Write it Down and Sign It

Have you ever been on a great team? Do you remember what it was like? Everyone looks out for everyone else. People actually care and take care of each other. People even tend to put their personal interests aside. Everyone works together for the benefit of the team. Everyone is clear on their role, what is expected of them, and what their contribution is. Everyone is committed to the desired outcome.


Image courtesy of: United States Marine Corps Official Page

Scripture:
“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.” – Nehemiah 9:38

Observation/Application:  
Nehemiah understood what it took to run a great team. In addition to making the expectations clear, Nehemiah understood the principle of buy-in. And he knew that when people tend to be more committed when their commitments are in writing and people sign their names to it.

Believe it or not I’ve done this with my team at work. I’ve never seen it on any of the sports teams that I’ve been on. And I’ve seen leaders and coaches require everyone on the team to make a verbal commitments. But when the stakes are high, things get put in writing. That is why I love doing this on my team and in things that are really important to me.

That is why great mentors suggest that we put our personal goals down in writing. It is not enough to make a mental commitment to oneself. If you are serious about doing something, then prove it and write it down in a commitment to yourself. And don’t only set an annual target. Set monthly targets, weekly targets, and daily action items in support of what you are working to improve.

Try it. As simple as it sounds, most people don’t value this step and skip it. But there is something magic about writing down a commitment, signing your name to it, and then looking at and holding yourself accountable every day.


Image courtesy of: ruifernandes

We can accomplish great things, both independently and together, leveraging this basic principle of accomplishment. Nehemiah used it to accomplish great things, and so can we!

People read goal setting books, attend leadership conferences, and happily pay big money to learn this stuff because it really works! We however know that many of the greatest concepts on leadership and accomplishment can be found in this one book called the Bible. And these great teachings are free for those of us who understand the value of learning from the best leader of all time – Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today and for giving us great lessons in leadership and accomplishment almost every time we read scripture. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, the greatest leader of all time to be the light of the world and to show us the Way. Help us to be more like you Jesus. We seek you first Lord. Fill us with all your goodness. Let your Holy Spirit overflow in us. We give you all the honor and glory, in Jesus mighty name, Amen.


Image courtesy of: `James Wheeler

Photo By ruifernandes

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