Well, the long election of our 44th President is over. Barack Obama has made history and become the first African American President. Let us pray for him and his new administration to do great things on behalf of the American people and the world.
But our job is not merely to be his cheerleaders, sitting on the sidelines of history. Our job is to make history also, to change the world also, to be transformers of our communities and the people in our lives. You are called by God to be JUST as successful in your own sphere as Barack.
So because both supporters and critics say Obama ran a masterful, virtually mistake-free two-year campaign, here is what you can learn from how he won:
1) BELIEVE — in your own calling. Some people said he was presumptuous, too young, too inexperienced, too… you name it. But he believed in his own sense of destiny and calling. You should believe in what God has called YOU to accomplish in this life.
2) PLAN FOR REALITY: Barack’s victory was no accident, and it was not due just to the economy. Or because he was black. Or even just because of Bush’s unpopularity. All of those contributed but this was also the most highly planned, well-executed campaign for President in American history.
And here’s a critical point: YOU MUST FACE REALITY when you plan! Barack’s people had no illusions about how hard the task was. Jesus said before you build a tower, sit down and plan for how much it’s going to cost. So be realistic about the obstacles in your path, and plan for them. Don’t wish them away. Wishing them away won’t get the job done. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN.
3) EXECUTE. The world is full of good intentions. I’ve hired lots of people who say they’ll do the job, but don’t. Or they start out doing it, then they get busy or upset or whatever and drop the ball. And they do this over and over again in their lives.
The recent well-known book “Execution” argues that businesses that succeed are not those who have a superior STRATEGY but have superior EXECUTION. I think both are needed but here’s the key point: BOTH ARE NEEDED!
Come to work every day on your dreams and calling and get it done — every day. As the Bible says, “faith without works is dead” — useless, as good as nothing.
4) PEOPLE POWER: You need a team or network of people committed to your success. Draw them in by your love, the power of your vision, your character, and your ability to execute and create wins. Then get them working on your behalf.
Just a few key lessons. Now execute them!
