Leadership develops daily, not in a day. It is something we must consistently and intentionally focus on if we are to be effective. Following are six qualifiers that determine what kind of leader we will be. 

1. What You Read

It has been my experience that when we stop reading about leadership, our growth as a leader is considerably lessened. Reading impacts how we think, operate and process our world around us. NOT reading stunts our personal growth and development. Similarly, what we read makes a difference. Leaders that are growing and great communicators, read about communication. Those who know how to build teams and manage people, read about those topics. Some of the greatest leaders of our time, and in history, also read on broad topics and subjects as well.

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” Harry Truman

2. Who You Are With

We can tell a lot about a person by looking at their friends and mentors. Who we surround ourselves with will, over time, impact the kind of leader we will become. If our circles tend to be small-minded or pessimistic, it will be difficult for us to dream big and push through the dips in life. If they are motivated, inspiring and full of expectation for great things, that will reflect on our development as well.

“A leader’s potential is determined by those closest to him.” John Maxwell

3. How You Think

This primarily is about our attitude. Do we face challenges with courage and faith? Or do we get easily discouraged, complain or give up easily. How we process our circumstances and how we view the people God has placed into our world will greatly impact who we are as a leader.

“The last of the human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankl

4. What You Say

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18, NIV). Some of the smartest leaders in the world are those who know what to say, how to say it and when to say it. Similarly, these leaders also have the wisdom to know when to say nothing. People can be inspired to do great things or be plunged into despair with just a few choice words. What we say to those around us, both verbally and non-verbally, will determine if and how people follow our lead. They will define what kind of leader we truly are.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” Philo of Alexandria

5. What You Do

Indecision is one our greatest enemy’s. Leaders must be able to make the tough decisions and act on them, even when there is no clear indicator that they will succeed. They are proactive and take initiative. They know it is better to fail and learn from their mistakes than stay stuck in indecision, do nothing, and learn nothing. This is true for the big decisions that set the course of organizations and people’s lives, but it is just as true for the small, daily choices we make.

“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin

6. What You Believe About People

Most great leaders are made, not born. If we look closely, we will almost always see someone who stood behind the scenes and coached, encouraged or prodded them to be more than they thought they could be. They were believed in by someone and that belief gave them the courage to believe in themselves. What we believe about others will greatly impact our effectiveness in leading them. We must see them as God does, valuable and chosen people with a holy calling from God.

“When you believe in people, they do the impossible.” Nancy Doran