So You Want To Be A Leader?

What does it mean to be a leader? There are a lot of different answers to this question. There are tons of books, youtube videos, conferences, and websites out there that list all the answers for how to be a leader. So if there is so much material why do we hear or see so many leaders fall?

Because there is a big lack in leaders. Yes being a leader takes a lot of self motivation and discipline, yes it takes hard work. It takes being assertive, having confidence, and saying tough things at time. These are all important leadership skills. But there is one that is often lacking and can rip up the entire foundation.

Character.

Character can mean a lot of different things. But most importantly character is the knowing of what is right and choosing it every time. Not just when people are watching you. But sadly too many get so focused on their role and title that they get comfortable. They let something small slide, then something else, and before you know it, it’s like the one small pebble that started the avalanche and everything starts crumbling apart.

Now I’m not talking about making mistakes, because everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect. But there is a difference between making a mistake and knowing when something is wrong or right and choosing not to do the right thing.

Character isn’t made in these big monumental hallmark moments. It’s made in the very small decisions every day. The little things that seem so insignificant. Small gestures, choosing to look away in the face of temptation, choosing to tell your boss the truth even if it means you might get in some trouble. Being honest with a person even if it means it could cost you the friendship, staying faithful mentally and physically despite society and many times your friends convincing you, that you don’t have to.

Character defines you as a leader not money, or the ability to sweet talk. Because sooner or later even if you have every leadership quality in the world but lack character, your walls will fall down.

So choose to make the small every day decisions that keep you focused and on track.