During this series of blog entries, we’re walking through the 8 characteristics highlighted in the Leadership Effectiveness Profile. These characteristics were found through observation and research in response to the question, “What makes an effective leader?”
What is the final quality leaders need in order to be fully effective? Driving persistence. The leader who gives up too easily will never get far. Driving persistence is the extent to which you tenaciously stay on track and maintain a focus on your goals. It looks at the ability to stay on track and maintain a consistent focus on the target.
The Apostle Paul modeled this leadership quality for us extensively. No matter what happened, he kept on moving toward his mission:
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own people, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. (2 Cor. 11:24-28)
Paul encourages us to remain steadfast in our mission as well—especially as we move toward a mature faith: fighting the good fight, finishing the race, pressing on, keeping the faith, winning the prize, faithfully discharging all the duties of our ministry (2 Tim 2:4-6, Phil. 3:12-14, Eph. 4:14, 2 Tim 4:5).
Especially as we face the many challenges of ministry, the barriers, the delays and the resistance, it’s important that we keep our eyes on the vision and continue moving toward it. Certainly we may need to adapt our course as we go. But we need to keep moving forward.
How well are you able to keep moving forward in the face of adversity? And in what way? To explore further, check out the Assertiveness Skill-Builder and the Assertiveness Coaching Guide and Storyboard.