Use this in your ministry! God speed!

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Qualities of a Good Leader
by Barbara White
How often have you heard the comment, “He or she is a born leader?” There are
certain characteristics found in some people that seem to naturally put them in a position
where they’re looked up to as a leader.
Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to
become a leader is open for debate. There are some clear characteristics that are found in
good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of their
personality. Let us explore them further.
Personal Qualities Found in a Good Leader:
1. A good leader has an exemplary character. (I Tim.4:12)
It is of utmost importance that a leader is trustworthy to lead others. A leader needs to
be trusted and be known to live their life with honestly and integrity. A good leader
“walks the talk” and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others. True
authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person
who leads.
2. A good leader is enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their
role as leader. ( I Tim. 1:12 )
People will respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication. Leaders
need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required
action or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different,
the leader needs to be seen to be part of the team working towards the goal. This kind
of leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty.
3. A good leader is confident. (Josh. 1:9)
In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person
and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out
the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader who conveys
confidence towards the proposed objective inspires the best effort from team
members.
4. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in
situations of uncertainty. (I Cor. 14:40)

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People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find
reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive
demeanor.
5. Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and
steadfast to the main purpose. (I Cor. 15:58)
Storms, emotions, and crises come and go and a good leader takes these as part of
the journey and keeps a cool head.
6. A good leader as well as keeping the main goal in focus is able to think
analytically. ( Ephe. 4:11-13)
Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is able to break it
down into sub parts for closer inspection. Not only is the goal in view but a good
leader can break it down into manageable steps and make progress towards it.
7. A good leader is committed to excellence. ( Col. 3:23; Eccle. 9:10)
Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high
standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all
areas.
8. A Good Leader Develops Other Leaders. (2 Tim. 2:2)
A good leader develops other good leaders. This can only be attained once a
person has first become a good leader. How can you expect to develop other good
leaders, if you are not one first? Most of this just boils down to taking the time to spend
time with the leaders that you want to develop and cultivate. By being a good mentor,
you can teach and coach them through their trials and tribulations as a young and
developing leader. Sometimes just being there to help them get back up after they have
fallen is all you have to do. One of the best ways that you can invest time is by investing
it in the relationships of others around you.
9. A Good Leader Looks after Those He Wants to Lead. (Prov. 27:23)
A good leader looks after those he wants to lead. He does this by always doing
what he can to protect them from harm, criticism, or blame from other people. People
want security, that's why they buy SUVs, put money in their 401k, and stay at the same
dead end job for years. It's integrated into our nervous system that we want to feel secure.
When you have a team of people that you are leading, it can be very powerful when they
know that you are on their side, and that you will do whatever you can to make sure that
you protect them from harm of other outside forces. A big part of being a good leader is

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knowing how to take the blame when things go wrong, and how to give away credit when
things go well. A good leader knows that when things go bad or wrong, it's his
responsibility to take the blame, even if it was not his fault. And when things go well, a
good leader knows that it's his responsibility to make sure that he gives the credit to the
deserving person who did the great work. Hence, making that person look very good.
These personal characteristics are foundational to good leadership. Some
characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader. However,
each of these characteristics can also be developed and strengthened. A good leader
whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently
develop and strengthen them in their leadership role.
Prepared by:
Sis. Ivy Corazon B. Panelo