Business Excellence

During my over thirty years of interviewing and studying outstanding leaders, it has become clear to me that the great ones have a strong focus, if you will, a narrow vision. They focus on excellence at all times in all things. And as a Christian leader/business owner you must pursue excellence in your daily walk with the Lord and build that strong personal relationship or all the other things will mean nothing, even if you achieve a business or a career goal. Think about what it takes to be a world class gymnast. Or, a world renowned violinist. Or, a well known artist. Hour after hour, day after day, week after week, these gifted people repeat and repeat the basics. They build on the basics and develop refined skills and continually strive for excellence. Excellence, not mediocrity. What is mediocrity? It is weakness, not taking action, doing less than your very best, lack of caring, and apathy to name a few. I have a question for the leaders/business owners reading this article. Where did you ever get permission to do less than your best? Where do you get off, as a Christian leader, representing your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with mediocrity? It is written in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord, Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” The key word in that verse is “whatever.” I think that means everything. And Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The Scripture verse says “do good works,” not mediocre work. I believe that excellence begins with a mind set. If Jesus is your Lord, then the power of God dwells within you. In 2nd Corinthians 4:7, it is written, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God and from us.” God’s power is an example of excellence. Excellence. Our nation, and for that matter, the world, is full of mediocrity. We are quick to accept average. As a Christian leader/business owner it is imperative that you set the example, focus on excellence, and refuse to accept average. It is your job to create a mind set in your company of excellence. It is all about attitude. I have always believed that a leader cannot truly motivate others. However, he/she can create an environment in which people feel motivated and want to excel. As a Christian leader/business owner, what kind of example are you setting for your team members? Do you never tire of doing what is right? Do you work hard to find the right people to join the team? Are you creating a motivating environment in which people want to strive for excellence and not mediocrity? Your company will never be any better than what you do to make it. You can have the best equipment, the best computers, the best phone system, the highest grade paper, and you have no guarantee of excellence. People make the difference not things. What kind of Christian leader/business owner are you?