“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” This scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7 is often quoted at funerals, but what does it mean for today’s leaders?
Fighting the Good Fight: This isn’t about physical combat but about upholding and living by strong ethical values. Every day, in every decision and interaction, leaders must ask themselves: Are we embodying these values for those we lead? Are our organizational values truly reflected in every transaction, or are they merely words on a wall? Do our personal values align with those of our organization, community, or nation? Are our actions consistent across all areas of our lives? These self-reflective questions help us determine if we are genuinely “fighting the good fight.”
Finishing the Race: This concept goes beyond the end of life to the completion of each assignment, engagement, position, or stage in our lives. At the end of each year, project, or role, leaders should reflect: “Did I finish this race well? Did I live and demonstrate good values? Were my actions ethical?” It’s about evaluating how we showed up for our teams and stakeholders. Did we inspire others and create a lasting, positive impact?
Keeping the Faith: This involves maintaining a steadfast belief in a higher purpose and recognizing that values and ethical behaviors are the keys to lasting success. It’s about the profound impact we have on our teams and communities. As leaders, being part of a community of ethical individuals means setting an example and guiding others with integrity. Are we consistent in our beliefs and actions, even in challenging times? Do we nurture a culture where integrity and trust are paramount?
As leaders, continual engagement with ourselves through self-reflection questions enables us to ensure that we truly are fighting a good fight that will enable us to finish well as we keep the faith.