2:07 Part of what we do here in ENC Leaders is to equip, to prepare, to train in skills in order to become better leaders. And we do that by bringing us back to the Bible first, because we believe that our faith releases and empowers us to become way better leaders than we would be on our own apart from Jesus. Secondly, we would be doing it from the perspective of the vision, values, and culture of Every Nation.

3:24 We are kicking off a new series, a 3-episode series called “You Know You’re Leading When…”

4:10 If we aim at the right things, it produces superior performance and leadership in us compared to what we would be doing if we are aiming at the wrong things. 

8:11 Sometimes in our leadership, we could have the wrong mental model for what we are aiming for. If we’re not aiming for the right things then we will not be able to produce the kind of leadership that our team needs. 

9:10 Today’s indicator is excellence. How do I know if I’m good enough? How do I know if I am excellent enough? Excellence means being outstanding or extremely good at something. Leaders must excel. Not at everything, but at the important things. 

The answer is: You’re excellent enough when people can take your excellence for granted. 

When you’re so excellent, so good at what you do, that it’s not even worth mentioning anymore. You’re just that good.

But when people notice it, it’s often because it’s so uncommon, so rare, that it’s worth noticing. 

13:44 If you have to choose for a mental model to aim for, aim for the legacy of excellence.

15:15 If what we’re after for is recognition, praise, or affirmation, then we might end up doing that and performing less. It’s fine if that’s your goal but you will likely not be able to  deliver.

Are you only excellent occasionally? Or is excellence a part of who you are? 

15:55 One great example from the Bible is Joseph the Dreamer, found in Genesis 39:4-6

So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field. So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. 

Let’s pray that we will be excellent; that we will be consistent–excellence that has already become a lifestyle. 

18:00 Here are some critical skills when it comes to leadership:

• Come on time.
• Lead meetings well.
• Deliver on your projects.
• Be a man or woman of your word.
• Be well-adjusted, even-tempered, not responding to people in your anxiety.

How do I know if I’m excellent enough? You’re excellent enough when people can take your excellence for granted. 

23:54 All of these things are small excellences that we bring to the table. So don’t be the leader that’s hungry for attention and commendation. Be the leader that does a great job every time. 

24:23 What matters is that before the eyes of God, we’ve been faithful with what we have, we’ve been a good steward of His resources, and we have been of service to others. People will take the individual acts for granted. But they’ll never forget how their leader’s excellence benefited them greatly.  

Processing Questions:

1. As you assess your leadership right now, would you say that you are aiming for the right things? Why or why not?
2. How do you view excellence in your leadership? What are some of the things that you can do to make excellence a lifestyle?

The ENC Leadership Podcast is hosted by Joseph Bonifacio.