Do you have character that inspires excellence? (128-2)

The primary focus of leaders who want quality in their organization has to be what is going on in their heart. Read Psalm 78:72.

Psalm 78 was written by Asaph and chronicles the history of the Jewish people. It starts out by saying, “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things of old – what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us” (78:2-3). He ended Psalm 78 by saying King David had led the people “…with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” Effective leaders understand they must work their entire leadership life to develop outward skill and inward integrity. To have one without the other leads to failure.

If you go into any bookstore you will find rows of books on excellence. The volume of literature on this subject reveals that leaders have recognized the importance of excellence and also know the elusive nature of excellence. Whereas the lone craftsmen are responsible only for themselves and the product they produce, leaders must produce excellence through others. What is difficult to produce with excellence by an individual is difficult with an exponent of 10 to produce through a team.

David promoted excellence in Israel because he led with “skillful hands.” Excellence was demonstrated and the people of the nation followed the model before them. Leaders must remember that high standards won’t be sustained on the production floor if they aren’t practiced in the front office.

To be effective, leaders must develop the craft and art of leadership, but wise leaders understand that people desire to serve with leaders whose character inspires excellence. David not only led with skillful hands but he “shepherded them with integrity of heart.” Leaders who want quality from their team must develop character.

Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”