Let’s be careful about whom we bring into the team, and whom we approach for any leadership position. Let’s examine their character as thoroughly as possible. Also, it is better to not start something at all because of a lack of people than to have leaders of poor character. Keep in mind the words of K. Leman:
"Nothing undermines team spirit more than a spineless leader trying to play both sides."
The question is: what key character traits should we expect from leaders, and especially, what should we ourselves have if we lead? Before I try to name them, I want to emphasize that on the one hand we desire to be transformed by Christ, and on the other hand, we sin. But even this should not lead us to give up on certain character requirements for ourselves and for those who lead. And if you come up with qualities beyond those listed below, that’s great.
Willingness to admit mistakes and apologize.
This character trait comes from the core of the gospel, which is good news not for the perfect, but for the imperfect—who have become perfect before God through the perfect Son of God, who took on our sins that we have confessed and continue to confess. But there is a catch: many Christians can generally confess their guilt before God, but when it comes to admitting specific faults, they get stuck and either do not admit the mistake or do so only very generally, saying “we all make mistakes.” However, if failures are not named, no apology follows, and sin will likely grow like a sore. Someone said that naming something takes away its power over us. I don’t think this is an absolute truth, but it is partly true.
H. Nouwen describes confession and leadership like this:
"What discipline is needed for the leader of the future to overcome the temptation of individual heroism? I would suggest the discipline of confession and forgiveness. They must be persons constantly willing to confess their own vulnerability and ask forgiveness from those they serve. Confession and forgiveness are concrete ways in which we sinners serve one another. I often feel that priests and church servants are those who confess the least in Christian community."
Ability to control one’s tongue.
The body part most frequently mentioned in the Bible in connection with sin is the tongue. This may be surprising—we might expect other organs—but it really is the tongue. Proverbs says life and death are in the power of the tongue (Prov 18:21), and whoever guards their tongue guards their soul from trouble (Prov 21:23). James writes that the tongue is like a fire, a world of evil among our members, staining the whole body and setting the course of life on fire, itself set on fire by hell (Jas 3:6,8). This is not encouraging, but it does not mean we shouldn’t try to master our tongue. The power of the tongue is that it portrays who others are. If we hear about ourselves that we are proud, foolish, or incompetent, we will likely see ourselves that way. Likewise, when we hear such things about others. Conversely, if we hear we can do something, that we have value, and do not need to be afraid, such words have great power. If someone lies or speaks half-truths, reality cannot be built on their statements. If someone slanders, be sure they do the same about you behind your back. So let’s watch our tongues and be careful whom we choose as leaders based on how they use theirs.
Integrity — consistency of word and life.
“Integrity means being whole, undivided, not split. It describes a person who has unified the parts of their personality so that their soul is not divided. When your soul is divided, one part wants one thing, another part wants something else. A person with integrity whose soul is not fragmented can do great things by focusing all their energy on one goal: deciding what is right and doing it. All other considerations come second.”
During the 2000 US presidential election, writer J. Fallows asked: What makes a person a true leader? What marks a person others want to follow? His answer: “A sense of wholeness.” That is, a feeling that this person is one piece, that they are consistent and will be the same tomorrow as today.”
The integrity of a leader gives people confidence to trust them. Without trust based on integrity, you can manipulate people for some time but not truly lead them.
You know the saying “He preaches water and drinks wine.” We are very sensitive to discrepancies between words and deeds. As we read above, a leader should live what they say. Yet sometimes ideals are set higher than everyday reality. What then? Give up ideals? That is impossible—for example, just because I struggle with prayer, I cannot give up the prayer life of my community saying if I don’t do it, neither should you. Neither is it helpful to pretend to be perfect. It’s better to admit struggles and invite others into that struggle, making it a shared journey. I’ve sometimes seen leaders desperately trying to hide any fault. Instead, it would suffice if they admitted they wrestle with something.
Humility is another very important character trait for leadership.
A humble person knows who they are and who they are not. They do not need to compete with others or feel threatened by them. They can wish others success, do not cling to their views at all costs, and do not need to be constantly visible or admired. Humility is mentioned as a key trait of one of the greatest leaders in Scripture, Moses (Num 12:3). Jesus also highlights humility as a trait we should learn from Him (Matt 11:29). Humility shows itself in willingness to do things unseen and unadmired.
In 2014, Harvard Business Review published a study showing “the best leaders are humble leaders.” They learn from criticism, are confident enough to empower others and praise their contributions, take personal risks for the greater good, and inspire loyalty and strong team spirit.
Service as a key leadership principle.
When reading books on leadership, I was surprised how strongly they emphasized service: leading on one hand and serving on the other. For example, J. Maxwell said:
"I measure my success by how much I help others. When leaders decide to serve people, the team’s success becomes their success."
Maxwell cites C.H. Edmonds, who defines leadership as a commitment to helping others become the best version of themselves at home, work, and community. Each of us can serve—and lead—in any role at home, at work, or in community.
If we look at business, wise managers care not only about profit but also about the development of their subordinates, whom they see primarily as partners. I expected this in Christianity but was surprised to find it in secular leadership.
Goethe once said: “You can easily recognize a man’s character by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” This quote highlights the power of service. Leadership must not be confused with issuing orders. Serving others does not diminish a leader’s authority and influence. Also, only those who know who they are can serve without feeling humiliated.
To close this subsection, here are quotes from three great leaders about leadership and service:
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (M. Gandhi)
“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.” (M.L. King)
“I stand before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you all.” (N. Mandela)
Willingness to compromise.
By this I do not mean compromising morals but willingness to compromise in cooperation. When working in a team, decisions usually aren’t made by voting but by consensus and agreement. This good practice carries one danger: if one member is “against everything,” meetings become a nightmare.
I do not mean having yes-men around me. I mean that leadership involves willingness to negotiate, bear that things might not go one’s way. Someone must give in, and the one who yields must not be offended, but remain loyal and move forward with the team.
Remember: “Cooperation does not mean agreement but working together for the greater good, to serve those who rely on our protection.”
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