The Three C's of Leadership

"Leadership does not always wear the harness of compromise."

Woodrow Wilson


  Leadership! Now here is a topic that deserves much attention. Having said that many articles and books have been written on the subject. As time goes on, many continue their efforts to express their views, understanding, and manner in which leadership works. For the past twenty years I have been the senior leader of Abundant Life Christian Center. During those years I have made my share of mistakes as well as good decisions. More importantly, I have learned much over the years and my thirst to develop and learn more about being a leader is as fresh as when I first began. The following items have been the foundation of my continuing journey in leadership. It is hoped that they will undergird your pursuit of the call to lead no matter the profession that you may be in. I have called them the three C's of leadership.

1. Commitment. Commitment requires dedication and a resolve to stay a certain course of action no matter the circumstances. This is the beginning step of leadership. If you are a leader or aspire to become one you must be committed to leadership even before you implement a plan. It's a daily decision that must be embraced if any will lead. It is devotion devoid of compromise. A willingness to prioritize. Commitment focuses on completion. It is a choice to finish despite challenge. Commitment says no turning back. It will unleash potential and creativity. 
2. Conviction. Whatever our convictions, they will influence our decisions. Convictions reveal integrity or the lack of it. If any of our decisions are made devoid of strong convictions, the impact goes beyond us. They touch the team that we lead, our relationships, and ultimately the company/business that we service. During his earthly ministry Jesus gives insight to the secret of conduct/behavior that reflects strong convictions. Love God first and your neighbor as yourself. These are the foundation of strong convictions. How we conduct the affairs of our business is as important as our company's vision. There is nothing more fulfilling than choices that are the product of a pure conscious.    
3. Courage. Courage is bravery in the face of difficulty. It is not necessarily the absence of fear. I have discovered that there is a certain amount of fear the accompanies being a leader. Many have faced challenges that required them to choose to be courageous. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, many have overcome by choosing courage above fear. Courage says, something else is more important than being afraid. In the remake of the Karate Kid, Dre Parker sustains an injury that potentially ends his run to win the tournament that he's entered. Mr. Han had previously mended some injuries that Dre sustained from the gang who had been bullying him. The remedy was an old Chinese secret that he learned from his father. When applied the cure healed him and left him painless. As the story nears its conclusion, Dre and Mr. Han are in the looker room with Dre lying on the table seriously injured. He wants Mr. Han to use the cure again so that he can finish the tournament. Mr. Han with complete concern for Dre ask, why must you go back out there. You've done well and don't have to prove anything. Dre's response is, "because  I don't want to be afraid anymore." If Dre was going to live in China and attend the same school as the bully's he faced, he wanted to do so without being afraid. I think you get the point. 

The three C's of leadership work no matter the position one holds. The focus here is on leaders. However they are not restricted to this area. They will work for anyone's vision or dream. May they help you grow and succeed in life's journey.