Great leaders inspire.
Some leaders inspire through acts of uncommon courage. Others through selfless sacrifice. And still others through the quiet and steadfast embodiment of virtue and nobility.
And if you look closely, you will discover one common quality of leaders who inspire: They have an innate ability to craft words—both spoken and written—that resonate deeply in the heart of the listener. Words that stir hopes and imaginations. Words that paint pictures of what could be. Words that call forth actions of unimaginable courage
Leaders who inspire have the innate ability to craft words that resonate deeply in the heart of the listener.
Where am I going with this?
Allow me to connect the dots…
For many of you who read this monthly leadership blog, you know that I have an incurable burden to see leaders lead from the inside out—from a place deep within them that is constantly being shaped and transformed by Christ.
To that end, I have been INSPIRED by several leaders who have offered their words of what it means to be a person who leads from the inside out—who lead with their lives.
Allow me to share several:
To become a leader worth following, you must give time and attention to the inner man. To leave a legacy that goes beyond accomplishment alone, a leader must devote himself to matters of the heart.
–Andy Stanley
Our activity for God can only properly flow from a life with God. We cannot give what we do not possess.
–Peter Scazerro
God’s presence is the distinguishing characteristic of your leadership. A call to lead is a call to know God. Please do not miss this: A call to lead is a call to know God. Everything you do as a leader is an extension of the presence and the work of God in your life.
–Crawford Loritts
Lack of character kills careers, shatters families, ruins friendships, and destroys influence…Like it or not, character, not competency, determines capacity.
–Carey Nieuwhof
Am I getting nobler, better, more helpful, more humble, as I get older? Am I exhibiting the life that men take knowledge of as having been with Jesus, or am I getting more self-assertive, more deliberately determined to have my own way? It is a great thing to tell yourself the truth.
–Oswald Chambers
Your public platform, influence, and impact require internal faithfulness, quiet confidence, and consistent wisdom. The best leadership moments will probably be the ones that nobody sees.
–Brad Lomenick
And here’s one of my own:
The weight of your leadership is in direct proportion to the depth of your character.
The weight of your leadership is in direct proportion to the depth of your character.
Allow me to wrap this post with a question.
Do your words, and more importantly, does your life, inspire others to pursue endeavors that otherwise would remain undone?
Chuck Olson
Founder | Lead With Your Life
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