Showing posts with label character. Show all posts
Leadership Starts with Character
In the last decade we have been witness to very public moral failings at every level of leadership. We've seen families, churches, governments and organizations crumble in the wake. Yet worse, are the lives that have been shattered and torn apart. It’s no wonder why trust for leaders is so low and cynicism runs so high.
We know it, we see it, some of us have even been (tragically) front row participants. We know that we are all flawed moral beings. We make mistakes.
But we’ve also seen those who stand apart, seemingly above and against this tide. We marvel at their courage, their conviction, their fortitude in the face of temptation, criticism and challenge. And ultimately, we applaud them wondering what it is that makes them different?
Leadership Starts with Character
Easy right? Just add a little character and we’ll have great leaders. The problem is that character development is a slow process. It’s an intentional process. It goes against our grain. It goes against our nature. There is no shortcut. Character building requires hard work. It requires that we deny ourselves for a greater good with rewards that we either often can’t see or can’t see now. We question: is it worth it?
Character used to be a prominent component of our collective worldview. Leadership thinking and education centered on it (Cain, Covey). But in the last century our focus has shifted towards personality based leadership. The prevailing view and teaching is that charisma, command, elegance, appearance, presence, positivity and the like are the keys to successful leadership. Our coffee mug is shiny on the outside but years of decay and rings of hollowness stain the inside.
Most of us can keep up the personality charade for a while. Some for a long time. But the reality is that eventually the mask begins to crack under the weight of deception. Others often know the reality, but play along or simply try to avoid us. But whether through a major moral failing or just the disillusionment of it all, the masquerade crumbles and we are left to pick up the pieces.
Leadership Starts with Character
So what is the answer? It’s twofold. First, we must aggressively seek to develop character in our own hearts and lives. It is a slow process. There is no quick fix to character. It is etched over the trials of time and hard victories won along the way. It requires having a vision for what character looks like. Write it out. Who do you want to be? When you die, who do you want people to remember you as? Then daily, seek to make choices that align to your goal. Acknowledge and apologize for your gaps because they will happen. Get a partner to share truth with you but who also fully accepts you and adds what you are lacking to support your growth. (See growth and character)
Second, promote people of character vs. the flashy performer. Yes, they must be competent. But in the long-run, a person of deep character, with sufficient competence will run circles in performance around the person who is willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.
But is it worth it? In the end, leaders make a world of difference. When leaders fail; they aren’t the only ones that suffer. We all suffer. Your family needs you to lead and follow through on your promises. It matters to them and makes a world of difference. When you fail, they break. Your friends need you to lead and to be 100% truthful. They need to believe that you’ve got their back. Your church and school and organization need you to lead and serve, even when it’s inconvenient. Your business needs you to lead and to walk in integrity even when it might cost you. Why? Because leadership matters. Leaders inspire hope and restore faith. The release others to fulfill their potential. And when people walk in fullness they lead and inspire hope in others and the world rejoices.
