Do You Have the Strength to Lead?

Leadership is about character.

Of course, I’m talking about inner strength, not physical ability (although physical health is important for leaders). What are some of the types of strength that leaders should possess to be effective?

Character Strengths are critically important. Do you have the courage to lead effectively — to stand by your convictions? The courage to take calculated risks? And the courage to do the right thing? Do you have the strength to admit when you are wrong? Can you control your emotions? Do you have the strength to be fair — to fight against systems or people who are unfair?

The Strength to Develop, Sacrifice, and Succeed An effective leader also shows inner strength by admitting to shortcomings and seeking to rectify these and to develop more fully as a leader. Leaders also display inner strength when they sacrifice for the good of the team and the organization, and when they fight hard to overcome obstacles to success.

For Development: The good news is that we can develop these strengths of character, whether we are in a leadership position, or not. Let’s begin by making a commitment to develop as a leader and as an individual of solid character.