WEEKLY WISDOM - STANDARD

Standard: something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality

I had to take a breath when I wrote this as it challenged me to think about my own standards in life. Have I set them and set them high enough? Have I put my imprint on anything or a project that sets a high bar so that others will benefit from it? Is the quality in which I operate reminiscent of a higher standard in every area of my life? My wife and I are guided in our lives by six core areas where we are intentional about making quality decisions that impact our lives and others positively. They are faith, family, finance, future, fitness, and fun. These have been the bedrock in our lives for the past twenty plus years and has provided a north star or compass for us.

I have to share this one example before moving on to “The Standard” professionally. Because of the finance standard that we have placed in our lives and the consistency of moving it forward, we went from just paying our bills monthly to setting up our wills and healthcare powers to establishing our foundation and now wanting to move into more generous philanthropy. This was achieved through the intentionality of continuously raising the standard. Thanks for indulging me in that story. It always inspires me.

Now on to you as a leader. Think about your standard. What is it and how do you measure it? What have you done to leave the imprint of your presence in your organization no matter what your role is? What is the perception of you among your colleagues and staff? If you were to leave your organization, what will you most be remembered for? There are others who create their own standard as long as it mostly benefits them. I believe your standard should be the life-giving source for others. The more you think about how it will benefit others, the higher your standards will become. That will make you push for progress, clarity, efficiency, creativity, problem-solving and much more from yourself as well as your team and colleagues. Once they see "The Standard" in you, they will be motivated and inspired to make incremental progress in their standards.

Remember, standard means moral excellence and a measurement of value, as well as a model of authority. So where does my standard come from? It comes from the Word of God. It will always come from the Word as that is the only source that gives proven results over and over again without fail. Here are few of the standards that is part of my DNA and should be for every leader.  2nd Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 12:2, James 1:22, and please read Daniel 1:11-21.

Now raise your standard in leadership and life so you can leave a legacy of lessons for others.

(EQUIPPING)

Exercise Your Power this week

1. Read Daniel Chapter 1 to understand the standard in which Daniel lived by.

2. Determine how you measure your standard professionally and personally.

3. In your current role, make a list of your accomplishments where you set a new standard.