Tag: Integrity

Primal Leadership…

Primal comes from a Latin word meaning “first.” The idea relates to beginnings, first things, primary, essential, and foundational elements of all that is connected to life.

For leaders, it is essential to understand the primary / first elements that must be in place in order to achieve success.

These building blocks for spiritual leaders include integrity, honesty, strong work ethic, passion, confidence in God, discipline, and balance.

Additional elements may exist, but these are the “primal” ones of leadership.

When leaders build on this foundation, their strength of character provides hope for everyone who follows.

Confidence, Courage, Compassion – Integrity…

Confidence, courage, and compassion are three of the strongest words in leadership. Douglas MacArthur used these words in this thought, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” 

The last thought powerfully establishes true spiritual leadership – integrity.

If leaders demonstrate the qualities identified and possess the integrity to stand behind them, their leadership will be stronger and point others to the God who gave them this position.

Responsible Leadership…

Leadership involves responsibility. The higher one goes in leadership, the greater the responsibility. Others have said, “The greater the responsibility, the fewer the rights.”

We live in a culture where taking responsibility is not always an acceptable practice. We also live in a culture where the common practice is one of blaming others.

The problem is not cultural. This practice has been around since the beginning with Adam and Eve. Leadership must seek responsibility and take responsibility for their actions.

When this kind of integrity exists, when leaders seek and take responsibility for their actions, their influence grows. The result? People will follow!

At the Core of Leadership…

Our culture has developed a great ability to act one way, yet at the core they are something else.

We refer to this as hypocrisy. While true, we also need to understand it has become accepted and normal.

We must guard against such when we look at spiritual leadership. How many times in the past has the core of a religious leader been exposed in sinful activity?

Godly leaders need to be characterized by a core that walks with integrity, works righteousness, and speaks truth in the heart (Ps. 15:2).

Here is where we begin to develop the opportunity for our greatest influence.