Inspect It

This month, my word is inspection.

I’ve learned that it’s not enough to simply expect results. You’ve got to inspect the process. 

Expecting is passive. Inspecting is active. You need eyes on it. 👀

General Jim Mattis, in his book Wisdom of the Bullfrog, writes:

“If you don’t measure it, you don’t manage it.
If you don’t inspect it, you don’t improve it.”

That’s leadership wisdom in its rawest form. Whether it’s your team, your family, or your own soul—expectation without inspection leads to drift.

• Expecting says, “I hope this works out.”

• Inspecting says, “I’ll check in, follow up, and ensure it stays on course.”

Jesus himself modeled this with his disciples. He didn’t just send them out; He checked back, asked questions, corrected, encouraged, and redirected. That’s the essence of inspection.

So here’s my challenge this month:

Don’t just hope for quality, growth, progress, or breakthrough. Put eyes on it. Walk the field. Ask the hard questions. Get close enough to see what’s actually happening.

Because in life and leadership - Inspecting > Expecting.