Qualities of Good Leadership... Diligence

Verse of Scripture: Proverbs 12:24

(24) The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

I love to write about leadership. Organizations rise and fall depending on the leaders ability lead others successfully. The bible is full of great verses that can help us as leaders be successful in our roles. This short devotion is about DILIGENCE.

Many of the proverbs came from King Solomon, so it is natural to expect some of his interest to be directed towards leadership. Here in Proverbs 12:24 we are told that if we are diligent in our work, faithful to work effectively and productively, we can and will be placed in leadership positions.
Hard work and effort are the means to success or advancements at work. We're also told that if we're lazy, then someone else will rule over us. We'll be put to work by someone else. We'll be forced to do the labor because we can not be trusted with the responsibility to supervise.
So, if you are currently in a position of leadership, then be effective and productive with the responsibilities that you have been given. Do not take this responsibility lightly. If you become complacent and lazy, then expect to lose your position of leadership to someone else! If you have not yet been placed in a position of leadership or supervision, and your goal has been to get promoted into a position of leading others, then work diligently. Be the best that you can be and be productive and effective and you will eventually be recognized and placed in a position of rule or supervision.

I think it's important for us to understand that there is nothing wrong with being a laborer. The message here is for the leader, the manager or supervisor. Better stay sharp... do not take your position for granted. The biggest challenge for the Boss, is to stay aggressive and passionate about his or her job. If we become complacent or lazy, then we just won't perform well, we won't achieve the expected results, and this is when our job or position might be replaced by someone else that can do better.

The best way that I have found to stay diligent at work is to go to work every day knowing who my real Boss is. He's Jesus! And when we realize this, well we don't come to work late anymore, we don't take the extended breaks anymore, we don't take advantage of others. What we do is perform, we work hard so that our boss is pleased with our work. My hope and prayer for you is that you stay diligent and continue to be successful in your career.
Steve