So far I have shared 7 great principles of leadership that represent godly character. Let me finish this series with a final 3
A critical ingredient for a leader with character is the following: to be calm, loyal, prudent and discerning. Most followers do not have much confidence in a leader who is high strung, too excitable, and can't control their emotions. Nobody wants to have to walk on egg shells around a reactionary leader.
Imagine working for a leader who may turn on us with an unprovoked attack.
The next reflection of godly character is to hire well, communicate clearly, and trust the people they are over to achieve results. Leaders who cannot do this have a tendency to micromanage and send the message of distrust. When it comes to communicating the leader must paint a compelling vision and mission that captures the heart of the one they have hired. This also includes the defining of measurements of performance, and the tactics and strategies to achieve desired results.
Finally a leader with character will balance concern for the welfare of his employees with the need to achieve positive results. Every leader must be concerned about the desired results yet that also needs to be balanced with care for the people working for them. Results will often be high is the morale in the organization is high.
In conclusion we can see these characteristics a work in progress in all of us.
Let me again give credit to Gayle Beebe (President of Westmont College) who has brilliantly put these principles in print.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
CHARACTER REFLECTIONS Part 2
I will share with you 4 more reflections that identify godly character in a leader.
The effective leader works with respect and understanding for each member of the team or organization. One of the greatest signs of godly character is a person who is willing to identify, develop, and celebrate the gifts of those who work for you. This requires confidence and acceptance in your own gifts and abilities. If you can't, your insecurities will shine through and frustrate those on your team.
Secondly, a leader with character works for the greater good of the organization. Instead of using the position to promote themselves, leaders with character are more concerned about the interests of the organization. The most satisfying work will be to promote something bigger than ourselves.
Thirdly, a leader who reflects character is temperate in all matters. A leader who demonstrates moderation in all things, including a lack of retaliation when attacked, over reacting, and rash responses.
Maintaining composure in all circumstances is critical to a leader's credibility.
(Just a side note regarding this issue) I was told early on in my ministry to pray every day for beauty and balance in my life. This advice speaks to this third reflection.
Finally the leader who reflects character must balance a confidence in their ability with humility in their approach. An effective leader should have low ego needs and find their greatest satisfaction in leading toward successful results. Being confident in your ability but humble in your approach requires that you learn to celebrate the gifts of those around you recognizing that things could change at any time.
The effective leader works with respect and understanding for each member of the team or organization. One of the greatest signs of godly character is a person who is willing to identify, develop, and celebrate the gifts of those who work for you. This requires confidence and acceptance in your own gifts and abilities. If you can't, your insecurities will shine through and frustrate those on your team.
Secondly, a leader with character works for the greater good of the organization. Instead of using the position to promote themselves, leaders with character are more concerned about the interests of the organization. The most satisfying work will be to promote something bigger than ourselves.
Thirdly, a leader who reflects character is temperate in all matters. A leader who demonstrates moderation in all things, including a lack of retaliation when attacked, over reacting, and rash responses.
Maintaining composure in all circumstances is critical to a leader's credibility.
(Just a side note regarding this issue) I was told early on in my ministry to pray every day for beauty and balance in my life. This advice speaks to this third reflection.
Finally the leader who reflects character must balance a confidence in their ability with humility in their approach. An effective leader should have low ego needs and find their greatest satisfaction in leading toward successful results. Being confident in your ability but humble in your approach requires that you learn to celebrate the gifts of those around you recognizing that things could change at any time.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
CHARACTER REFLECTIONS
In a recent article written by Gayle D. Beebe, who is the president of Westmont College, there were some really great insights regarding the essential qualities that reflect our character. For the next several blogs I would like to amplify those.
The first is a leader who leads from a foundation of integrity. Essentially this means being true to our word and avoiding any kind of false appearances. Because a leader's life is always on display, people can be intrusive and critical. We can either embrace that fact or resent it. If we embrace it, we live a life above board and above reproach. If we resent it we can resort to our privacy and perhaps send the wrong messages.
The second characteristic of somebody who has great character is relational competency. Often times we get jobs and have responsibility because of our technical competence. Our technical abilities can take us so far, but if we can't foster emotionally mature relationships that are meaningful we can find ourselves isolated and misunderstood. The higher we go in any organization the more we have to work through people. That is why people skills are so essential.
The third characteristic of somebody with great character is the ability to absorb and undo the evil of others. Attacks and criticism are inevitable in any organization. It is critical for a leader to be able to sift through what is true and what isn't. A person with great character should be emotionally mature enough to discern the real issues at stake and try to remove the personal side of things.
Until next time. How do you stack up against these first 3?
The first is a leader who leads from a foundation of integrity. Essentially this means being true to our word and avoiding any kind of false appearances. Because a leader's life is always on display, people can be intrusive and critical. We can either embrace that fact or resent it. If we embrace it, we live a life above board and above reproach. If we resent it we can resort to our privacy and perhaps send the wrong messages.
The second characteristic of somebody who has great character is relational competency. Often times we get jobs and have responsibility because of our technical competence. Our technical abilities can take us so far, but if we can't foster emotionally mature relationships that are meaningful we can find ourselves isolated and misunderstood. The higher we go in any organization the more we have to work through people. That is why people skills are so essential.
The third characteristic of somebody with great character is the ability to absorb and undo the evil of others. Attacks and criticism are inevitable in any organization. It is critical for a leader to be able to sift through what is true and what isn't. A person with great character should be emotionally mature enough to discern the real issues at stake and try to remove the personal side of things.
Until next time. How do you stack up against these first 3?
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