Character & Leadership...Leadership is more about who we are than what we do, it's true. It is doing the same things in the dark (while no one is watching) as we do in the light (where everyone is watching) - that is the essence of true leadership that others want to follow. Hollow leadership may make an impact but it will not endure.
I've been reading a great deal on leading the next generation and here is one thing that I'm finding...young people are not missing out on the leadership principles that enable them to lead others - it's the principles that enable them to lead themselves that are being missed. It's the Character issues missing; not the leadership tactics.
We set young leaders up for a fall if we encourage them to envision what
they can do before they consider the kind of person they should be. - R. Ruth Barton
Character is the WILL to do what's right even when it's hard - Andy Stanley
Character is WHO YOU ARE, EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING. - Bill Hybels
You can lead without character.
But Character is what makes you a leader worth following. Integrity is not necessary if your aspirations as a leader simply end with persuading people to follow you. But if at the end of the day your intent is for those who follow you to respect you, integrity is a must. You accomplishments as a leader will make you name known. Your Character will determine what people associate with your name.
"A good name (character) is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold." - Proverbs 22:1
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