Material drawn from the NIV Maxwell Leadership Bible as presented in a NIV News daily email for January 17, 2022.
1. Character is more than talk.
Anyone can say that they have integrity, but action is the real indicator of character. Your character determines who you are and what you do. That’s why you can never separate a leader’s character from their actions. If a leader’s actions and intentions continually work against each other, look to their character to find out why.
2. Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.
We have no control over a lot of things in life. We don’t get to choose our parents or the circumstances of our birth and upbringing. But we do choose our character. We create it each time we make choices.
3. Character brings lasting success with people.
True leadership always involves others. Followers do not trust leaders whose character they know to be flawed, and they will not continue to follow them.
4. Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character.
Character will either limit or support a leader, depending on its strength. It will always determine whether a leader finishes well.
A true leader is not defined by their position but by their character. We all have spheres of influence. In what area of life might you improve your character following Daniel’s life as role model?