Courage Is First Among Equals for Great Leadership

Ten Values to Assist One in Becoming a Better Leader

Barron Greenwalt
Apr 22, 2014

The way you lead is an expression of who you are. Great leadership comes to those who make it their great pursuit throughout life. Great leadership begins with being accountable, speaking the truth and putting away selfish desires. Values control behavior. Your integrity as a person and as a leader depends on your values and your willingness to share. Adopting a servanthood mentality is a first step to becoming better at team leadership. Whoever influences the core value in a group is, in fact, the leader. Use these 10 values as a guide to great leadership.

Courage

Leaders have a mindset that enables them to face difficult situations. It is not always easy to do the right thing, especially in the face of criticism. Having the courage to follow through with one’s convictions and remaining in alignment with one’s values is necessary for true leadership. Furthermore, leaders cannot have a timid spirit. Courageous decision-making enables you to overcome intimidation that may otherwise cause you to stumble.

Credibility

Credibility is being worthy of belief. A credible person does not say things that are not true in order to promote ‘self’ or to throw up a smoke screen in defense of situations. This is referred to as “blowing smoke”; to “blow smoke” is deceptive and can only harm your credibility as a leader.

Finding Favor with Others

One must gain favor in the sight of all who look upon them as a leader. To gain favor with others, one must demonstrate that he is ‘for’ the other person, that he has the other person’s best interest at heart, that he can be trusted. Leaders find creative ways to encourage, reward, and acknowledge their people for any and all their best efforts to adhere to company policies. Allow them to experience the sensation of making a key contribution to a great success.

Trust

Earned trust is time-tested. Others will seek your leadership and guidance after they know they can safely trust you.

Positive Attitude

Great leaders bring a positive attitude to work daily. You cannot have a positive attitude with a negative perspective. This means coming to work and doing all things without expressing discontent, faultfinding, and complaining.

Take Ownership

Be the initiative that creates momentum and get things going. Take on all assignments with enthusiasm and dedication. Regardless of deadlines or other pressure, always deliver.

Work Ethic

A strong work ethic reflects a strong sense of responsibility. A leader displays a strong work ethic. Others take notice of our work ethics, and our willingness to work; it inspires them to follow suit. Our work ethic not only affects how we work, but also how those whom are looking up to us as leaders work.

Help Others

Great leadership cannot coexist with a critical attitude. Instead of quickly criticizing workers, determine to help them analyze and correct mistakes. By taking this approach, you give them freedom to accept ownership of the error and increase chances of future success. After all, their successes reflect your leadership abilities.

Improving Communications

Leaders improve communication, not add to the ever-present communication disconnect. In the dynamics of today’s business world, organizations are often experiencing structural changes, which create the need for effective communication from the leaders. When employees lack information, they usually assume the worst. Face-to-face communication is best. It is unequalled because it allows those involved to make eye contact, to see facial expressions and read body languages. Poor communication is one-sided and can lead to confusion, discouragement, and frustrations. On the other hand, word clarity and effective communication can strengthen relationships and foster encouragement.

Respect

Leaders follow the Golden Rule by treating others, as one would like to be treated. In addition, leaders are firm, fair and consistent by not showing partiality that creates strife among the group. Leaders unite the unit. “But, if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors,” James 2:9.

Published by Barron Greenwalt