligence in leadership evolved for you after reading this article and considering the biblical verses cited?
2. Can you share a personal experience where your passion significantly fueled your diligence as a leader, as mentioned in Colossians 3:23?
3. What strategies do you use to strike a balance between diligence and self-care, especially in times of high workload or stress, in line with Psalm 127:2?
4. Reflect on leaders you admire, like Steve, the “Pastor of Disaster,” mentioned in the article. What qualities or actions make them effective examples of leadership by diligence?
5. In challenging times, as discussed in James 1:2-4, how can leaders maintain their commitment to their calling and persevere when facing trials? Can you share an example from your leadership journey?

More Articles

I have written several articles on self-discipline. You can find them by typing “self-discipline” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.

• #509: 6 Things to Remember When You Find Yourself Stuck in the Messy Middle!
• #470: 7 Essential Strategies for Leading in Uncertain Times
• #455: How Do Smart Godly Leaders Cultivate Their Leadership Soil?
• #452: How to Deal Responsibly with Two Kinds of Limits in Your Life!
• #380: What One Thing Do You Need to Do to Start Winning?

Join the Conversation

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with diligence in leadership in light of biblical wisdom. How has diligence shaped your journey, and what lessons have you learned along the way? Feel free to share your examples and insights in the comments below.

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Category: Personal Development | Self-Discipline