The ideal leader is consistent and predictable. No ups and downs of good and bad days. No favorites. Staff and volunteers can enjoy the work knowing the consistent style of integrity of their leader.
The ideal leader works from a defined set of values. These values guide decisions, goals, plans and working strategies. Every decision could be traced back to a basic value. These values depend on the individual, but benefit the organization both above and below the leader. The employees can assess their best fit with the leader, and the leader can assess a best fit within the organization.
“Values are those things we consider or rate highly prize, esteem, or deem important.” (James C. Hunter, The World’s most powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader. 2004)
Your value system is a set of consistent beliefs used for the purpose of ethical or ideological integrity. As you lead, remember that your church, mission or business, needs to be healthy and led like a healthy organism.
Brother Lawrence, writing in 1666 and quoted in Devotional Classics, referred to himself as “a servant of the servants God”, while learning to live a life in God’s presence. He confirmed, “I have no will except that of God’s.” The ultimate goal of any servant is to literally have no personal will other than being committed to serving the master. Brother Lawrence rejected any and all personal desire in exchange for his life goal of serving his one and only true God.” (Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith. Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups. 2005)
“I’ll not deny my integrity even if it costs me my life. I’m holding fast to my integrity and not loosening my grip and, believe me, I’ll never regret it.” (Job 27:5-6 MSG)
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Jethrogroup.ca Author of Leadership is Devotions for Servant Leaders (Amazon.ca)