M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Leadership for Saints, Part 14:
Great Leaders Develop Christ-like Character
by Rodger Dean Duncan and Ed J. Pinegar

Great leaders are examples of goodness.

They walk their talk and are consistent and reliable. They follow their own leaders, because all leaders must first be good followers. Their strength is in their humility and servant-oriented style rather than the building up of their egos. They willingly sacrifice for the greater good.

Enthusiasm for the work is evident in their work ethic as well as in their discipline. They seek to be worthy to receive the blessings of the Spirit. They teach by precept and example. They are bold and courageous, but not overbearing. They love those they work with and serve, and help instill lasting values in others. They honor the principle of agency, and practice persuasion with kindness and long-suffering. Their character, their whole being, literally teaches the principles of the gospel. In all their teaching, what they are speaks louder than what they say.

Great leaders have vision. They know their purpose and their cause. They share their vision and invite their people to invest their hearts in the future. They identify what matters most. They know that the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. For leaders in the family and in Church, of course, “the main thing” is always the same: inviting people to come unto Christ.

Great leaders get results. The results we speak of are measured by the lives that are blessed, not by the extolling of numbers or percentages. Great leaders inspire allegiance and devotion to the cause. They unify people. They work to build a sense of order. Leadership can be lonely and it can be difficult. Great leaders are willing to exert “tough love” for the sake of the individual and for the sake of the cause. Popularity, though alluring, cannot be the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal must be the blessing of souls. Great leaders ask for and obtain commitment. They follow up for an accounting of performance. Great leaders get results, not excuses.

Great leaders plan and organize. They are committed to excellence. They are careful not to waste time, energy or other resources. They frequently ask questions like “What do we want to make happen?” “Are the vision and priorities understood?” “How will we measure success?” “What is our plan to strengthen their faith?” “What will we continually emphasize?” “What preparation is required?”

Great leaders motivate others. They help others choose to do and give their best. They teach correct doctrine. They remind people that they are children of God and have infinite capacity to do good. They affirm and encourage.

Great leaders build great teams. Great leaders in the Church understand and use the “council form” of leadership. They build teams that build up the Kingdom of God. They know that unity of effort is always more powerful than division of labor.

Great leaders use discernment. Some people pray for guidance, then they grab the steering wheel. Great leaders are different. They qualify themselves for the promptings of the Spirit, then they follow the promptings. Great leaders work as though everything depends on them, and they pray—and listen—as though everything depends on the Lord.

Great leaders teach and nurture. They are inspirational teachers. They teach true doctrine at every opportunity. They feed the lambs and sheep because they love and are unconditionally devoted to Heavenly Father and our Savior. Remember, the Spirit shows us all things to do as well as giving us the words to say at the moment we need them (2 Nephi 32:3, 5). As we teach and nurture those we serve, we must always root them to our Savior Jesus Christ. This is true teaching and ministering.

Great leaders communicate and coach. Communication—creating a “common-ness” with others—is a critical part of leadership. It is difficult to serve people unless and until you understand their needs and concerns. Great leaders listen with genuine empathy. They are open, patient, tender, understanding. They seek to be a light rather than always a judge. They communicate with kindness, with a soft voice, and with love unfeigned.

Great leaders delegate. They understand the principles of stewardship—having a responsibility with a trust. They know that holding people lovingly accountable for effective performance is one of the best ways to develop other leaders.

Great leaders manage meetings. They know that every gathering of their people should have a specific purpose that is closely linked to mission and vision. Latter-day Saints gather often to be taught the word of God, to be edified, to make commitments, to renew their covenants, to organize and plan, to be trained. Meetings with a purpose are meetings that are effective and successful.

Great leaders maintain balance. They take time to smell the flowers. They make time to recharge their batteries, to renew themselves spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. Great leaders do not operate at a pace that will end in “burn out.”

Great leaders orchestrate the simple—and important—things into a magnificent concert.

You can be a great leader!

Quotes to Remember

And what is the crowning glory of man in this earth so far as his individual achievement is concerned? It is character… his aim, the highest in life, should be the development of a Christlike character. – David O. McKay

… a leader with no vision will dramatically limit his effectiveness. – Vaughn J. Featherstone

Remember that success results when preparation meets opportunity in our lives
– Joseph B. Wirthlin

When you learn to plan well, many other leadership skills will simply fall into place.
– Shane R. Barker

… the genesis of self- or inner motivation is faith-faith in one's own self, faith in one's God, faith in one's cause, and faith in one's leaders. – Carlos E. Asay

Real teamwork is created when leaders value the differences, encourage cooperation and involvement, and recognize that, like them, the people they lead are changing, growing individuals. – Lloyd D. Newell

Prayerful leaders have discernment; they will know… – Boyd K. Packer

… the leader who fails to teach and admonish must bear the burden of sins himself.
– Dallin H. Oaks

There is another reason to delegate, and that is to empower and prepare leaders for future service. – M. Russell Ballard

Keep balance in your lives. Beware of obsession. Beware of narrowness.
– Gordon B. Hinckley

Every leader must keep current. He must read. He must study. In the Church he must know the scriptures and the handbook. He must read the bulletins. He must keep his eye fixed on new developments. If he does not he will soon find himself lagging behind and the work will suffer. – Gordon B. Hinckley

Note: The excerpts of Leadership for Saints posted on Meridian are only a fraction of the contents of this 349-page book. To learn more about this ground-breaking book and to order copies, click here.