C h a p t e r 1 6
LEADERS ARE
PERSISTENT
“Finally my brothers, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord”
(I Cor. 15:58; NASV).Persistency is another distinguishing characteristic of leaders that last. By
nature and temperament, most leaders are persistent people. Their lives
are characterized by steadfastness. They are not easily swayed from their
goal – but are persistent and persevering. It is not enough for a leader to
have a purpose, and know his life priorities. He must have persistence in
order to achieve them. It is often the power of persistence that helps leaders
achieve their goal. Persistence causes them to “go the distance” – like a
long-distance runner.
Good leaders are people who are consistently persistent and persistently
consistent. One of a leader’s greatest abilities is his stick-ability – or the
ability to “stick with it” until the desired goal is reached. Walt Disney
said: “The only talent is perseverance.” Good leaders not only have “starting
power”, they also have “staying power!” Why? Because they have learned
that life is a long series of obstacles that are often opportunities in disguise.
This tenacious persistence is an important leadership quality that