Leadership Is … Critical Character Values #330
“Harvard University indicates that 85 percent of a leader’s performance depends on their personal character, qualities of their heart.” (Bennis, Warren, The Leadership Advantage)
We all have values that determine our character. Our character defines our actions. Our staff, volunteers and friends are influenced by our actions. Think and pray about a business, a workplace or a church where the working culture is Servant Leadership focused. Imagine working or volunteering in a God-focused culture where the Board, Supervisor or Pastor’s primary character trait is to demonstrate God’s love through serving.
Or, let’s go one step further. Think about the world-wide difference if all of us, in our variety of church styles, consistently demonstrated God’s love in both the individual and organizational sense.
Take a minute and think through these points. Are you and I demonstrating an authentic lifestyle? Do we live the same personality, care and love for God in all our relationships? Can we stop thinking about winners and losers and let God guide us? Can we accept all others without judgement? Are we considered to be trustful in all our dealings? Can I honestly say that my desire is to make a positive Christ-focused impact on my community every day?
Think about what scripture tells us.
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:1-4 NIV)
Leadership is … knowing our values and character influences our world.
Laurie D. Kennedy