Extra mile leaders

Success in leadership is not usually found at the end of an easy, well-paved road. Many people, teams and organisations look for shortcuts, abandon ethics and sacrifice success for a quick unrewarding finish. Zig Ziglar said, “There are no shortcuts on the extra mile.” Extra mile leaders are committed to the task and persistent in doing the task until completion. There is something that successful people and companies have in common, which is that they understand the value of going extra mile.

Extra mile leaders are always willing to go beyond where others stop. They go extra mile in personal intimacy with God and deep revelations about God. Despite persistent request from Elijah to Elisha at different places (Gilgal, Bethel & Jericho) to stay behind, while he proceeded on the journey, Elisha declined such offers. Elisha wanted to get the most out of his relationship with Elijah, and that paid him great dividends in the future. Same people travel the same road, one goes half way and went back to where they started and the other goes halfway ahead and reached the goal.

Extra mile leaders have pure motives that are not egocentric. Their motive in ministry is to do what God has called them to do. You need to evaluate your motive, if you will become an extra mile leader. Are your motives for being in leadership true? All that God requires from us is faithfulness in doing what He Has assigned us to do. Don’t go into any assignment with personal motive but with God’s motive. An extra mile leader will always ask himself, ‘what does God require of me?’

Extra mile leaders are proactive and they seek to know God’s Will, purpose and do His Will. They prefer to tackle issues head-on, rather than assume a reactionary posture. Extra mile leaders identify the people’s needs and solve them. They don’t wait to be told or asked. They see what needs to be done and they do it. They solve problems and don’t complain about them. They possess contagious enthusiasm that inspires other team members to achieve extra ordinary results.

The greatest gift is to have a team around you. Extra mile leaders understand they cannot do the job alone, and they brainstorm with other team members to produce results. They understand they need their team members and they are not threatened by their presence. A leader should feel secured and not threatened by his team members because team members complement the leader’s gifts.

Extra mile leaders always give their best. They have an attitude of excellence and not perfection. Extra mile leaders are not satisfied with the status quo nor do they settle for what is merely acceptable. Extra mile leaders have a compelling desire to be the best personally and professionally. They pour out everything in their heart for the work of the Kingdom. You cannot expect the best from team members, if you don’t give the best. A leader cannot ask team members to do what they are not willing to do.

Great leaders in all callings don’t just do what is required. That is what most leaders do. Great leaders go beyond expectations – they go the extra mile. Mathew 5:41, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” (NIV)
Today’s Nugget: Great leaders go beyond expectations – they go the extra mile.
• Prayer: Lord, help me to go beyond limits.
Dr. Chidi Okoroafor, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria
Prayer lines: 09078154261. E-mail: aggospelbell@gmail.com