As leaders, we want to do things with excellence. But what does that truly mean, and what does it take to achieve?
I recently witnessed a display of excellence that brought tears to my eyes. We were having concrete steps installed at our cottage and didn’t know the expertise of the landscapers. I had a cursory knowledge from brochures I’d read, and I said to my husband, Ron, “I want to see two things when these guys show up: a measuring tape and a level!” Ron said, “Yep, and let’s talk to them before they start, to see if they seem experienced.”
When the workers arrived, we greeted them and asked how they determine the first step placement. They aced that question and began rattling off a bunch of particulars: “So we’ll position the first one, make sure it’s level front to back and side to side, with a slight dip for water run-off, tamp it down, and lay the next one so there’s a twelve-inch tread.” Within a minute it was clear they knew what to do; what remained was if they knew how to do it and whether they were good at it.
All doubts were assuaged within the next half hour. The guy driving the excavator slowly swung the first step into position; the worker on the ground adjusted it; signaled for it to be lowered to the ground; placed a level on top; yelled for the excavator operator to tamp it down on one side; used the level again; and repeated the process until it was just right. Same thing for the second step, except that he pulled out a tape measure to make sure the tread was twelve inches. Their skill, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence was beautiful to watch.
1. Learn. Whether it’s running a fundraising event, giving a speech, or acquiring a new facility, everything we do takes learning. Leaders should never stop learning and should always be resourceful—knowing who to talk to, what books to read, and what research to conduct to acquire sufficient knowledge about what they’re doing and how to do it well.
2. Practice. Knowledge is one thing, experience is another. Practice makes perfect, and while we’re not striving for perfection, we do want to continue to grow in every aspect of our leadership. I’ve found the best growth comes by doing, by taking risks, making mistakes, adjusting, and doing it again and again.
3. Aim high. When our heart posture is to do everything unto the Lord, there’s a deep desire to do things in the way He would—with wisdom, skill, righteousness, and outstanding quality. We want to reflect the greatness of the Lord for His glory, and for the sake of those impacted by our ministry culture and services.
Excellence is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good, showing distinction or transcendence. Whether we’re designing a new ministry logo or laying a foundation for a new aspect of our ministry, let’s do it with excellence as unto the Lord. When we, as leaders, commit ourselves to excellence in all we do, we will increasingly proclaim the excellencies of the Lord.
“Leaders who commit themselves to excellence in all they do, will increasingly proclaim the excellencies of the Lord.”
- Lisa Hosler
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession,
that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you
out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
Describe an area in your leadership where God is growing you in excellence. Feel free to share your thoughts in the Comment Section below.
