Month: September 2019

Why Character Isn’t Enough

My friend, Rob and I often have conversations about leadership.  Rob is one of the most focused leaders I know.  He’s also a man of sterling character.  After reading a leadership blog post recently about the importance of clarity in leading, we had a chat that led to this short article.  We would love to hear your thoughts.

When questioned about leadership, people will almost always say that the most important attribute in a leader is character.  However, in a real-world setting, people are more prone to follow clarity than character. How do we understand, and seek to learn, from this apparent disparity between what people say that they value and what they actually do?

In light of this, it seems that we should view character as a sort of base line essential to leadership.  People expect those they follow to live with integrity as it relates to their work.  As Christ-followers, we tend to expect this integrity to carry over into all areas of their lives.  A lack of character may, at some point, disqualify a leader. Even if the leader retains a position he, or she, will lose the respect of their subordinates and the right to truly lead.  However, while good character is an essential quality for someone aspiring to long-term leadership, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee success as a leader.  

It seems what people actually follow is clarity. Pastor Andy Stanley and author/business leader Donald Miller say that people want to know where we’re going, what we’re doing to get there and why (December 2018and January 2019). If these things are not clear, the work will suffer, a lot of sideways energy will be expended, people will leave the work, and those who stay may not be effective. The importance of clarity can’t be overstated.  

We often see entities or organizations thrive in spite of the fact that they have a questionable underlying missiology.  We also observe organizations built on solid principles flounder when the mission has become fuzzy or too broad.  While there may be other important differences between these examples, what often sets them apart is the presence or lack of clarity as it relates to vision and mission.

Author Erika Andersen, in her book, Lead So That People Will Follow, states there are five characteristics of clarity that help create trust with followers.  She said, “Good leaders…

1.  …commit honestly.”—Does the leader really believe in what he is asking others to do?

2.  …make a clear case without being dogmatic.”—Compelling leaders are committed to the vision, but they are humble enough to know that their way isn’t the only way.  There is more than one way to accomplish the same goal.  This is simply our way.

3.  …invite real dialogue about their passion.”—Not everyone is going to accept what you say immediately.  They may need clarification.  They may have different opinions.  Some may actually be gauging how you respond when people disagree with you. Good leaders are secure enough to discuss the hard questions—demonstrating that they have thought through issues as much as possible.

4.  …act in support of their passion.”—Do your actions match your words?  We may talk about the inconvenient lost, but are we willing to inconvenience ourselves in order to see them found?  Potential followers want to know that their leaders live the vision—not just believe in the vision.

5. …remain committed in spite of adversity and setbacks.”  One measure of a leader is what it takes to make them give up.  If you are going to do anything great for God, you are going to face some intense adversity.  And, in trying to accomplish the impossible, you’re going to fail.  After all, if it was easy, someone else would have already done it.  So, how do you respond when criticism and failure occur?  Do you quit?  Or, do you become more determined to do whatever it takes to accomplish the goals.

One final thought concerning the above—each of the five attributes described above have actions attached to them.  Good leaders put the ideals into action in such a way as to better refine the visioneering process.  Each of the above may generate questions from potential followers.  Don’t be threated or frustrated if they ask questions that you think ought to be clear.  There is always the possibility that you weren’t as clear as you thought you were. It also helps to understand that this is clear to you because you have had months (maybe years) to think it though. It is probably new to those following you.  So…over-communicate.  It’s good for them, it’s good for you, and it will help followers become better advocates as they move from consumers to salespeople.

So, here are helpful questions if you want to lead successfully over the long haul.  How is our character? Are we trustworthy, truthful, generous and kind? Do we do what we say we will do? Are we in private what we portray ourselves to be in public? Are we faithful in stewarding finances, time, relationships and responsibilities?

Now, how about clarity? Do our followers know where we are going and why?  If not, it may be because we haven’t done the hard work of narrowing our focus—being humble enough to acknowledge that we can’t do everything.  Do they know our expectations?  What are we expecting from God?  What part do our followers expect to play in the fulfillment of the vision?  Are their expectations and ours in alignment?  In the answer to any of these last questions is no, you need to spend some time honing the vision.  And, it might be a good idea to ask for help occasionally, making sure that what you’re saying and what you mean are the same thing.  

The Apostle Paul put it this way.  “…if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?”1 Corinthians14:8NLT

Let’s make sure we live right as leaders, AND let’s make sure we’re being clear about where we’re headed.  When both of these are in place, it will be easier for us to move ourselves and the organizations we lead forward.

Attribution:  This article was a collaboration between Dr. Rob Shipley and me.   If there’s anything really good in here, it probably came from him!