Leadership Matters

Leadership. There are already so many books on leadership. Why another? Even the wisest person who ever lived, King Solomon, writer of Ecclesiastes, said, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). So what could I possibly add to what has already been said or written? In a word, nothing. However, in this book, I am choosing to focus on character, competence, conviction, and courage. These, I believe, are the pillars of ethical leadership. I will also be talking about notable characters who displayed exceptional leadership abilities.

But first, what is a good leader? Usually we can recognize a good leader when we see one in action. We can feel the authenticity of a good leader. We are motivated, influenced, inspired, and impacted by effective and affective leaders. Effective leaders know how to get results. The affective leader, on the other hand, knows how to tap into feelings and emotions. Good leaders are excellent communicators, able to articulate a vision, able to send the message clearly and concisely. They care about the people they serve and are willing to sacrifice for the good of others. Exhibiting integrity, they do what they say. They are aware that leadership is stewardship that is not grounded in pure power but in influence.

Many books on the subject leadership are aimed at those at the top or those who aspire to make it there. Certainly I do not wish to turn away any of these prospective readers. But anybody can actually be a leader. Leadership opportunities are presented to us in various situations and circumstances and in the different seasons of our lives. Many leaders will never gain a formal title such as CEO, president, chairperson, principal, or executive, among others, but they are leaders just the same. If we are aware of these leadership opportunities and make an effort to prepare for them, we can make a larger impact and contribution to the society with our lives. We may not have any foreknowledge of when the call for leadership will present itself, be it a situation or season, but when leadership calls, we need to be prepared. If you are called to step into leadership, embrace it instead of avoiding it.

This book is meant to target those who find themselves looking at leadership at any level, regardless of status or position, hoping to influence, impact, inspire, and encourage. When Providence opens an opportunity to lead, it helps to be prepared for it. When all is said and done, leadership is a choice or, more accurately, a calling. We must continuously learn and grow in order to rise to the occasion and act when leadership calls.

I am expressing my thoughts from a Christian worldview. I do not make apologies for my convictions, what I believe, and how it forms my thinking. I believe in God’s sovereignty and the moral truth of the Bible. All of creation and all of life starts and ends with God. Not one of us is here by accident. We were made for a purpose, and leading is one of those purposes. And it all starts with leading ourselves and subordinating ourselves to truth.

I hope that what is written in the following pages will help you and any other leader think about how effective (and affective) leadership can influence, inspire, and impact others for the greater good. Leadership matters, and it’s a good time to develop the leader in you.