“Whenever the king (Nebuchadnezzar) consulted them on anything, on books or on life, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom put together. Daniel 1:20
Great leaders aren’t born; they’re made through a deliberate cultivation of habits that set them apart from the rest.
In this discourse, we will learn the five habits that elevate leaders to be a Ten Times Better Leader.
1. They Possessed God-Given Capacity – Daniel 1:4 describes what kind of men were to be picked to serve the king–“young men who were healthy and handsome, intelligent and well-educated, good prospects for leadership positions in the government, perfect specimens!” The first crucial ingredient in becoming a “Ten Times Better Leader” lies in grasping this notion of God-given capacity. It’s about recognizing and embracing the inherent talents and abilities that each of us has been blessed with. This isn’t about superiority over others, but rather an acknowledgment of the unique contributions we can make to the world.
Your God-given capacity is intricately tied to your gifts, abilities, knowledge, skills, and passions. It’s what sets you apart and enables you to excel in certain areas. When you align your actions with your innate strengths, you become unstoppable. This doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges or setbacks along the way, but it does mean that you have a solid foundation upon which to build your leadership journey.
Understanding your God-given capacity is not about comparison or competition with others. It’s about embracing who you are and leveraging your strengths to make a positive impact. Just as those young leaders in Daniel’s time were selected for their unique qualities, so too are you chosen to lead in the areas where you shine brightest.
So, take the time to reflect on your God-given gifts and talents. What are you naturally good at? What brings you joy and fulfillment? How can you use these strengths to serve others and make a difference in the world? By honing in on your God-given capacity and harnessing it for good, you can truly become a “Ten Times Better Leader” in your own right.
2. They Practiced Self-Control – Daniel and his friends demonstrated remarkable self-control. Daniel 1:8 says, “But Daniel determined that he would not defile himself by eating the king’s food or drinking his wine, so he asked the head of the palace staff to exempt him from the royal diet.” In the story of Daniel and his companions, we witness a powerful example of self-control. Despite being offered the luxuries of the king’s table, Daniel resolved not to defile himself by partaking in the royal diet. This act of self-control was not merely about dietary restrictions; it was a demonstration of unwavering commitment to honor God and uphold his principles.
In today’s world, where leaders are often enticed by the allure of perks, privileges, and power, Daniel’s example serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of self-discipline. It’s easy to demand rights and indulge in the trappings of authority, but true leadership requires a deeper understanding of responsibility.
As Jim Collins, the renowned author and leadership expert, aptly observes, the leaders of great organizations cultivate a culture of discipline. “Ten Times Better Leaders” are those who exercise self-control, resisting the temptations that come their way, and remaining steadfast in their commitment to what is right and just.
Self-control is not about depriving oneself or stifling one’s desires. Rather, it’s about making conscious choices that align with one’s values and principles. It’s about controlling impulses and emotions, even in the face of adversity or temptation.
By practicing self-control, leaders demonstrate integrity, resilience, and strength of character. They set an example for others to follow and create a culture of discipline within their organizations. They refrain from actions that are detrimental to themselves and others, and instead, channel their energy towards pursuits that are noble and worthwhile.
3. They Welcomed Testing. In the face of resistance from the head of the palace staff, Daniel didn’t retreat or compromise his principles. Instead, he welcomed the idea of being tested. He proposed a ten-day trial period, during which he and his companions would adhere to a simple diet of vegetables and water. This bold move demonstrated Daniel’s confidence in his convictions and his willingness to be held accountable for the results.
In today’s leadership landscape, the idea of putting oneself to the test is often met with apprehension. Leaders may shy away from taking risks or putting their beliefs to the trial for fear of failure or criticism. However, “Ten Times Better Leaders” embrace challenges and welcome accountability with open arms.
By willingly subjecting themselves to scrutiny, these leaders showcase their confidence in their abilities and their commitment to their values. They understand that true growth and progress often come through facing adversity and pushing past their comfort zones. They are not afraid to take calculated risks, knowing that failure is not a setback but a stepping stone to success.
