Scripture:
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)
Great Leaders Rely on Systems, Not Just Willpower
Many leaders rely on motivation to drive them forward. They set big goals, cast bold visions, and work hard—but over time, they burn out or stall in progress. Why? Because motivation alone is not sustainable.
Craig Groeschel teaches that the best leaders don’t just set goals; they create systems that produce consistent results. A system is a set of habits, routines, or structures that ensure success over time.
Think about Daniel in the Bible. He didn’t pray when he felt like it—he had a system:
“He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (Daniel 6:10)
His success in faith wasn’t based on feelings but on a system of devotion to God. If you want to grow as a leader, you need more than passion—you need a system that supports your growth.
How to Build Systems for Leadership Growth
1. Identify the Habits That Shape Your Leadership
“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5)
Every leader has daily habits—some intentional, some unintentional. The question is: Are your habits making you a better leader or holding you back?
Strong leaders develop habits that support their calling. This might include reading, intentional prayer, strategic planning, or time management. Your habits are either moving you closer to God’s purpose or further away.
✅ Action Step: Write down three daily habits that currently shape your leadership. Are they helping or hurting you?
2. Stop Focusing on Goals—Start Focusing on Systems
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10:4)
Setting goals is good, but goals alone don’t create change—systems do. A goal without a system is just a wish.
- Goal: “I want to be a better leader.”
- System: “I will read one leadership book per month and meet with a mentor biweekly.“
- Goal: “I want to be an animal owner.”
- System: “Buy a dog. Never a cat.” 😄
- Goal: “I want to pray more.”
- System: “I will set aside 15 minutes every morning before checking my phone to pray.”
Systems are the bridge between intention and results.
✅ Action Step: Choose one leadership goal and create a system to support it.
3. Build a Leadership Calendar
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
Most leaders struggle not because they don’t have time, but because they don’t have a system to manage their time. The best leaders plan their priorities first instead of letting their schedule control them.
A leadership calendar includes:
- Time for spiritual growth (prayer, Scripture, rest)
- Time for learning (reading, mentorship, skill development)
- Time for strategic planning (setting vision, thinking ahead)
- Time for people (mentoring, developing others)
- Time for execution (doing the work God has called you to do)
Many leaders are reactive rather than proactive with their time. A great leader designs their week intentionally.
✅ Action Step: Block out time on your calendar for spiritual growth, learning, strategic thinking, and people development.
Action Steps for Growth:
- Assess Your Current Habits. Identify which habits are helping or hurting your leadership.
- Create a System. Instead of just setting a goal, develop a system that ensures long-term success.
- Structure Your Week. Design your schedule to reflect your leadership priorities.
Bottom Line
Successful leadership is not about trying harder—it’s about designing better systems. You don’t rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.
This week, evaluate your leadership habits, build a system that supports your growth, and structure your time wisely. Small changes in your systems today will lead to big results tomorrow.
Reflection Questions for Leaders:
- What habits are shaping my leadership—both good and bad?
- Do I have systems in place to help me grow, or am I just relying on willpower?
- How can I better structure my time to focus on what truly matters?
