Leaders understand that people represent an organization’s most appreciable assets. No resource is more valuable than your people. Therefore, a leader’s people skills and how he grows relationships are his most important attributes. The following are principles gleaned from Proverbs and present some fundamentals on relationships. At the core is if people are esteemed, relationships are redeemed and people will be inspired.
- Don’t brag – Leaders understand how little they get from self-promotion.
- Don’t envy – Leaders sabotage themselves if their motive is to keep up with others.
- Be forthright – Leaders don’t fear confrontation, but speak the truth in love.
- Don’t forsake your roots – Leaders understand the power of relational heritage.
- Stay close – Leaders work at maintaining each relationship and understanding needs.
- Add value – Leaders sharpen those with whom they come in contact.
- Don’t be moved by flattery – Leaders stay humble or will soon stumble.
True leadership is a responsibility. A true leader inspires followers. To put it simply, leadership is influence. The ideal leader is someone whose life and character motivates people to follow. Real leadership seeks to motivate people from the inside, by an appeal to the heart, not by external pressure or coercion.
Think about it….. What kind of leader are you? Do you lead by manipulation of people by threats and rewards or do you lead by example first?