The Importance and Impact of Character on Leadership

Character is not the same thing as reputation. Loren M. Chamberlain states that “our reputation is simply what others think we are, but our character is best seen in the dark when no one else knows what we are thinking, saying or doing.” Though we may think no one sees what we do, we are mistaken. Dr. Os Guinness, in his beautifully written book of the year 2000, “Character in an Age of Image,” reminds us that character is, essentially, “who we are when no one sees but God.”

Since character is much deeper than reputation, it requires our wholehearted consideration and immediate action.  The leadership companion, “Check List for Life for Leaders,” shares some timeless wisdom about the importance and impact of the presence or lack of character in one’s leadership:

Without the bedrock of the trait of character, leaders may achieve success, wealth, and even fame, but they will never gain the respect of those they lead. Instead, lack of character will most likely be “shouted from the housetops” sooner or later through an action that showcases their true nature or through the slow decline of characterless years (2004, p. 42).

Similarly, Guinness underscores that “character is central to good leadership—not just to political leaders, but moms and dads, teachers, pastors, managers, and everyone who influences lives around them." (p.15). A leader’s character is monitored by those who know him and so it is important that he maintains a good character.

In Dr. Guinness’ book, there is a mention of three recurring motifs that are very crucial in the understanding of character, namely: core, consistency, and cost. Firstly, the core has to do with character in terms of the “inner form, or core of a person. Secondly, consistency provides a lens through which someone’s character may be examined rather than drawing wrong conclusions from a single statement or random act.  Thirdly, cost is the price paid for a consistent core-character (p. 15). Oftentimes character is best formed and most clearly revealed in the crucible of testing and that equals the cost.

Seeking to understand character in relation to God offers hope to us. He alone can shape our character in meaningful and lasting ways. Unlike man who looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).  He knows what is going on deep within each of our hearts and He’s able and willing to help us deal with the big and small issues therein. We should, therefore, seek His help in guarding our heart so the issues that flow from it are pleasing to Him (Proverbs 4:23). Similarly, we need God’s power and grace to maintain consistency in our character and not jeopardize our witness as Christian workers. Whenever, we face trials of many kinds, then, we should count it all joy because our character is being formed (James 1:2-4). God allows trials to come our way in order to develop perseverance in us so we are mature and complete not lacking in anything as far as our character is concerned.

References:
Chamberlain, L. M. (2009). Quote on the distinction between reputation and character.  
__________ (2004). Checklist for Life for Leaders: Timeless Wisdom & Foolproof Strategies for Making the Most of Life’s challenges& Opportunities. Nashville, TN: Nelson Books.

Guinness. O. (2000). Character in an Age of Image

The Bible: 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 4:23; and James 1:2-4

   

Let’s take time this LENT to “let go and let God” have full control of our lives!

Ash Wednesday, March 5^th this week, marks the start of LENT or the seven weeks or 40 days of prayer and fasting that precede Easter. During this time, Christians focus on the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection. To heighten the focus, many Christians give up certain foods or meals or things they love most. In fact, some give up TV and Facebook and devote time they normally spend in them to read God’s Word and/or pray. LENT is also a great time to acquire spiritual disciplines that can become part and parcel of one’s life.  

A dear brother underscores what the purpose of LENT is not and what it is. He writes, “The purpose of Lent is not ritual, good works, and earning favor with God.  The purpose of Lent is to focus on why the death and resurrection of Jesus is so important.  The observation of Lent is a choice, not an obligation.” (Eric Ferris).

If you choose to observe LENT this year, you can make the most out of it by considering two recommendations. First of all, make an effort to do new things during the next seven weeks to keep your focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus.  It is important to do new things or to develop new disciplines during this special time of the church calendar. Why is this so? A saying we’ve heard often answers it: “If you do what you’ve always done, you will get the same results you’ve always got.” To realize new results, therefore, we must do new things, e.g. setting time aside so God can speak to us through His Word and thus giving Him an opportunity to do a new thing in our lives (cf. Isaiah 43:18-19).

The second recommendation for ensuring that Lent takes on a new meaning is this: Be sure you understand its meaning and implications for your witness so that you don’t become prideful by comparing yourself with those who are not observing it. There’s a tendency for those who observe to think they are more spiritual or that they will become better than others because of the disciplines they practice at LENT. If it is so—that human effort can earn God’s favor—then, what purpose would the death and resurrection of Jesus serve? From Scripture it is clear that Jesus’ death on the Cross and His resurrection made it possible and guaranteed that we can be free from sin and we can have a personal relationship with God. In other words, Jesus paved the way for us to receive God’s favor and be forgiven of our sins. Overall, it is a humbling experience observing LENT.

The Bible says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8, NKJV). Will you take time to get close to God during the next 40 days by preparing your heart for Him to do great things in and through you? The best way to do so is to let go of the things that hold you back from fulfilling God’s purpose and let God have full control of your life and empower you to be fully engaged in His business and bring Him glory.

References:

1.    Eric Ferris’s quote retrieved from http://www.thelentexperience.com/blog/lent-faq/

2.     The Bible. James 4:8, NKJV