Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 17, 2017
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. Proverbs 17:24
Wise leaders focus on follow through, and do not wander around detached from the details. Details are stepping-stones to success or, if ignored, stumbling blocks to failure. Discernment keeps you systematically focused on a sequence of tasks that assure the implementation of every point in a project. You are wise when you promise less and deliver more. Indeed, focused leaders who follow through can be trusted with more.
If the leader is distracted by the next new idea he will not have the energy or mental capacity to follow through with the most strategic pending project. It is a naïve leader who thinks he or she can delegate their way out of staying engaged in the execution of mission critical initiatives. Every week, or even daily, your team needs to hear discerning questions from you that increase their accountability. A focused leader follows through to inspect what is expected.
“Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:43).
How is the progress related to the agreed upon timeline for completion? What obstacles are in the way, and how can they be removed? Is the cost of the project within budget? What did we decide and who is responsible for its implementation? Wise leaders know enough of the details to know what questions to ask. You keep wisdom in view by focusing on a few mission critical strategies. You bring clarity to the course of action.
Teams clamor to follow a wise leader who is focused on follow through. So model the way by doing what you say. Your servant leadership facilitates follow through for the team—give them the confidence to carry on. Follow through creates creditability. Above all, focus on the Lord and follow through with what He tells you to do. Faith follows through. “Am I a leader worth following, because I follow through?” “Can I be trusted with more, because I have been faithful with what I have?” Perhaps you say “no” more, and “yes” less.
Jesus said, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the discipline to follow through on the details.Application
What project or person requires my full attention and gracious accountability?Related Reading
Psalm 119:37; Proverbs 15:14; John 7:17; 1 John 2:16Post/Tweet today
Am I a leader worth following, because I follow through with what I say I will do? #WisdomHunters #followthroughWorship Resource
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