Behavior of Leaders

Joh 21:15 Then when they broke fast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs. 16 He said to him the second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My sheep. 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him a third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things, You know that I love You. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.

Upon reading this passage of Scripture, it triggered the following thoughts for me.

Our behavior is governed by our beliefs. In other words, if you want to change someone’s behavior, you need to change his or her beliefs about the situation. Insight creates new perspectives – and different behavior. Once you know better – you do better.

The following are crucial elements of behavior needed to be a great leader. If you make an effort to understand the need for each of them it will change your experience as a leader:

Integrity

Integrity is the most important value of any leader. Without integrity everything else is for naught.

Jam 5:12 But before all things, my brothers, do not swear; neither by the heaven nor by the earth, nor any other oath. But let your yes be yes, and your no, no, lest you fall into condemnation.

Emotional maturity

Always remain in control of your emotions. Never shout or even raise your voice - even if you feel very upset or angry. An emotionally mature person will make every effort to remain in control of their thoughts, words and actions.

1Co 13:11 When I was an infant, I spoke as an infant, I thought as an infant, I reasoned as an infant. But when I became a man, I did away with the things of an infant.

Lead by example

One of the most effective techniques in the art of influencing others is to act in the way that you would like them to act. If you would like people to work harder, then you need to work harder. If you want people to be more professional, then you need to constantly display professional behavior.

Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit.

Lend a helping hand

Work with your staff when they need help. This behavior will gain you the respect you need as their leader.

Ecc 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he does not have another to help him.

Fairness

Treat everyone equally well and on merit. Do not single people out unless they have truly earned it.

Psa 112:4 To the upright there arises light in the darkness; he is gracious and full of pity and righteousness. 5 A good man shows favor, and lends; he will guide his business with fairness. 6 Surely he shall not be moved forever; the righteous shall be remembered forever.

Bad behavior

A great leader disapproves of unethical or unprofessional conduct and will not hesitate to take remedial action against someone should the circumstances require it.

Pro 10:13 In the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him who is without understanding. 14 Wise ones store up knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.

Listen

Great leaders listen to their staff before expressing their feelings or point of view. Listening requires that you make an effort to truly understand what the other person is saying before jumping to conclusions or taking action.

Pro 4:1 Sons, hear the instruction of a father, and listen in order to know understanding.

Responsibility and accountability

Always accept responsibility and blame for your team's mistakes. Never blame a team member or single anyone out when things go wrong. Take corrective action immediately and discuss it with the person who made the mistake afterwards without anger or blaming or shaming them.

Deu 30:19 I call Heaven and earth to record today against you. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your seed may live,

Praise and credit

Praise your staff when something was done well and always give credit to the team for your successes.

Rom 13:7 Therefore give to all their dues; to the one due tax, the tax; tribute to whom tribute is due, fear to whom fear is due, and honor to whom honor is due.

Self-promotion

When your team does well, you will automatically get the credit higher up in the organization - it won’t be necessary to steal the thunder.

Pro 27:1 Do not boast yourself of tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise you, and not your mouth; a stranger, and not your lips.

Support

Support your team constantly. Accept responsibility when things go wrong but never put anyone down. Make sure that the team member who caused a problem rectifies their mistake without taking steps against them. Obviously if mistakes are repeated or very serious mistakes happen, it should be addressed – clearly and firmly but with respect.

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. 15 See that none gives evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all.

Be decisive

Great leaders are known for their fair and balanced decisions. Fear sometimes stops us from making decisions. If there is any hesitation you probably need more information in order to make the decision. An informed decision is always the best decision.

Pro 24:5 A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. 6 For by wise counsel you shall make your war; and in a multitude of wise men there is safety.

Opinions

Ask for people's views, but remain neutral and objective.

Feedback

Giving constructive feedback is essential but be sensitive and compassionate when giving bad news or criticism.

Keep your promises

Always do what you say you will do.

Become competent

Work hard to become competent at what you do technically, and at understanding your staff’s technical abilities and challenges.

Motivate

Encourage your staff every step of the way to grow and learn at a pace that they can cope with.

Be positive

Always accentuate the positive. Use positive language. Say: “Do it like this” instead of “Don't do it like that”.

Be friendly and encourage others to be happy and enjoy themselves.

Relax - and give your staff and yourself time to get to know and respect each other.

Keep records

Take notes and keep good records.

Plan and prioritise

Manage your time well and help your staff to do the same.

Collaborate

Involve your staff in your thinking and decision-making processes - especially when managing change.

Self-development

Develop your self constantly. Read good books and take advice from good people to help develop an understanding of your own and other people’s weaknesses.

Strive to achieve the organisation’s goals and objectives

Make every effort to achieve your organisation’s goals and objectives but never at the cost of your integrity or the trust of your staff.