I recently taught a 4 week course at C3 Curitiba based on Dr. Phil Pringle’s excellent book, Leadership Excellence: 10 Characteristics of Great Leaders. Over the next few posts, we will be highlighting and discussing these 10 important leadership traits. You can read Part Two here.
5. Strong- Life is not fair. Leaders will encounter obstacles and challenges. At the end of the day, it is the strong that will survive. Weak leadership really does not accomplish anything of value. Leaders are taking people from where they are now on a journey. This journey will involve the follower having to change and grow. No one wants to follow a weak leader.
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Strong Leadership- it is not leadership to let people do whatever they want. Leaders guide people in a specific direction towards the accomplishing of a vision. In our case, we are building a church with a specific vision.
A. Strong Leadership Requires Something from Others.
B. Strong Leadership Holds People Accountable.
C. Strong Leadership is Fearless of Other People’s Opinions.
Moses and Aaron are a great case study in strong leadership vs weak leadership.
6. Sound– Good character
“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down you will not be when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverb 3:21-24
A leader’s character and integrity are the things that either draw people to them or send potential followers running in the opposite direction. People want to follow someone they can trust. A leader’s character is formed by their habits. What does Good Character look like?
Joseph is a great example! When confronted by an opportunity to enhance his career by sleeping with his master’s wife, he ran away. Later, when he was elevated to as the Prime Minister of Egypt, he encountered his brothers. These were the same brothers who had plotted his murder and only at the last minute decided to sell him as a slave rather than killing him. Now Joseph had the power to get even and extract his revenge. Instead, he forgave his brothers and showed kindness and mercy to them that they did not deserve.
7. Sensible- Wisdom. There are many strong and courageous leaders who have failed for a lack of wisdom. They may be full of vision. They may be strong and willing to make the tough decisions. Without wisdom, however, they will eventually become derailed.
“Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance.” Proverbs 1:5
A. Life-long Learners- reading, listening, attending conferences, seminars.
B. We learn from our mistakes.
C. We study people. The wise or sensible leader is great at understanding people. Everyone is not the same and must be managed differently.
D. Humility- stay teachable. Wisdom says, “There is always something new that I can learn.”
To be continued…
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