WEEKLY WISDOM - FINISH STRONG

Finish: to bring to completion or issue: the quality or state of being perfected

Every leader is a good starter and with great intentions. Do we begin with the end in mind, as Stephen Covey penned in his "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"? We start a new position and do not thoroughly examine what we want to accomplish and how that would look. Jesus came to earth with an end in mind to complete his assignment: redeem us and bring us back to our heavenly Father. It was the most significant assignment ever on earth, and He came and crushed it in every sense of the word. He finished his assignment well, and we will benefit forever because of Him. Think about that!

We won't ever get that kind of assignment in our lifetime and thank God for that. What we do have is His example of how to finish well. His example should keep us focused on our purpose and leadership assignment. As a leader, you will always want to leave things much better off than when you started it. Here are some items to consider: your staff, colleagues, sales, operations, finances, capital projects, and customer service. Each year, have you taken inventory of whatever is under your influence to ensure they are better off or in a better state? This consideration is more than just checking off your list. It is influencing the culture, it is raising the standard, it is living with the highest level of character and integrity, it is having the mindset of excellence, it is pushing through the pressure, and lastly, it is glorifying God and benefitting others.

When you finish well, I hope you hear the words from Matthew 25:21 21: "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! The reward that you receive from finishing well is life-giving. Do not despise small beginnings; your reward will increase as you continue to finish well as a leader.

Here's some great tips for finishing well.

1. Cast a vision for your team at the beginning of the project or as a new leader.

2. Document the process and have regular updates to keep everyone aligned.

3. On a consistent basis, push yourself and the team to be creative and resourceful to develop better ideas and solutions.

4. Make it a habit of being inspiring to everyone around you.

5. Go through the challenging times with the light being on the end in mind.

6. Celebrate the milestones along the way.

7. Giving God glory as he is always working for your good.

Finish well, my brother, in all that you do. Remember, it's not just about completing a task, but about doing it with excellence and integrity. When you finish well, you'll see the evolution of your life unfold and be fulfilled. Let this concept of finishing well inspire and motivate you in your leadership journey.

Exercise Your Power this week-

1. Examine how you finished your last assignment or position and were colleagues and culture better off than when you started.

   
   

2. Determine what items or projects you have remaining outstanding and well overdue and make a plan to finish them in a timely manner. 

   
   

3. Go deep to determine what is your true assignment on earth and write it down in a place where you can review it regularly.