I’ve been thinking about character lately. What character qualities (not gifts) are important for a leader? I’ve listed 11. What qualities would you add? Which are most important? I know one thing – I don’t want to be a Laggard!
- Humility
- Courage
- Faithfulness
- Thankfulness
- Joyfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
- Generosity
- Godliness
- Diligence
- Patience
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Servant heart & teachable.
Amen Angie! I thought about including teachable. I'm glad you did. And every leader should be the greatest servant of all. Thanks for these.
Being an encourager.
Yes, I agree with this one the most. Thanks for sharing, Lisa. I thought I was going to have trouble writing something like "encouragerness." :>)
-Marshall Jones Jr.
I think you just coined a new word, Marshall!
Excellent Lisa! Thanks.
Hungry.
And I mean spiritually.
However, based on some of the church picnics I've been to…
Great Dave!
I like this one – I hadn't thought of it, but now I'm thinking Hunger for God, hunger for his glory, hunger to see the kingdom come. I recently read that a leader should have a godly kind of spiritual dissatisfaction or discontentment. Thanks
You should link up some of the words to previous posts. I was about to try to do it for you in this comment, but you don't have a search box here. I know you have a couple articles, though, that I can think of that cover some of those characteristics. Nice list, though.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Thanks Marshall! It's been motivating for me to think through some of these qualities. And I'm grateful for the ones that have been suggested as well.
vision and faith
Outstanding Peggy. Both of these are critical. I think faith is especially critical, because, as you know, both leaders and churches face many obstacles, challenges, and trials that require faith.
I think your list points to servant-hood. Want to be a good christian leader? Be a lead servant. My new word would be servantship.
Thanks, Jack. I like your phrase "lead servant" – Good word – "servantship" – I think you just coined a new word to add to Marshall's "encouragerness"
I would have to say being willing to listen. A godly leader is willing to listen to others' advice and suggestions (and then apply those changes, if need be…).
Thank you so much for your website! I am encouraged every time I read it. =D
Kati,
I agree. Being willing to listen is huge. Especially to others' advice, suggestions, criticisms, observations and concerns. And yes, to apply appropriate changes. Great!
Thanks for your encouragement.
As a U.S. Marine, I will share the following Marine Corps Leadership Traits:
Judgement
Justice
Dependability
Integrity
Decisiveness
Tact
Initiative
Endurance
Bearing
Unselfishness
Courage
Knowledge
Loyalty
Enthusiasm
JAC
These are some really excellent ones, John. I hadn't thought of some of them. I especially like Enthusiasm. Every Christian leader should be enthusiastic – we're dealing with incredible wonderful spiritual realities like salvation and union with Christ – how can every Christian leader (and every Christian) not be enthusiastic? Thanks!