Principle 1 – Begin by committing to do what is right
Principle 2 – Stay on track by observing six spiritual disciplines
Principle 3 – Address moral issues first
Principle 4 – Lay out the plan for what you want to accomplish
Principle 5 – Open closed doors
Principle 6 – Commit to action
The narrative of Hezekiah’s reign tells us that he began executing his plan immediately upon taking office. In the very first month of his new leadership, he took significant action. He did take time to organize his thoughts and to lay out his plan, but he also put it quickly into action. We’ve all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words.” The reason that quote exists is because it is a very common tendency for people to say one thing and do the opposite.
Hezekiah didn’t sit around waiting for something to happen; he got up and made it so. I’m sure that while many people rejoiced, there were plenty of others who disagreed with what he was doing. You cannot base your actions on whether others are for your plan or against it; however you must have a solid, well thought-out plan. The clarity of thinking used to create the plan of action is tremendously important, but so is the execution of the plan. They go hand-in-hand.
I also believe that it is critical to communicate the “why” behind what you are committing to. Be prepared to provide a clear explanation as to the reasons for your actions so that others can be clear and not come to their own conclusions. That doesn’t mean that you should spend a lot of time with the naysayers, but you do owe people a reasoned response.
The first actions you take set the stage for what kind of leader people will understand you to be. They will immediately look for clues and form their perspective of who you are and whether or not you are a person of action. All too often I hear people talking of great plans, creating ideas, adding suggestions or critiquing the work of others. Their flurry of activity seems to mean that they are busy, but closer examination reveals that there is never any specific accomplishment or action toward the goal.
Commit yourself to be the kind of person, who when they see the right path forward, takes it without hesitation.
Great post...Got me thinking of ways to take action in my own life instead of "waiting for things to happen."
Posted by: Jamie | April 23, 2009 at 11:55 AM