Tag: Character

The Light of Leadership

Jesus claimed to be the “Light of the world.” He further told His disciples, “You are the light of the world…,” concluding the thought by saying, “Let your light shine…”

There can be no doubt that Jesus planned for His followers to reflect His character, virtue, and example in a world that does not welcome the light and often attempts to extinguish it.

Katelyn Irons challenged us with this thought, “Shine with all you have. When someone tries to blow you out, just take their oxygen and burn brighter.”

For leaders, it’s about leading out of being. The light is who we are, not just what we do.

Leading with Character

Character is often the topic of posts. Consider the expression of character in the midst of this thought by Joey Potter.

“No matter where life takes you — big cities, small towns — you will inevitably run across small minds. People who think they are better than you, people who think that being pretty or popular automatically makes you a worthwhile human. None of these things matter as long as you have a strength of character, integrity… sense of pride. So when you meet someone for the first time, don’t judge them by their situation in life, because you never know, they may end up being your very best friend.”

Strength Of Character

Conflict is inevitable. We assume that when our character is strong, conflict will not break us, even when it piles up. When we achieve the desired result, we are encouraged.

However, as Robert Tew said, “Strength of character isn’t always about how much you can handle before you break, it’s also about how much you can handle after you’ve broken.”

Once we are broken, how much can we handle? Do we find ourselves shutting down, withdrawing, becoming reclusive, and avoiding contact with others?

A great deal of admiration goes to leaders whose strength of character shines before they break and after they are broken.

Pursue Your Passion

What leaders pursue is determined by the core values of their character. If their character is biblically based, the pursuit is divinely grounded.

The nature of your pursuits is supported by the passionate and driving force in your life.

At times, the direction may not be what you expect, or the most comfortable, yet it must be pursued.

What gets you up and out the door in the mornings? Are you passionate about and willing to give your life to pursue it, or will you wait until the opportunity passes you by?

Leaders shape the future by their pursuits and so will you.

Biblical Resolution…Part 2

Paul’s letter to Philemon regarding the runaway slave, Onesimus, is another great text on resolving conflict. Paul makes several appeals, and each hold significance.

First, he appeals to Philemon’s character, faith, love for the church, and dedication to the Lord.

Second, he appeals for the sake of his self-sacrificing love.

Third, he appeals to the value and worth of Onesimus, not as a slave, but a brother in Christ.

Fourth, he appeals to his own confidence in Philemon to go beyond what Paul asks.

Our conflict with others could be resolved more quickly if we spent a little time making an appeal based on these four areas.

Sustaining Leadership

Sustainability involves maintaining a certain rate or level and includes the idea that something can be upheld or defended.

Sustainability is used in circles ranging from ecology to missiology. The application to leadership is evident.

With the figurative ebb and flow of leadership in political, educational, religious, and corporate arenas, we are challenged to understand how best to sustain leadership.

Several answers can be discovered with a little research, but the common thread to any level of sustainability in leadership involves consistency of character.

All other qualities of leadership further cement a future of leadership that is instrumental in influencing the direction of the world.

The 110% Leader

In a world obsessed with “talent,” “marketing,” and “turning a buck,” we often see character and attitude overlooked in order to exploit someone’s talent for the sake of making money.

Will Smith once said, “If you’re not willing to work hard, let someone else do it. I’d rather be with someone who does a horrible job, but gives 110% than with someone who does a good job and gives 60%.”

Leadership experience has proven that a person who is willing to work hard, even though not as gifted, will outperform a person who is exceptionally gifted, but unwilling to work hard.

The Leadership Line

Everyone has a line, a specific line that influences what we will or will not do. The line may fall into areas that involve our moral, ethical, or legal character.

The line is often adjustable and once moved, an effort to rationalize our decision ensues.

Our task is one of great magnitude and requires an understanding of where to draw the line. Consider the following.

1) God has already established and provided the line.
2) Consistency is critical in the development of godly character.
3) Remember the long-term consequences.

If we think first, where we place the line may make the difference.

Defining Leadership Character

What characteristic defines our leadership? When we examine that characteristic closely, are we able to recognize what makes it distinct?

The defining nature of our leadership sets us apart as leaders. This distinctiveness enables us to have the kind of influence needed to help others reach their potential, to become all God wants for them.

Leaders carry the responsibility of developing the kind of character that creates a distinction for their influence. This distinction provides defining qualities of leadership that make a difference.

Consider the following:

1) Learn what is necessary to achieve the goal.
2) Determine to do whatever it takes.
3) Be patient.

Integrity

How would you define integrity?

I’ve asked this question for several years and the responses vary to some degree. However, one primary definition remains constant, “Integrity is what you do when no one else is watching.”

The type of television shows and movies we watch, along with other activities we participate in when no one else is around speaks to our integrity.

No one can have stellar character publicly and trashy integrity privately without eventually suffering the consequences.

We develop character when we focus on our integrity, and this development begins with a self-examination of our moral compass.