Moreover, by making themselves accountable for the outcomes of their actions, these leaders foster a culture of transparency and integrity within their organizations. They lead by example, showing their team members the importance of taking ownership and learning from both successes and failures.
“Ten Times Better Leaders” understand that true leadership is not about avoiding challenges or seeking comfort but about embracing opportunities for growth and transformation. They welcome testing as a means to prove their mettle and demonstrate their dedication to excellence. So let us follow in the footsteps of Daniel, and embrace challenges as opportunities to shine and grow, knowing that true leadership is forged in the crucible of accountability and resilience.
4. They Embraced a Lifelong Learning Posture – Daniel, along with his companions Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, didn’t adopt a short-term mindset when they agreed to the ten-day test proposed to the palace staff. They understood that true growth and development require long-term commitment and dedication. Despite their initial demonstration of faithfulness during the test period, their journey towards leadership was far from over.
Their training under the steward continued for three years, during which they remained faithful to their commitment to a simple diet of vegetables and water. This extended period of preparation highlights an essential aspect of their character — they embraced a lifelong learning posture.
Unlike those who seek quick fixes or instant gratification, “Ten Times Better Leaders” understand that leadership is a journey, not a destination. They recognize that there is always room for improvement and growth, no matter how experienced or accomplished they may be. They approach each day with humility and a hunger for knowledge, constantly seeking to expand their skills, insights, and perspectives.
Moreover, these leaders understand the importance of discipline and testing in their ongoing development. They are not afraid to put themselves to the test or to embrace challenges that stretch their abilities. They see every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow stronger, knowing that adversity builds resilience and character.
By embracing a lifelong learning posture, “Ten Times Better Leaders” set themselves apart from the rest. They understand that leadership is not about reaching a certain level of expertise and then coasting; it’s about continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring others to do the same.
5. In Daniel 1:17-20, we see a clear Recognition of the gifts bestowed upon Daniel and his companions by God — gifts of knowledge, skill, and wisdom. However, it’s essential to note that the mere presence of these gifts does not guarantee their effective utilization. While God deposited these gifts within them, it was up to Daniel and his friends to cultivate and deploy them effectively.
This distinction is crucial in understanding the journey of becoming a “Ten Times Better Leader.” Many people possess inherent talents and abilities, yet fail to recognize or develop them fully. They may lack the self-awareness or initiative to discover their gifts, thereby missing out on opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the world.
True leadership excellence lies in the intentional development and deployment of one’s gifts. “Ten Times Better Leaders” invest time and effort in understanding their unique strengths and talents. They undergo a process of self-discovery and reflection, seeking to uncover the areas where they can make the greatest impact.
Once they have identified their gifts, these leaders focus their energy, time, and resources on honing their skills and leveraging their strengths. They align their pursuits with their innate abilities, operating within their “sweet spot” where their gifts intersect with their passions and values.
By concentrating their efforts on their areas of strength, “Ten Times Better Leaders” maximize their potential and create a profound impact on those around them. They become catalysts for positive change, inspiring others to discover and deploy their own gifts for the greater good.
“Ten Times Better Leaders” are not content to merely possess gifts. They are committed to developing and deploying them to their fullest potential. They understand that true fulfillment and success come from using their gifts to serve others and make a positive impact on the world.
What about you? What will it take for you to become a “Ten Times Better Leader?” You might say, “That’s not the point–God never instructed me to endeavor to become ten times better than everyone else.” I would agree. But God has given us some clear instructions to practice self-control, respond appropriately to testing, become lifelong learners, and develop and deploy our gifts so that we can serve others effectively. When we do that, God tends to open the doors and take care of the rest. That’s what he did for Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Whether you find yourself at the helm of a team, a department, or an entire company, the responsibility of leadership is both a privilege and a burden. It demands more than just competence. Today, I want to challenge you to be a ten times better leader. Not tomorrow, not next week, but today.
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