A craft is often associated with the activity of making things with one’s hands. The idea also refers to a skill for carrying out one’s work. Here is where we will focus with leadership.

Several questions come to mind: 1) How do leaders hone the craft of leadership? 2) What skills are needed in the craft of leading? 3) Is leadership really a craft?

The answers to these questions are varied and complex, depending on the source we might read. There are, however, a few ideas that benefit those who consider how to approach this idea in leadership.

Understanding the idea of a craft in relationship to a skill is foundational. We all possess certain skills and developing those skills in leadership improves the craft.

Leaders abound who exemplify leadership. They spend years working to develop their leadership and provide a great example to emulate. Spend time with these leaders.

Practicing our developmental skills is crucial to understanding the craft and improving our skill set in leadership.

Nothing comes quickly or easily, but with a little time and effort, our leadership craft matures into something beautiful.

Socrates was first credited with the idea that we have different personalities. He associated it with one of the four blood types.

Most scholars recognize four basic personalities: Choleric, Sanguine, Melancholy and Phlegmatic. We can have all the classic traits of one or be a healthy, or annoying, combination. If we know someone’s basic personality traits, however, we can better understand how to lead.

The one we consider today is the first in the list: Choleric.  Positive traits include headstrong, dominant, strong-willed, decisive, and a doer.

The negative traits include opinionated, bullies, “my way or the highway,” arrogant, and condescending.

Choleric’s are motivated to get it done (and this is another of their traits) even if they have to do it themselves. They struggle with delegating and can be hard to deal with, thinking they can do it better. If mixed with another type they can warm up and be the best worker.

Do we know anyone like this? Are we leading by helping someone be better at what they do?  Think leadership!

“You don’t have to be inspired to be inspiring” Chase Turner

As simple as this thought may seem, the depths of its implications are far greater than these nine words appear at first glance.

Biblically, we are aware that God inspired the authors of the Old and New Testaments to write with accuracy the words penned throughout each book and letter comprising the Bible. This process of inspiration was guided by the Holy Spirit given to the writers as they recorded each word and phrase.

God did not remove the style, history, or culture of each person. He insured that what was written was accurate and complete.

As a leader, there is no discussion needed concerning the completion of what God provided in His word. Leaders should, however, consider how they can inspire others to reach their potential. Taking time to guard their example, choose their words carefully, and make decisions for the greater good of each individual and the whole of the organization are a few ways to provide such inspiration.

With a little work, each of us can achieve so much for the cause of our Lord.

Transparency in leadership is a vital component in the power needed to make things happen. In a Forbes article dealing with transparency in leadership, five specific areas are identified in connection to what happens when leaders are transparent.

1. Problems are solved faster.

2. Teams are built easier.

3. Relationships grow authentically.

4. People begin to promote trust in their leader.

5. Higher levels of performance emerge.

Relationships take shape as problems are encountered and resolved together. When this happens, the trust factor is promoted and the performance levels increase.

Combining these five areas provides a transparency that enables followers to understand and assist leadership in ways that move an organization toward greater achievements.

How can leaders become more transparent in their leadership? Several answers can be found through numerous resources, but it all comes down to one powerful thought: communication.

When leaders communicate the good and bad to followers, transparency increases. Remembering that everyone is an adult and should be treated with respect enables open communication to develop.

The time invested to produce a system of solid communication raises transparency and its benefits.

The concept of leadership lends itself to numerous interpretations. One consistency, however, involves the nature of adding value to our leadership.

What kind of value is needed to enhance our ability to lead?

How can we add the greatest value to our leadership?

Why does adding value mark the difference in long-term development?

The value needed to enhance our ability to lead involves respect. Leaders need to respect themselves, but as importantly they need the respect of those who follow.

This value is added to our leadership over time and demonstrated by our integrity during critical decisions, which has the greatest impact on others.

The reason this value marks the difference in long-term development is because respect is elicited as a result of a leaders’ abilities and achievements.

