11. Teach, model, qualify, and duplicate.
This is the Excellence model that Jethro (Mr. Excellence) taught Moses in Exodus 18:20-24. Here are five things these verses teach us:
1. Exodus 18:20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. Having a little talk is not enough; you must teach and show. People need a model to follow. They also need policies and procedures. Every person you lead, needs to know what you want them to do and how you want them to do it!
2. Exodus 18:21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. One translation says “faithful and able.” Who you delegate to matters! Have a way to qualify your volunteers and also understand their gifts and abilities.
3. Exodus 18:22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter because they will share it with you. Identify the things you are doing others can do and allow them to help. You need to do the things only you can do. The key to remember is “you are still involved!”
4. Exodus 18:23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied. When you obey the Lord, not only is this good for you, but it’s also the best for the people!
5. Exodus 18:24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. Obedience brings blessing and success. My favorite part of this story is Moses learned and put what he had learned into action, and we never heard from Jethro again!
12. Don’t keep doing the same action and getting the same results.
We’ve heard it a million times: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always have what you’ve always had!” But even though we know this quote by heart, we still do the same old things and somehow expect different results from our actions.
Here are three things I like to do:
a. Try different things (regularly); don’t be afraid to try something new!
b. Mix it up (Doing things in a different order makes them seem new).
c. Look for ways to put a new wrapper or twist on an old idea. A great way to make sure you put these three things into practice is to add an accountability partner or coach to your life. Have them sit in and critique you, or have them ask you about what you are doing.