Leading Well: The Heart and Habits of Leadership

What makes a leader truly great? Is it their ability to inspire others, their unwavering integrity, or their confidence in decision-making? While all these qualities matter, great leadership starts within—with character traits that are cultivated over time and guided by faith.

This blog series, “Leading Well: the Heart and Habits of Leadership,” aims to guide you in exploring the foundational traits of effective leadership. These traits define what it means to lead well. We will also explore and highlight the essential character traits of good leaders. I don’t consider myself an expert. But I have valuable experience. I want to share what I’ve learned on my journey.

Leadership is found within families, communities, places of religious fellowship, work, government, schools, and other systems. Within them, everything starts at the top and trickles down, impacting those who follow.

Over the next several posts, we’ll dive into key leadership traits. These include empathy, honesty, courage, and discipline. We will align each trait with biblical principles. Together, we’ll explore:

• What Scripture says about each quality.
• How to actively practice these traits in your leadership roles.
• Ways to identify your strengths and areas for growth.

Our journey begins with teachability, a cornerstone of leadership that sets the stage for all other traits. By the end of this series, you’ll have practical tools and spiritual insights. These will help you lead with confidence, compassion, and integrity.

I am self-aware enough to acknowledge I have struggled in areas regarding leadership. It’s been this way since I was a child. I have been labeled rebellious, stubborn, mean, hard to get along with, you name it. Before I began my journey of healing, these labels hurt me. They caused some damage, but they did not destroy me. With therapy I have developed self-awareness and emotional intelligence, making things clearer to me. What can be categorized as “bad behavior” in leaders results in the hurt of others. Through this journey, God has helped me to recognize that actions are a language.

I hold on to the scripture Genesis 50:20. It says, “What the enemy meant for evil against me, God meant it for good.” I believe that God’s intentions are always good: to strengthen us, help us grow, and grant us victory. I have developed a heart of compassion, understanding, and wisdom. Compassion allows me to navigate less than honorable leaders with wisdom. I advocate for healthy relationships and distance myself from toxic people and environments.

I don’t have a problem with leaders or submitting to leadership. I don’t mind being submitted. I DO, however, have an issue submitting to poor leadership. If a leader struggles and lacks true, honest accountability and wise counsel, what should I do? Should I comply? Should I follow along even to my detriment? If I do, I am the only one to blame. I possess knowledge and understanding. God calls us not to be a fool or foolish. A fool is defined as one deficient in intellect, practical, or moral sense. The book of Proverbs (the book of Wisdom) illustrates the path of foolishness. It also shows the benefits of a life lived with wisdom. If I lack the courage to act maturely, standing firm in morals and principles, I will suffer in the end.

In my early 20s, I witnessed someone in a leadership role disrespect their employee. I became angry with the exchange. I demanded that the employee vocalize how disrespectful it was to be spoken to in that manner. Worried about their job, they didn’t.

Some years later, it happened to me. I was at a different place of employment. I was excelling in my position. My manager spoke to me in a way that sent me from 0 to 100. Very immaturely, I responded back, matching the disrespect. The assistant manager approached me. I went to grab my coat. I was prepared to quit that day. I was advised to “go for a walk.” I did not want to, but I did. I had to be humble enough to walk off my frustration and return to work. And this would not be the last time I would be disrespected by someone in a leadership position.

From those experiences, I learned that being unteachable is a barrier to growth. I thought I had to have all the answers. But in trying to prove myself, I missed valuable insights from those around me with wisdom. When I finally admitted I didn’t have all the answers, I started listening. I realized the type of leader I aspire to become. I learned how to create space for others to shine.

This series is inspired by my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I hope these insights will empower you. Whether you’re leading a team or your family, they can help you lead well and grow.

Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination

Each leadership quality we’ll discuss is a stepping stone toward becoming an honorable leader. Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. You may struggle with patience. You might feel uncertain about your confidence. Growth is possible when you’re open to learning. It’s also achievable when you are willing to lean on God’s strength.

Let’s Grow Together

As you read through this series, I encourage you to reflect, share your thoughts, and connect with others. Leadership is best developed in community, so I invite you to interact by:

• Asking questions.
• Sharing your own leadership experiences in the comments.
• Reflecting on how these traits resonate with your journey.

Leadership is more than a title or position; it’s about influence, character, and the ability to inspire and serve others. In this series, we’ll explore the traits that define great leaders—those who lead with heart, courage, and integrity. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or yourself, these principles will help you lead well. They will also help you live well.

Each post will dive into key qualities, offering practical examples and actionable insights. Let’s uncover what it truly means to be a leader worth following.