I’m always looking for common denominators when I get around great leaders. What do they have in common? What habits do they have in their life? Here are 8 qualities that I have observed all great leaders have in common:
1. THEY LIVE A MISSION > ME LIFESTYLE
Great leaders are mission-driven, not me-driven!
They never give their life to a WHAT, they always give their life to a WHY. See how this changes when you define your true motives in life!
Take some time this week with a pen and paper and write down your why. Write down why you exist, why you have your gifting and talents, and why you have a grace for a particular area of your life.
2. FAILURE DOES NOT DEFINE THEM
Great leaders understand that they might have MADE a mistake, but they are not a mistake. They know that they are defined by their relationships, their mission, and by the fact that they can keep on going.
Failure is a part of leadership. We should see failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. The only true failure is not getting back up and trying again.
Choose to be a leader that doesn’t let a season or decision define you. It might have been a bump in the road, but make the choice to move on!
3. THEY ARE LIFELONG LEARNERS
Great leaders don’t flex their muscles, their knowledge, or their success. They are always leaning into others with the mindset, “Teach me something I don’t know.”
We should constantly be evolving and changing because we’re constantly LEARNING. Are you amazed by how little you don’t know? I get excited about the future because I’m so excited to learn!
Be a leader that isn’t living off of past revelation of things you’ve learned, invest in learning NEW things. You can’t apply what you don’t know!
4. EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM IS BIG
When I get around great leaders, I'm amazed at their big spirit, big faith for the future, and big perspective. When you’re around leaders that are not great, you’ll notice the shallowness of their soul, their worldview, and their perspective.
Become secure in your soul so that you can expand who you are!
5. THEY ARE AN EXPERT AT WHAT THEY DO
Great leaders invest into their craft, knowing that they will be an echo before they are a megaphone.
We refer to this as the 10K Hour Rule. Malcolm Gladwell references this in relation to The Beatles. By the time The Beatles became a hit, they had been playing and working and writing together for so long, that they had become masters at their craft.
Put in the work of becoming an expert at what you do. It takes a lot of time, energy, sacrifice, and a lot of no's - but we ought to make the decision to become experts at what we’ve been called to do!
6. THEIR WORK ETHIC IS UNMATCHED
Great leaders work unbelievably hard. They don’t just show up and turn on the gift. They work hard and put in the time, energy, and focus.
Anybody that doesn’t have a great work ethic will not be great.
Choose to outwork everyone else. Work hard, because the gift is not the result - your work is.
7. THEY ARE NOT AFRAID OF CHANGE
Great leaders evolve and can change with the times.
What’s important is that you’re open to change. Always remember to hold things with an open hand.
Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely!
8. THEY KNOW WHY THEY’RE HERE
Great leaders know why they’re here and why they do what they do.
Discover your WHY and the rest will take care of itself.