Lead with Diligence: 3 Pillars of Success

As leaders, we’re often told that success is measured by what we achieve—titles earned, goals met, or recognition gained. But I’ve come to see it differently. One quote has shaped my perspective on what it truly means to lead: “He has achieved success who has worked well, laughed often, and loved much.” This isn’t just a recipe for personal fulfillment; it’s a guide for becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. Let’s unpack this together.

What Does It Mean to Lead with Diligence?

Diligence in leadership isn’t about relentless hustle or chasing applause. It’s about leading with purpose, balance, and heart. The quote highlights three pillars—working well, laughing often, and loving much—that together create a leader who inspires trust, joy, and loyalty. These aren’t separate traits; they’re interconnected qualities that, when lived out, make you someone others naturally follow. Let’s dive into each one.

Worked Well: Purpose and Excellence

Working well means bringing your best to the table—not for praise, but because your work matters. As a leader, your effort sets the standard. When you approach your responsibilities with diligence and integrity, your team sees what’s possible and rises to meet it.

Scripture captures this beautifully in Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This isn’t about impressing people; it’s about honoring a higher purpose. I’ve found that when I pour my heart into my work—whether it’s a big project or a small task—my team notices. They don’t just follow my instructions; they follow my example.

What It Looks Like: Picture a leader who tackles challenges with focus and care, even when the spotlight’s off. They don’t settle for “good enough”—they strive for excellence because it’s who they are. That consistency earns respect, and respect is the foundation of leadership others want to follow.

Laughed Often: Joy and Connection

Leadership can feel heavy, but it doesn’t have to be joyless. The best leaders know how to lighten the mood and keep perspective. Laughter isn’t a luxury—it’s a strength. It builds resilience, fosters connection, and reminds everyone that we’re human.

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” I’ve seen this in action: a shared laugh during a stressful moment can turn a tense team into a united one. Joy isn’t weakness; it’s a gift that keeps us going.

What It Looks Like: Imagine a leader who celebrates wins, big or small, and isn’t afraid to crack a joke when the pressure’s on. They create a culture where people feel safe to be themselves. That’s a leader who makes the journey worth it—and people follow those who make the path brighter.

Loved Much: Compassion and Connection

If there’s one thing that defines a leader others want to follow, it’s love. Not a shallow sentiment, but a deep, active care for others—empathy, kindness, and investment in their growth. Without love, leadership is just a job. With it, it becomes a calling.

1 Corinthians 13:13 puts it plainly: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I’ve learned that when I take time to listen to my team, understand their challenges, and cheer their successes, they don’t just work for me—they partner with me. Love turns a group into a family.

What It Looks Like: Think of a leader who asks how you’re doing and actually listens. They offer support without expecting anything back and celebrate your wins like their own. That’s a leader who builds loyalty—and loyal teams follow through thick and thin.

How These Pillars Create Leaders Worth Following

When you weave together working well, laughing often, and loving much, something powerful happens. You don’t just lead effectively—you lead in a way that draws people in. These qualities build trust, create a positive culture, and inspire commitment.

I once knew a leader who lived this out. She worked tirelessly but never lost her sense of humor or her care for us. During a grueling project, she brought coffee, shared a laugh, and reminded us why our work mattered. We didn’t just finish the job—we exceeded expectations because we wanted to honor her leadership. That’s the impact of leading with diligence across all three areas.

Your Leadership Challenge

So, where are you on this journey? Ask yourself:

• Am I working well—putting my heart into what I do?
• Am I laughing often—bringing joy to those I lead?
• Am I loving much—showing up for my team in real ways?

If one feels out of balance, start small. This week, try one thing: tackle a task with extra care, share a moment of lightness, or reach out to someone who needs encouragement. Small steps build big change.

Lead with Diligence, Lead with Heart

Success isn’t about what you gain—it’s about how you live. When you work well, laugh often, and love much, you’re not just leading a team; you’re shaping a legacy. That’s the kind of leader I want to be—one others choose to follow because of the way I make them feel valued and inspired.

Let’s commit to this together. Let’s lead with diligence, joy, and love. Because when we do, we don’t just succeed—we lift everyone around us along the way.

What’s one way you’ll lead with diligence this week? I’d love to hear your thoughts.