As leaders, we live for the moment—the big moments that are memory makers, the home runs, the winning “touchdown,” the deal that launches our organization or business to the next level, the significant benchmarks in life that define us and shape us, the times that people will talk about for years to come, when the adrenaline is dialed up and we step in.
But ultimately, faithfulness looks most like being disciplined and faithful to the small things in life and leadership.
Great leaders are committed to the insignificant.
The making of a leader takes time and, I believe, is revealed and refined through continual steadfastness in the small things.
Our character, our sense of who we are, is defined by the insignificant points in life when no one is watching, when no one really cares, the times when it doesn’t seem to matter, the points where it is difficult to actually finish the project, the pain points when we wonder if this is what God has actually called us to do, the moments when it would be OK to cut corners but we stay committed to excellence.
This is where the foundation of faithfulness and our character as leaders is created and solidified. Jesus describes this in Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much” (NASB). Be faithful to the small things.
Perseverance is crucial to being a disciplined leader. Staying true to the process. There is beauty in the process, and we are shaped by the journey.
The process defines us. There is no overnight transformation, no shortcuts. It takes years to be shaped into the leader God has called you to be. The nitty-gritty daily grind of walking steadfastly in the mundane and ordinary shapes the extraordinary.
Great leaders are always growing, learning and moving forward. It’s a journey, not a destination. Effective leaders never stop growing and getting better. They are curious, committed and coachable. They are always students and always desperate to learn.
And they are always committed to making the small things, the seemingly insignificant projects and assignments that no one seems to care about, the best they can possibly be.
Stay committed to the insignificant!
Brad Lomenick is president and key visionary of Catalyst—a movement purposed to equip and inspire young Christian leaders through events, resources, consulting and community. Follow him on Twitter @bradlomenick, or read his personal blog at bradlomenick.com.
For the original article, visit bradlomenick.com.
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