Leadership that Meets the Demands of Reality

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“The greatest crisis in the world today is a crisis of leadership, and the greatest crisis of leadership is a crisis of character.” (Dr. Howard Hendricks, former professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.) A leadership crisis indeed. The examples are numerous:

Characterless leaders in corporations

Characterless leaders in government

Characterless leaders in athletics

Characterless leaders in finances

Characterless leaders in universities

Characterless leaders in many marriages and families

Characterless leadership in some big churches and large ministries

Some leaders didn't fail in their competency. They excel in what they do, but they fail (at times miserably) in their character, their inner life.

The word “character” comes from a Greek word “to engrave, inscribe, or sketch.” Character refers to the qualities internally engraved in people, which become an integral part of who they are. It's who you are as a person reflected in your behavior, both public and private. Character determines if your brain, talent, competencies, effort, and ability to make a deal will stand up even in the face of the negative. “Character is the ability to meet the demands of reality.” (Henry Cloud)

The supreme character trait of leadership greatness is INTEGRITY. Embrace this one, and you embrace many others. Integrity is wholeness, entireness, completeness, soundness. It's what personal health is to your body and what 20/20 vision is to your eyes. A life of integrity has nothing to hide. It's an open book.

Psalm 78:72 tells us, “And David shepherded them (Israel) with INTEGRITY of heart; with SKILLFUL hands, he led them.” That's a perfect balance for a leader. He skillfully handled situations that had no rules, no boundaries, no precedence. And in his character, he exuded a heart of integrity. He wasn't sinless, no leader is, but there were no cracks in his leadership.

Integrity:

  •             Tells the truth every time, not just when it's convenient.

  •             Means what it says and says what it means.

  •             Is financially accountable and wise in handling money.

  •             Is personally reliable; it keeps its promises. When it says, “I'll meet you at 9:00,” it's 9:00, not 9:05 or whenever I arrive.

  •             Is privately pure. No double life that causes shame and disgrace to the family if known.

  •             Finishes every job it starts.

  • Follows the true path, though others cut corners.

  •             Doesn’t fear the probing light of scrutiny.

“He who walks with integrity and works righteousness and speaks truth in his heart ... will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15)” He who walks in integrity walks securely,” (Proverbs 10:9)

 Fred Campbell is the President of Living Grace Ministries, a ministry committed to building and developing servant leaders around the world. He can be reached at fred@livinggraceministries.com. OR www.livinggraceministries.com