4) You keep your promises.
A leader’s word is his or her bond. It’s critical that you do what you say you will do. It doesn’t matter if it’s something as simple as returning a phone call, or something big like being at a special event for one of your kids.
5) You are fiercely committed to honesty.
Everyone is tempted to exaggerate, omit a part of the story or perhaps even tell a lie. But that can never be an excuse for a leader to drop his or her standards in truth-telling.
The potential for dishonesty is part of our sin nature; therefore we must intentionally practice truth-telling with incredible diligence. I recommend that you allow a prayer or accountability partner access to your life so that you can stay current in your commitment to honesty.
6) Your heart is tender to the prompts of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit will guide you in the moment, and nothing is too small when it comes to character development. The problem with disobedience, even in “little” things, is that it slowly callouses your heart. Over time, you become less receptive to those prompts.
The prompt might be a nudge about kindness to your spouse, or generosity to someone in need, or speaking the truth in love to a staff member. It might be cleaning up some gossip, or spending the time in prayer that people think you do.
The point is to see those prompts as a gift from God and act upon them to the best of your ability.
7) You are dependent upon God for strength where you are weak.
Good character is not a legalistic or pharisaic practice. When it comes to character, grace did not evaporate. God knows we all have places where we are weak and need strength. We need God’s help.
Your dependence upon God rather than reliance upon yourself and your strength is the difference maker. You are required to exercise discipline, willpower and personal fortitude, but God’s power is available to help you! Ask!
This article about leadership character originally appeared here.
