What is a good leader; one you would trust and be happy to follow?
I would suggest that good leadership is largely a matter of character. Here are some of the qualities I’d want in any leader I would feel safe to follow:
Integrity, honesty, a server, someone focused on encouraging the potential of others, a person who is willing to sacrifice for those he or she would lead. When I consider these qualities, my focus immediately turns to the character and example of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A good leader inspires sincere people to work to achieve their personal potential.
A great leader creates a culture and an environment that attracts and inspires followers. Their personal lives should positively impact their people’s quality of life. They create an environment and spiritual ecology that encourages people to flourish and achieve their potential.
A good leader inspires vision in the hearts of his/her people, that provides hope for a better future as well as a clear strategy of how to accomplish this vision.
A great leader knows how to communicate and inspire people to pay the price to bring the vision to pass.
A leader worth following is one who leads by example and seeks to serve others. In the words of a Chinese proverb: “Not the cry, but the flight of the wild duck leads the flock to fly and follow.”
A leader who has contagious passion and a selfless heart for his/her people. A willingness to sacrifice and even suffer to see his/her people enjoy the fulfilment of the vision.
A leader who has a large impact for the good is one who shows consistent integrity. A person whose conduct is consistent with their truth claims.
A good leader is vulnerable and transparent.
A good leader is an influence for the good of a community and is doggedly ruthless in refusing to use their position to “feather their own nest”, or for selfish gain, to the detriment of their people.
Jesus is the quintessential example of the best kind of leadership. He clearly articulated a vision and timeless values. He told of his vision of bringing Heaven to earth. (See Matthew 6:10 in the “Lord’s Prayer”).
His passion for his people drove him to the cross where he died and sacrificed his life for those he led, and inspired countless of his followers to do the same.
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