The Heart of a Leader: Bubbling to the Top

Have you considered how quiet things in your heart can strengthen or weaken your team? Our thoughts, expressions, and character hold great power and, especially as leaders, they will bubble to the surface throughout your day. So, isn’t it wise to address these components within to become the most effective team leader you can be? 

Leaders Lead by Example 

Good leaders practice what they preach. The public scrutinizes leaders. With mass communications, news of the transgressions and frailties of high-profile people spreads quickly. Billy Graham, the great 20th century evangelist, made a practice of having staff members go into his empty hotel room before entering himself, realizing that a scandal would hurt more than just his ministry. They concern themselves with the small and large choices that could alter their futures, and then choose to live by a higher standard of conduct for team members to witness and replicate.  

As role models, leaders are benchmarks who provide the standard by which other people in the organization calibrate their own choices and behaviors. They are the yardsticks by which all else is measured. The leader represents not only what we are, but above all, what we know we should be. 

Leaders Are Passionate  

Belief fuels passion, and passion rarely fails. They understand that leadership “happens in your gut before it happens in yours or anybody else’s head,” write Belasco and Stayer.  

The leader loves what he or she does. When they communicate their passion, it gives hope and inspiration to other people. It is broadcasted through their optimism. No one likes leaders who are negative, right? Complaints or negativity would bring down the whole company. So, leaders see a silver lining in the dark cloud. Fueled by belief and conviction, their words inspire.  

Leaders Learn  

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out” (Proverbs 18:15). A leader’s quest for knowledge never expires. Every season of life holds the promise of new lessons, new experiences, and new challenges. I believe that God develops a leader over a lifetime through events, challenges, weaving in mentors, and revelation of truths. Wise leaders welcome being stretched and growing…and even seek it out. 

Leaders are relentless about never missing an opportunity to grow. They recognize that the “mastery of the art of leadership comes with the mastery of the self...leadership development is a process of self-development,” note Kouzes and Posner. 

Leaders Serve  

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).  

Leaders give praise, credit, encouragement, and appreciation quickly. Motivated by genuine compassion, they reaffirm their team members. Leaders are givers not takers. Their intention is to walk in the example of Jesus, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).  

A servant-leadership attitude is foundational to a healthy, functioning team. When those on the team realize the leader is there to serve and empower them, they develop a greater sense of self-worth and pride, people of value and not tools to be manipulated. This type of leader asks, “How can I help you?" “What do you need to be successful?” “How can I pray for you?” He or she listens with care to the replies and then follows through. 

The team’s willingness to function as servant-leaders is strengthened by the caring, selfless attitude their leader has toward them. Good leadership leaves these life-giving ripples.