What are the marks of good leadership?
The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
~Proverbs 22:3
Often in my observation of leadership, I’ve witnessed people take the bull by the horns and run with it like a destructive steer in a China shop. They are frequently of the thinking they can now do what ever they want to run the show. Unfortunately, the complete opposite is true. When we watch how Jesus led, he was neither bossy, nor destructive demanding His own way. He led by example. Like many of the strong leaders in scripture and ones we can remember outside of scriptures, front runners were responsive, self-sacrificing, reined in, wisely held their tongues yet accomplished more with silent strength.
Leaders exhibit several qualities that mark them as front-runners. Here are a few:
Humility: Great leaders rein in their power, strength and getting their way for the greater good of the group. They understand one person doesn’t win the war, but delegating to the best in each battle increases the odds of winning.
Internal Strength: Strength that comes from circumstances or our surroundings can be fleeting. Strength from within, comes from knowing who you are, who created you, and checking in with the creator regularly. Creating a personal mission statement (life quote or biblical verse) that governs your decisions leaves wavering by the wayside.
Intentionality: Great leaders know they cannot pour out from and empty cup. The commit to purposeful intention to learning, growing and being mentored by those more experienced.
Compassionate: Although they hold the power to set themselves above others, they put the needs of others above their own. They consider how what they do or say will affect the other person or persons.
Integrity: Upright leaders are the same in public as they are behind closed doors. They do what they say they’ll do.
Passionate: Passionate leaders can rally others to fight for a cause and they can lay out a winning plan. They stay the fight when others quit. They are momentum builders and run into danger when others run out.
Vision: They see the solution or unique perspective that others don’t. And they have the skills to maneuver from the goal back to where they currently are. They see the forest and the trees.
Strength: Strong leaders are disciplined and follow through. They maintain cool heads during a crisis. They are often the only ones left when the ship goes down or they’re running toward the problem when others run away.
Capable: These leaders have accurately accessed their strengths and weaknesses and the tasks they’re considering. They know when to say yes and when to say no. They are strength reined in. They understand the job, but are aware they may not be the one to lead. ON the contrary, they are compelled to lead when they’ve considered the costs.
How do you know if a leader isn’t worthy of leadership?
- They’re insecure. You observe them being unstable or not up to the job.
- They’re negative. If they lead with negativity, they’re not focused on solutions, but rather blame shifting.
- They react rather than respond. Good leaders pause long enough to thinking through situations and then respond.
- They take credit for others’ work. They have a need to be the hero in every situation.
- They lack boundaries. They’re unable to stay in their lane and often micromanage others.
- They gossip. They believe that snuffing out others makes them look better.
- They surround themselves with ‘yes’ people. They are not able to handle criticism.
- They get exasperated easily. They get angry if they’re questioned or don’t agree with their plans.
Leaders are called to be the frontline people. They are the ones with targets on their backs. They often are the gap-standers for the benefit of many others. When done right, we’ll never understand the self-sacrifices they endure, but benefits all of us. Great leadership often comes with the price tag of being misuderstood and judged. Those leaders who know who they are and what they are about are successful because their missions and goals are their measuring sticks. They hold themselves accountable to a higher standard than most. Bill Gates, the former CEO of Microsoft, said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
The Scriptures remind us “and let us consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds…and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
How do you measure a leader or your own leadership?
