How to Evaluate a True Leaders

Our culture teaches us to be impressed by a leader’s power, eloquent skills, academic degrees, and  wealth, thinking that those characteristics add up to great leadership. Yet you must not imagine that your country will remain strong and established if you vote for someone just because you like the way he speaks, or even if you approve of some of his accomplishments.

Before you follow anyone, you must know what that person truly believe and on what path he is taking you. You might find out to place undue confidence on how powerful a leader is or how much knowledge he has or who his mentor was. Continually evaluate what your leaders stand for, as well as the policies they promote. Study their lives and convictions. Discover what they really think and value, and how their beliefs affect their policies.

Ask yourself questions such as these about individual leaders:

• Does he still have the same convictions that inspired me to follow him in the beginning?
• Does he demonstrate that he has ethical standards?
• What is his vision of life?
• What does he see as the future of this company/organization/community/nation?
• What direction does he think the world should be taking?

Even if a leader’s beliefs seem good, you must still observe his life to see if his words and actions are consistent –if he lives according to his stated convictions.

If the Blind Lead the Blind

I consider Jesus of Nazareth to be the greatest leader in history, and He warned, “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” Note that the blind leader doesn’t fall into the pit by himself. Both he and the blind man whom he is leading fall into it together, we have to make sure our eyes are fully open, so that we will know where our leaders are taking us, and can avert potential disaster. We must not allow ourselves to fall into a pit with them.

Moreover, since we are all leaders or aspiring leader in our unique areas of gifting we have a responsibility to those whose lives we influence.

That is why it is essential for us to understand the priority of character before we move on to the other aspects of leadership. We might understand many of the keys and principles necessary for being a leader but, at the same time, embrace a negative or destructive attitude that will undermine our leadership and hurt our followed.

Leadership influence is a powerful instrument, and we must always be aware of its potential to bring either good or harm to others. Leaders without character demonstrate power devoid of principles; they often manipulate people to achieve their own ends. But true leaders have a commitment to ethics and principles; they build up others and offer them a better life.

THE DISTINGUISHING MARKS OF A TRUE LEADER.

People are looking for leaders who have the qualities of leadership. In the progression of leadership development, the stage in which one develops conviction is key for leaders if they are to move from the recognition of their purpose to establishing a solid foundation for becoming a genuine leader. It is not enough to know that you have a special gift that will give you a unique place in the world. You must be able to serve follow as you pursue your vision.

Conviction and character are therefore the distinguishing marks of a find his purpose or to develop his vision. He must also desire to be introduced –or reintroduced – to ethical principles, and he must commit to developing character throughout his lifetime, demonstrating his trustworthiness to those who follow him.

The qualities of true leaders:

• Leadership, and the gift that enable it, are inherent endowments
• Leadership is not about gaining followers- it is about pursuing purpose
• Leadership is not about manipulating people – it is about inspiring people.
• Leadership is not about controlling others – it is about serving them.
• Leadership is not about doing – it is about becoming a person of noble aspirations.

Will you be a leader of conviction? Will you lead the way for others to become leaders of conviction by following your example?