Not long ago, I was watching a TV program about how Ferraris are made. Ferraris are one of the most sought after sports cars in the world, and they come with a hefty price tag. But, in the end it is a car, pieces of sheet metal put together, that provide transportation. There are many car manufacturers in the world, but what makes this car different? The difference is that they are not mass produced like most other cars in the world. There’s a lot of diligence that goes into making a Ferrari.
“Diligence is a learnable skill that combines creative persistence, a smart-working effort rightly planned and rightly performed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner to attain a result that is pure and of the highest quality of excellence. “ Steven K. Scott
It all begins by talking with the owner about what they want. The color of the leather, the color of the paint, the accessories, every detail is planned out before the work on each car begins. Then the process of putting it all together begins. Body parts are put together and painted, while the interior is designed and assembled. It’s an efficient operation that produces some of the worlds best cars. They are hand crafted, everything is meticulously put together, and if there is even the slightest flaw, the part is destroyed, and the work starts over again. They are persistent in making sure that nothing but perfection leaves their work area. Quality control ensures that every step along the way results in a job done right, and on time. The assembly process is one of careful planning, and each part arrives on the assembly line, just as it needed. It was an amazing thing to watch, a car going from just a collection of metal parts to a car of the highest quality and excellence. It was diligence.
It seems like a lot of work, learning to be diligent. But, the rewards are great. Learning to be diligent in everything that you do will give you an insurmountable advantage over everyone else.
“Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29
In business it’s very easy to shoot from the hip, and hope for the best. To have the attitude that i don’t have time for this. But, if you’re in business for the long haul, and you want to set yourself apart from the obscure masses, it’s essential to become diligent in everything that you do. Not just sometimes, but everytime. Begins with a clear vision of what you want to achieve, then spend time planning and executing in a timely, efficient, effective manner. The result will be something that is of the highest quality and excellence. That will give you an insurmountable advantage over the masses that are shooting from the hip, and hoping for the best.
Do you need to be more diligent in your work? I know I do.
About Rolf Issler