Episode Three

Character and Leadership

In Episode Two of this series on leadership entitled LEAD the WAY, I talked about the literature relating to leadership, followed by a discussion on the Definitions of a Leader, and raising the perennial question “Are Leaders Born or Made”? In this Episode Three, I will talk about the relationship between Character and Leadership. Let us begin.

Character and Leadership

There is a general consensus in the secular and sacred world that having moral values and being ethical has an impact on one’s leadership and its outcome. Character is a crucial element of leadership. Gayle Beebe has argued the necessity of character as the foundation of effective leadership. Fred Kiel has pointed out that “character is an individual’s unique combination of beliefs and character habits that motivate and shape how he or she relates to others. The four keystone characteristics of virtuoso leadership are integrity, responsibility, forgiveness, and compassion.” Leadership gurus agree that character and competency are important. They are like two sides of a coin. You can’t have one without the other. However, when a choice has to be made between charisma, competency, and character, it is character that takes priority. Somehow, there is a correlation between a character-driven leader and the success of a company, institution, or enterprise.

Hallmarks of Effective Leadership

When it comes to effective leadership characteristics, there is a broad consensus among leadership writers and experts. Some of the qualities listed are authenticity, integrity, competence, courage, credibility, relation, humility, faithfulness, transparency, prayerfulness, hope, willingness to learn and read widely, failures, and faith. I will highlight several of these hallmarks of leadership but with a caveat that not all are applicable to non-Christian leadership.

First, leaders are true to themselves. To imitate others, and pretending to be what one is not, or do things simply to please others, will be futile because followers will stop following once they realize the hypocrisy. Christian leaders are mindful of the fact that we worship a God who loves variety, diversity, and unity. A scan of his creation verifies this claim. For Christian leaders, their sense of accountability to God puts them in a position whereby their attitude and their corresponding action are not determined by people. When they stand before the judgment seat of Christ, they know on the basis of Scripture they are not judged based on what others say they ought to be or behave. Rather, they will be judged on the basis of how they have been created and gifted by the Holy Spirit. Leaders who try to please everybody will be miserable and become ineffective in the end.

Second, leaders have the courage to act decisively. The courage to do the right things and do things rightly is an important hallmark of effective leaders. They possess the courage to act when they are right as well as when they are wrong. They have the courage to act decisively in critical or difficult situations, admit when they are wrong, and graciously accept criticisms as part of leadership development. Such leaders acknowledge, admit, and apologize for their mistakes, and move on. They see the willingness to apologize as strength rather than weakness because as fallen, flawed, and finite human beings, they know they are not immune to making mistakes.

Third, effective leaders seek to make a difference in their organizations or institutions. Their motivation is the well-being and growth of the organization. In stepping into the mantle of leadership, they do not see themselves as seat warmers, run things business-as-usual, maintain status quo (that is the job of a manager) but make a significant difference and contribution to the lives of the people they lead. This means becoming a catalyst for change.

Fourth, effective leaders do not follow their own agenda but align themselves with God’s agenda. They lay aside personal ambitions in order to pursue God’s agenda. Once they are sure it is God’s agenda, they will put their energy and passion into the task without swerving to the right or left.

Fifth, leaders honor their words. Effective leaders are careful with their promises and will always seek to honor them. They will strive to “over-deliver” but not “over-promise.” Once a promise is made, they will fulfill it even if it means death for themselves (cf. Eccles. 5:1–7; Matt. 5:37). They are constantly aware of the perils of leadership and the credibility gaps between what they say or write and what they do, what they teach and how they act. Hence, they try to guard themselves from inconsistency and lack of integrity.

Sixth, leaders invest in people. Effective leaders see people as valuable assets. They do not see people as they are but what these people should and could turn out to be. They recognize that everyone has the potential to accomplish good and great things in life. They are aware that however great a leader may be, if there no one is following him, he cannot exercise leadership. Leaders are in leadership position because the people put them there. Hence, they seek not to manipulate or exploit others but make it a point to help them succeed in whatever they do.

Seventh, leaders adopt an attitude of doing the maximum. Human nature is such that we tend to do only the things which are required of us instead of doing more than what is required. Effective leaders always do more than what is required. They adopt the principle of “going the extra mile.” This is in reference to Jesus’ teaching, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matt. 5:41). In whatever they do, effective leaders are willing to walk the extra mile in order to get things done for the glory of God and the good of the people.

Eighth, leaders know their blind spots. Effective leaders recognize and know they have blind spots (e.g., insecurities, fragile egos, pride, self-rationalization, and self-justification). They acknowledge human beings are fallen, finite, and flawed creatures (cf. John 16:33) and recognize that their leadership strengths can also be their weaknesses. Their assets can become their liabilities. 

Ninth, leaders exercise servant-leadership. Effective leaders lead by serving others rather than “bossing” others. In their leadership, they adopt the “not so with you” berated by Jesus (Matt. 20:26; Mark 10:43; Luke 22:26). This kind of leadership seeks people who can do the job and lets them do it, empowering them to act without micro-managing them. They recognize that without people they cannot succeed however talented they are. 

Tenth, leaders are filled with the Spirit. Effective leaders constantly seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit because they take Scriptural injunction seriously. “But keep on being filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18 ESV). In another translation, “Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him” (Eph. 5:18 MSG). Spirit-filled implies Spirit-led, meaning leaders lead or act as prompted by the Spirit. To put it in another way, effective leaders “keep in step with the Spirit” (cf. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit,” Gal. 5:25). Any work or ministry done without invoking the assistance of the third person of the Trinity is doomed to fail. Effective leaders understand that success in leadership has more to do with the Holy Spirit than human talents.

Eleventh, leaders glorify God’s name. The glory of God’s NAME (primary) and good of God’s people (secondary) are the twin motivating factors of effective and great leaders. Whatever they do, whatever activities they organize, whatever strategies and tactics they employ, are not to build a name for themselves or the organizations they work for. Neither are these for personal and monetary gain but to magnify God’s Holy Name (cf. Isa. 42:8).

Twelfth, effective leaders are good learners. To lead effectively, they read widely and learn from others. They recognize that the day they stop learning is the day they stop growing. Leaders cultivate good reading habits by reading leadership magazines and leadership books (monthly or quarterly). They also periodically attend leadership seminars.

In this Episode Three, I talked about the relationship between Character and Leadership, and why a true leader is one who is known for his or her character quality. To help us review what we have heard from this podcast, I invite you to reflect on the following questions. Please join me for Episode Four, which I will talk about Leadership Styles, Leadership Models, and the dark side of leadership. Good-bye, and have a great day!

Discussion Questions

1. Which of the hallmarks of leadership stand out for you?

2. Which one(s) you think you possess?

3. Can leadership qualities be cultivated or are they in born?