WEEKLY WISDOM - A LITTLE EXTRA

Extra: to a greater extent than usual; especially.

In every leadership position, we task ourselves with several responsibilities, such as casting vision, leading, developing and challenging team members, and making hard decisions, to name a few. As we go through our seasons of leadership with people and initiatives, one motivation that will drive existential change is doing that one little extra every time.

What do I mean by a little extra every time? When working on an initiative, what is one extra thing you can do to make the presentation better for our audience or your team, whether in your communication to them or adding additional resources or instructions to make it even easier for whomever you are serving and leading? Another example is that if you are planning a strategic meeting with our team, what little extra can you do to make the meeting more productive for the team? The extra could mean sending the agenda out early to team members, providing additional resources before or after the meeting, such as a book aligned with the meeting, and sending a positive word of encouragement to the team after the meeting, confirming their engagement.

Every time, That little extra should carry over into other areas of our life, such as with our spouse and children, as well as to other endeavors you are a part of. For instance, when spending time with your family, what little extra can you do to make the moment more memorable? Or when working on a personal project, what little extra can you do to make it more impactful? Whenever you are working on an initiative or speaking to someone, what little extra will make a difference in your serving?

What's the benefit of giving that one little extra effort? There are many benefits. One is that it continues to stretch your leadership capacity, fostering personal growth. Two, it builds your brand as a servant leader, enhancing your professional reputation. Third, you become a role model for your team, family, and others, inspiring them with your dedication. Fourth, it builds your creativity and resourcefulness, expanding your problem-solving skills. Five, you create genuine, authentic leadership stories that you can share, enriching your experiences. These are just a few benefits that emerge from doing that little extra every time.

The Bible teaches us 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. This scripture is Colossians 3:23-24.

If you work for the Lord, you are not the focus of your labor and reward. Because you have focused on Him, your reward is much greater spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Serving wholeheartedly brings a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment and emotional satisfaction, enriching your life in ways beyond measure.

Your challenge is clear: spend the next week giving just that little extra and see the difference it makes for the people you lead and serve. The most significant difference will be in the satisfaction you will receive in your heart. After you have put this into practice, I guarantee it will become your life's inherent intentionality. Embrace this challenge and let it transform your leadership journey.

Exercise Your Power this week-

1.      Identify ways you can add one more extra in responding to emails, working on

projects, and meeting with your team members.

2.      In your exercise routine this week, go that one extra in your workout sets, running, or

sporting activity.

3.      With your family members, give them the one extra of your time over the week and

watch what difference it makes.