Are People Inspired by Your Track Record?

Are People Inspired by Your Track Record?

Great leaders inspire.

Some leaders inspire through acts of uncommon courage. Others through selfless sacrifice. And still others through the quiet embodiment of virtue and nobility.

And if you look closely enough, you will discover that the inspirational impact of these leaders is this: They have a track record of making decisions–often at great risk–that match the beliefs that have set up shop deep within them.

Leaders have a track record of making decisions–often at great risk–that match the beliefs that have set up shop deep within them.

These leaders stir the hopes of those who live in the orbit of their influence. They ignite dreams. They accelerate action.

Many of these leaders have the gifting to curate and craft words that powerfully yet succinctly capture the essence of what it means to lead out of the core of who they are.

What it means to lead from the inside out.

What it means to lead with your life.

As a lifelong curator of these kind of statements, allow me to billboard a handful of them for your consideration, but most of all, your inspiration.

The measure of a leader is not what you do but what people do because of you. –Howard Hendricks

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

Great spiritual leaders bless people. Depending on their sphere of influence, the blessing may extend to those in their organization, their spiritual tribe, a region, an entire nation, the whole human race—whoever populates their leadership constellation. Great spiritual leaders are not just given to great issues; they are given to people. In the end, this capacity to bless is the deciding category that elevates them to greatness in spiritual leadership. –Reggie McNeal

Leading is very likely the most costly thing you will ever do. And the chances are very good that it will never bring you riches or fame or praise in exchange for your great sacrifices. But if you want to love God and others, and if you long to live your life now for the sake of eternity, then there is nothing better than being a leader. –Dan Allender

Effective Christian leadership is sustained by surrender. When a Christian leader stops yielding to God, he or she has ceased to be a Christian leader. It’s really quite simple. When a leader gets to a point at which he or she trusts more in skills, abilities, or experiences to accomplish God’s assignments, then he has just walked away from the place of God’s blessing and His enabling power. –Crawford Loritts

God does not ask leaders to dream big dreams for him or to solve the problems that confront them. He asks leaders to walk with him so intimately that, when he reveals what is on his agenda, they will immediately adjust their lives to his will and the results will bring glory to God. –Henry and Richard Blackaby

Work twice as hard on your character as you do on your competency. It doesn’t matter how talented or gifted you are if you disqualify yourself from leadership. –Carey Nieuwhof

When all is said and done, remember this: The weight of your leadership is in direct proportion to the depth of your character. (A truth I need to rehearse personally…every day).

Chuck Olson
Founder | Lead With Your Life