TODAY’S LEADERSHIP VACUUM
There is a huge misunderstanding about leadership. I see it in business, in churches, in family
life, and in the political arena. Let me
first say leadership is not a position (manager, pastor, husband/wife, Governor
or President). A position does not make
you a leader. A leader makes the
position. Today society is confused
about what makes a good leader. Politics
is bringing this to the forefront. If
you’re a Governor or a Legislator or President that means you are a leader. Well, this just isn’t true. This is why our country has been heading for
trouble for some time and now it is becoming very apparent. Charisma is not leadership. Loud talking is not leadership. Good speeches is not leadership. Popularity is not leadership. Over the last 40 – 50 years, with the rare
exception of a few of people, our Presidents and Legislators have not been true
leaders.
Let’s define leadership:
1 Trust is the first layer of the
foundation for leadership. If you don’t
have trust, you don’t have influence with people.
You will intimidate people or use the position as influence, but you
won’t have the ability to lead them for very long.
2 Character is the second layer of the
foundation for leadership. This is the
inner strength that makes one consistent, a person of their word, has the
people’s respect, is reliable and always truthful.
3 Integrity is the third layer of the
foundation for leadership. You are what you are every day both publically and
privately. You can be counted on to be
honest in all your dealings. You are
consistent in matters that are small and large.
People know you will do what you say.
You are admired by people because of your integrity.
4 Authenticity is the fourth layer of the
foundation for leadership. You will be
yourself with everyone. Not a different
person for a different situation or crowd.
You will own up to your weakness and mistakes as well as your strengths. You will not be a hypocrite but be real and
human.
5 Discipline is the fifth layer of the foundation
for leadership. This means you will do
the right things every time and every day regardless of the situation or how
you feel. You will hold yourself in
check. You will have a system and stick
to it. You will make yourself do the
right things. Discipline protects all
five levels in leadership.
Now, let me ask you, “How many people do you know that are good leaders?” What our country,
churches, and homes need are true leaders with these five qualities. A leader has a huge responsibility. If they see a problem that threatens the
organization/country/church, any problem that could do harm to
employees/citizens/church members, or cheat the customer/citizens/people, they
have a responsibility to resolve them no matter how messy, costly, or difficult
it may be. Leaders don’t have the
freedom to neglect their position or responsibility. Leaders do the right thing. They don’t let the polls tell them what to
do. Leaders make the tough calls. They don’t worry about popularity or
criticism, they lead the way by making the right call.
What our country needs today are leaders. Leaders in our country, churches, businesses,
and homes. So if we elect leaders,
gridlock will go away, politics will be set aside, what is best for the people
and country will become a priority, personal agendas will be a thing of the past,
lobbyist will disappear and trust will be re-established. So look for a true leader to follow. One with the above 5 qualities. You are never too
old to begin. Leaders are not born, they
are developed. Remember the old saying;
“everything rises and falls on leadership.”
Become a good leader. Help change
our businesses, our country, our churches and our homes by becoming a good leader!! Fill the vacuum. Note:
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