While the emphasis on leadership does not end with these few ideas, the concept of adding value to leadership is essential to the long-term nature of helping others reach their potential.

Respect is one value that, when added to leadership, changes the emphasis of our leadership.

A snapshot is an informal photograph taken quickly, typically with a small handheld camera. While we can define the word, the challenge rests in determining an application of this idea to our leadership.

Usually, the formal moments of our leadership are characterized by the pomp and circumstance of following a predetermined path. We practice what we “say and do” to insure we cross every “t” and dot every “i.” We make certain everything is perfect.

Informally, we tend to let our guard down. In those moments, our true self springs forth and a snapshot of who we are is taken by those who see us.

These snapshots are the most important to our leadership influence. Here, when people see us in the most vulnerable moments of our character, we formulate our identity as a leader.

Those who see us only in formal settings make decisions that may or may not have much accuracy. When they see us in those informal moments, a snapshot of the true self, we establish a consistency that gains followers who determine their trust in our leadership.

What kind of snapshot are others taking of us?

Each Monday for the next few weeks, we plan to feature a guest writer. Because they choose to be anonymous, we are simply sharing a “ghost post.” Enjoy!

Someone once said that “character matters; leadership descends from character.” If this is true, then what or who we are when no one is watching is where leadership begins. We must have or develop good character traits to be a good leader.

We can all rise to the top when on the stage of life, but when we are alone and no one is watching our every move and we still do what is right and appropriate; this is character.  Good character traits translate into good leadership skills.  Not only should we take people where they need to go as leaders, we need to be the kind of person that can be looked up to and lead by the example of our character.

What do people around us say about our character?  Are we thinking about leading?  We are, whether we know it or not.  Let us be good leaders with good character traits that all will want to emulate.

“A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and in all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably with the circumstances of life, knowing that in this world no one is all knowing and therefore all of us need both love and charity.” Eleanor Roosevelt

The intent of this post is not to deal with every component of this thought, but there are several powerful ideas expressed in this one sentence.

Even though there are those in the world who deny absolutes, the truths provided by God ground us in them, regardless of what others think.

Objectivity, in the midst of an emotional stirring, is a trait that can provide leaders with powerful influence.

Perhaps, the humility and charity possessed by leaders is the most significant of all. The way in which leaders approach others in every circumstance of life can change the world.

Mrs. Roosevelt’s thoughts make a good compass for how we bring about that change.

Counting the cost when leading others can be a daunting task. There are so many questions that need answers when attempting to start and finish any work.

One of the most pressing thoughts among these questions involves having enough to finish well. Do we have enough resources to achieve the goal? These resources include, but are not limited to, money, skills, educational background, and / or facilities.

Do we have enough staff to implement the plans to achieve the goal? The infrastructure needed to accomplish the development and implementation of any work is critical to the success of the program.

Do we have enough time to complete the job? Time may be considered a resource, but a regular period of evaluation is necessary to determine what has been accomplished, what needs to be accomplished, and if there is enough time to finish on schedule.

Having enough resources, staff, and time are only three components that require our attention when setting goals, establishing plans, and implementing both to produce growth in the organization.

Utilizing each of these components is foundational for every leader.

An invoice serves several purposes for both the one writing the invoice and the one receiving it. What is interesting is how the idea of an invoice also factors into areas of leadership that will help us in the way we influence others.

An invoice provides information about services rendered and materials purchased that are beneficial for both parties involved.

An invoice gives a point of reference for both the business and customer that allows for future access to needed information.

An invoice also represents an agreement for each person identified, serving as a contractual agreement between them, thus creating responsibility.

If our leadership were to completely communicate the vision, goals, and plans that benefit everyone involved, imagine the level of morale it would generate.

If leaders stood as a point of reference for accessing the information that answered questions, the confidence of followers would grow.

If leaders understood the responsibility of everyone involved, then desire to fulfill that responsibility would be greater.

While there is not always a clear approach to achieving success at every level, these few steps can make a difference.