You’ll never know how powerfully you may change someone’s life.
And once you touch that person’s life in a positive way, you’ll never know how many people they may change for the better.
Would you rather be a powerless, self-defeated soul who ambles through life complaining about other people and circumstances? Or do you want to stand out from the crowd as a person who makes an impact and leaves a positive legacy of a leader who has served others?
I hope you’ll choose to stand out by building your personal leadership.
Mark Miller is a business leader, best-selling author, and communicator, and co-author with Ken Blanchard of Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life.
Great leadership is like an iceberg, says Mark.
The 10% of the iceberg above the water line represents the leader’s skills.
The 90% of the iceberg below the water line represents the leaders’ character.
In this article, I’ll share some leadership traits you need to develop to lead effectively.
Serve Your Way Into Effective Leadership
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” ~Albert Schweitzer
Before we get started, I’d like you to watch this video to see an example of a young man who exemplified servant leadership. A young man named Charles Steadman asked Savannah, a classmate with Cerebral Palsy, to the Homecoming Inaugural Ball.
Charles Steadman demonstrated many of the leadership qualities below when he took the initiative to ask this young woman to this event.
The leaders I have most respected have been the most service oriented.
No task was beneath them.
We can see the powerful effect on followers of a leader willing to get dirty in the trenches. It’s what’s made Undercover Boss such an effective television show.
Jesus Christ, who was God Himself, elevated servant leadership to the highest priority when he said, in Matthew 20:28
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
If you want to leave a positive mark on the world while following in Jesus’ steps, pay attention!
Here are five character traits that make great leaders different. Cultivate these five character traits to build your ability to lead through serving.
Optimism
Optimistic leaders see the best in people. Jesus chose men from all corners of society: the political zealot, the traitorous tax collector, impetuous Peter, shy John.
Each of the 12 disciples had character flaws. He chose them, taught them, and served them: and changed their lives in the process. He saw who they could be, and treated them so.
Actions You Can Take:
- Cultivate a positive attitude toward each person you interact with.
- Envision each person reaching her or his full potential. Treat each person as if s/he can reach her/his full potential.
- Pray for each person you come in contact, praying that God will bless that person as He would bless you.
Ownership
Great servant leaders take responsibility for themselves, and for the results of those they lead and serve.
Actions You Can Take:
- Take responsibility today for your actions.
- Be willing to admit your lack of servant leadership.
- Look for ways to take responsibility for your personal development and seek opportunities to mentor others.
Judgment
Great servant leaders make good decisions about who they will serve, and how much they will serve.
There is a balance to service. Don’t over-extend yourself.
As a Christian, you can follow Jesus’ example. He served a lot, but he did not meet every single person’s need. He worked, but he also rested. He served, but he also attended parties and had fun.
Actions You Can Take:
Pray every day for wisdom and sensitivity to His Spirit.
- Ask yourself candidly whether you are serving too much, or not serving enough.
- Are you taking care of your priorities, which are in line with your personal vision and your personal mission statement?
- Are you balancing your life?
Do you know what your personal values are?
Initiative
Effective servant leaders are proactive. They take action to serve people and fill needs. Often they are the first and often the only ones to step up to the plate.
Action Steps:
- Look around your workplace, your church, or your community. What are some acts of kindness you can engage in to serve others? Do one act of kindness this week.
- Practice being proactive. When you’re tempted to complain about a person or situation, ask instead, “What action can I take to help solve this situation or help this person?”
Courage
Are you willing to stand alone? Can you take a stand when your position is right, but unpopular?
In Mr. Miller’s words, “To lead well requires bold, decisive [action]”
As a servant leader, we may need to courageously serve those who normally would not have a voice.
Actions You Can Take:
- Pray for courage.
- Be willing to speak up for others, even if it’s unpopular.
- Be willing to take risks to learn new things, work on new projects, as a means of increasing your courage.
Serve Others To Build Your Personal Leadership
Choose to leave a legacy of impact in your home, your work place, your neighborhood, and your community.
Embrace and cultivate optimism, ownership, judgment, initiative, and courage as you serve your family, co-workers, and community.
You can make a difference!
What other character qualities do you feel are essential for building your personal leadership?
photo credit: maxxyustas