DISCIPLINE AND DILIGENCE - KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP PART 1

DISCIPLINE AND DILIGENCE -KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP PART 1

Leadership as have been rightly defined is the ability to rally men and women to a common goal and purpose, building in the place of character and capacity. A leader on the other hand is a person who has discovered purpose or a course and has set out to achieve it. From a well defined purpose comes a vision which means seeing the end of a Purpose from its beginning. This is where Leadership journey starts. This week we will be looking at two vital leadership characteristics which I have so named the Defining D's - Discipline and Diligence. These are two very important characters every leaders should possess. Lacking in the life of a leader, such a person can not lead effectively and efficiently.

There is a need to always set the foundation before a building is constructed hence, the need to lay out certain foundational knowledge as we go on in this series.

First, what is Discipline?

According to dictionary, Discipline means having a controlled behaviour or self control. Discipline can also be defined as a state of order based on submission to authority. The ability to discipline oneself is one proof of wisdom. Pproverbs 12:23 "A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness". Prudence also means Discipline. 

As true leaders, we can never do without the wisdom of God to lead effectively. God is the greatest leader that exists and if we must lead as He did, we cannot afford to make wisdom void. A wise man is one that van discipline himself and only a leader that can control himself can control those under him. No man can give what he does not have.  Many  failed relationships today were in one way results of lack of self discipline whether on the part of one party or both parties.

Discipline simply means doing what is commanded and not what is convenient. The ability to steer forward even in the presence of seemingly overcoming waves. To successfully fulfill any vision there are laid down requirements and none is ever convenient. Therefore, as leaders who want to fulfill Purpose  we must discipline ourselves in achieving them especially in the aspect of the eyes and vision. 

We must also understand that we were created to lead and that is why God gave us the most powerful weapon in actualizing our Purpose which is the power of Vision. Vision is the function of the heart and not only the sight. A leader who wants to really fulfill purpose must not walk in all by sight. The "eye" looks at  what is now while "vision" sees what could be. The former deals with now; while the latter deals with the future, For example, Samson had a great vision but his eyes destroyed him, If you cannot discipline your eyes, your vision may become blurred and in the process become blind. This was the case of Samson. 

We must discipline our eyes in other for us to fulfill our vision.

What is DILIGENCE? 

According to the dictionary, DILIGENCE means being steadfast, earnest, persistent, consistent, hardworking. It can also mean conscientiousness, determination, and Perseverance. It is a long-term effort not a short-term investment. Diligence is the personal trait that makes a person able to lead well.

Diligence simply means Hard work. A man once said Hard work never kills, it is wrong work that kills. As leaders, we have to recognize our purpose already which can also be likened to our work or the right work. We must put all our efforts in order to fulfill our purpose.  Passion is what fuels vision and DILIGENCE is what births desire. Desire without diligence is disaster. Many visionary Leaders are where they are today because of lack of diligence, all they will be acclaiming is God will do. God gives the vision, man pursues the Vision. God gives Grace to pursue the vision while man runs the race to fulfill the vision. So as visionary Leaders, we must take responsibility.

To be continued

The Men That Lead

Building Manhood