Reflection on the Book Letters for Leaders

            Simply stated a leader does not command excellence, they build excellence. Excellence is “being all you can be” within the limitations of doing what is right for your organization. To reach excellence you must first be a person of good character. Excellence starts with leaders of good and strong character who engage in the entire process of leadership. The first step in that  process is to be a person of honorable character.

            Character develops over time. Many think that much of a person's character is formed early in life. However, I would argue we do not know exactly how much or how early one’s character develops.  It is safe to assume that character does not change quickly.  As I developed my leadership style I observed the behaviors of respected leaders and modeled my own behaviors after them. This is the ingraining of character. These behaviors or characteristics can be strong or weak, good or bad. A person with strong character shows drive, energy, determination, self-discipline, willpower, and nerve. They can see what they want and go after it. This person attracts followers. On the other hand, a person with weak character shows none of these traits. This person does not know what they want and their actions are disorganized, they waver and are inconsistent. This repulses others from being able to follower this type of person.

            The other element but no less important is the knowledge that God forgives us of our past sins and situation. I have found that many people get caught up in past mistakes made and forget that God does not consider the action and things we do here as a value system. He loves us for no reason besides the faith in Him in our hearts. This may seem to be irrelevant to some but it is very easy to fall for a personal healthy relationship with God. This affects your mind set, confidence, memory, spirit and attitude. Many of these things are needed to attract others as a steward leader.

             To be an honorable and steward leader, your followers must have trust in you and they need to be sold on your vision whatever that might be. In any organization, a leader's actions set the pace for everyone. This behavior wins trust, loyalty, and ensures the organization's continued vitality. One of the strongest ways to build trust is to display good judgment.  Good judgment is composed of beliefs, values, skills, and traits.  For me it is simple: Be passionate, kind and respectful to others and let your skills and education do the rest.