What do you need in order to be a leader? The Traits of a Leader

Module 1: Foundations for leadership Gain an understanding of leadership / what it means to be a leader. Module 2: Fundamentals of leadership Prepare for leadership. Module 3: Growing in leadership Learn how to be effective in various leadership contexts. Module 4: Advanced leadership Learn how to handle complex contexts requiring more finesse / skill.

Module 1: Foundations for leadership 1. Types of leadership (Why lead?) 2. The tasks of a leader (What does a leader do?) 3. The tests of a leader (What will you face as a leader?) 4. The traits of a leader (What do you need to be a leader?) 5. The trophies of a leader (The honour of leadership) Last Sunday of each month July to November 13h00 to 14h30 @ TCC

Lesson 4: The Traits of a Leader Introduction Twelve Traits

Introduction Leadership requires more then good character There are traits that are not about character, but serve as essential requirements for leadership We will consider twelve among many

1. A Leader has Vision Vision is essential to good leadership A leader is called t0: Bring change Build Grow Move things forward There should be a kind of holy discontent – a dissatisfaction with the status quo A leader sees opportunity and obstacles, but brings a good report

2. A Leader has Courage Vision is usually intimidating Without courage a leader will not take action True courage is not the absence of fear “Here I stand, I can do no other. God help me.” – Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms It helps to put God in the equation Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.“ (Deuteronomy 31:6)

3. A Leader takes Initiative Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few. (1 Samuel 14:6) A leader should take initiative – and be able to start something A leader should be more than a “good starter”. If not you then who? Nike 1:1 “Just do it!”

4. A Leader is Consistent A leader needs to maintain a consistent Focus Direction Call Mood Good leaders bring stability while building something dynamic Stable not static Good leaders are single-minded Good leaders are predictable

5. A Leader is Committed There is no costless leadership Good leaders lead sacrificially and lead by example The greater the cost, the greater the value "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. (John 10:11-13)

6. A Leader has Integrity The money brought into the temple was not spent for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets or any other articles of gold or silver for the temple of the LORD; it was paid to the workmen, who used it to repair the temple. They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty. The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the temple of the LORD; it belonged to the priests. (2 Kings 12:13-16)

7. A Leader takes Responsibility In setting the example In hard work, an eye for detail, a doing tasks with excellence A leader shoulders the blame and doesn’t pass the buck, shift the blame or make excuses. “When you are wrong, take it on the chin.” - Ashley Bell

8. A Leader is able to Manage Good leadership involves self-management and management of others. This requires self-discipline and people-skills Develop emotional intelligence (it is a skill and an intelligence) Figure out how to deal with yourself and others Qualities Empathy Approachability Able to motivate graciously Able to manage expectations Able to set boundaries Thoughtful in delegating

9. A Leader Perseveres Leadership can be a long and lonely journey A leader should be persevering by nature Tenacious Resilient Thick skinned

10. A Leader Communicates Good leadership will demand good communication In imparting vision In giving clear directions In resolving conflict In defending the truth or values In teaching others

11. A Leader is Respectful Humility is required in order to be a servant-leader Understand all people are made in the image of God See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:10-11) See also: 1 Peter 3:7

12. A Leader is Hope-filled Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be.“ (Romans 4:18) “A leader is a relentless encourager.” - Peter Howard-Browne Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), (Acts 4:36)