Leadership is multifaceted, but there are core characteristics and qualities that cannot be overlooked. Let’s look at four key elements that are vital for leaders to keep in mind if they desire to grow in their influence and impact.
#1 – Character
Who you are matters more than what you do.
For years I’ve promoted the idea of “being before doing.” Our world is filled with doers who have questionable character. If you desire to be a GREAT leader, you must protect your character above all else.
Your character is the only thing that you have at the end of the day. Everything else can be taken away, but who you are is there to stay.
Are you a person of integrity?
Do you model honesty?
Can people trust you?
Whether you are a business owner, employee, ministry leader, parent, or spouse, character matters. Make sure you guard it as if your life depends on it — because it does!
#2 – Competency
The level of your performance determines the level of your credibility.
If you are a wonderful person but don’t have the skills to perform a job or duties, your influence and impact will be diminished. No one is good at everything, but in order to grow in your leadership, you must perform at a high level. People may want to be friends with a wonderful person, but they won’t follow an incompetent one.
In order to grow as a leader, you just commit to growing your skills. Regardless of the area, you seek to lead in, you must strive to be the best. Even if you have a long way to go, people will follow you if they see that you are committed to getting better every day.
Leaders have built-in accountability. As followers improve their skills, leaders must improve their own to stay ahead. You don’t have to be better than everyone, but you must be committed to ongoing improvement.
#3 – Consistency
People need stability from their leaders.
One of the greatest errors a leader can make is being inconsistent. It cuts the legs out from under them. Inconsistency will sabotage a leader quickly. If you are not steady in how you interact and work from day to day, your leadership credibility will suffer until people finally disregard or stop following you.
We live in a world of inconsistent leaders who say one thing and do another. This is a character issue that derails otherwise qualified, skilled leaders.
Do people know how you will behave from day to day?
Are you approachable one day and repelling the next?
Do you make decisions in a similar manner each time you are confronted with a challenge?
To be a leader worth following work hard to be consistent. If you catch inconsistencies in your life and leadership, take steps to correct them immediately. Be willing to admit failure and show people you are willing to grow and become a stable leader in their lives.
#4 – Caring
Caring is the x-factor for leaders.
John C. Maxwell’s “Law of Connection” states that “leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand.” In a world where we see disconnected leaders who only care about the bottom line and production, caring leaders stand out.
Caring leaders attract followers who are willing to work hard and stay late when needed.
Caring leaders retain team members much longer than non-caring leaders.
Caring leaders shine brightly in an otherwise dark world because they value their people more than the typical leader.
If you desire to attract and retain top talent, make sure you are caring about the people under your care. Servant leadership became a buzz phrase over the past 20 years. The reason is that it places the heart of the leader towards their followers ahead of their demands. As leaders rise in ranks, they also rise in responsibility. One of the key characteristics that makes a leader GREAT is caring for their followers.
Conclusion
As stated previously, leadership is multifaceted, but if you make the 4 C’s of Leadership a priority you can multiply your influence and impact. You can be a GREAT leader, but it takes daily intentionality. People are craving high-quality leaders to follow. You can be one of them. I believe in you!
Make today GREAT!
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