What are the characteristics of a good leader? How can we determine if our current and potential leaders have the qualities to assume great leadership faithfully? Are there verses found in the Holy Scriptures that can guide us in choosing the right person to lead us?
The Bible is one of the best sources of practical knowledge that we can apply in our everyday lives. The wisdom it gives can help us discern things and make any decision right. And since God is one perfect example of a great leader, we can definitely learn great leadership lessons from His words and teachings.
Our leaders have the power to shape our nation and even the future of the next generation. Without the right leader, a country falls, people suffer, and hope is lost. That is why our freedom to vote or choose a leader, whether national, international, local, or organizational, is one of the most important privileges we cannot afford to waste.
If you want to know if your present and future leaders possess the biblical qualities of a great leader, here are 18 signs you can check to test them out.
18 Qualities of a Great Leader In The Bible
1. They are humble servants.
“But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” – Luke 22:26 (ESV)
2. They do not tolerate wrongdoing.
“It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.” – Proverbs 16:12 (KJV)
3. They are honest and open.
“Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.” – Psalm 43:3 (NIV)
4. They make rules that people will be glad to follow.
“Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” – Psalm 119:35 (NIV)
5. They protect their people.
“Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” – Psalm 139:10 (KJV)
6. They are merciful and compassionate.
“They will neither hunger nor thirst nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” – Isaiah 49:10 (NIV)
7. They do not tempt people to do evil.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
8. They are knowledgeable and mindful.
“Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” –Matthew 15:14 (NIV)
9. They lead in peacefulness and godliness.
“For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – 1 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
10. Their words are respectful.
“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2:16 (ESV)
11. They are hardworking.
“If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12:8 (NIV)
12. They have good advisers around them.
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” – Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)
13. They are faithful leaders who work based on love.
“In love, a throne will be established; in faithfulness, a man will sit on it— one from the house of David — one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.” – Isaiah 16:5 (NIV)
14. They have the will to serve; they’re not greedy for money.
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;” 1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)
15. They lead by example.
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” – 1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV)
16. They got skills and integrity.
“And David shepherded them with the integrity of heart; with skillful hands, he led them.” – Psalm 78:72 (NIV)
17. They are prudent, not hasty.
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” – Luke 14:31 (NIV)
18. Finally, they are a good role model for anyone.
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” – 1 Timothy 3:1-3 (NIV)
16 Effective Ways to be a Better Leader
A leader is called so because s/he has followers. If you cannot get your team to follow you, probably because of a conflict or mistrust, it is time to evaluate if you really are a leader.
No leader is perfect, but there are effective ways to improve leadership. If you want to be a better leader so you can earn the commitment of your team, then learn from these tips:
1. Be a role model.
Your integrity is one deciding factor whether your team will trust you or not. People want to follow leaders who are an example of having a good character—because that is what everyone wants to attain. Therefore, be a good model in terms of actions, speech, works, and relating with others.
2. Walk your talk.
If you want your followers to take you seriously, then you need to show your people that you are serious with your directions or commands by doing them yourself. For instance, you cannot convince them to come on time if you always arrive in the office an hour late.
3. Lead by demonstration.
The best way to lead is by showing your followers how to do things. However, giving them instructions is not always enough to get your people to accomplish your expected results. Most of the time, you have to execute them first so they will clearly see that the task is doable, and if you can do it, they can do it too.
4. Be approachable.
The best strategy to make people follow you is not an iron fist but a relationship. Yes, you have to be firm in terms of following policies, but being kind and approachable will not make you less of an effective leader. You should be a leader they can talk to without fear whenever they have concerns or need help in their jobs.
5. Know your members/employees by name.
What would you feel if you found out that the country’s president knew you by name? It would make you adore him, right? Likewise, calling your team members on a first-name basis will help you win their hearts. It will make them feel valued as a person—not just a tool to accomplish your goals—so they are more likely to support you wholeheartedly.
6. Do not be too strict.
Too much sternness will drive your people away—and one day, you would catch them talking against you behind your back or even planning to petition your replacement. But, on the other hand, if it does not affect the quality of their work, you do not have to be too strict about it, or else you would appear unreasonable to your team. So, for example, knowing how uncomfortable it is, why do the ladies wear high heels if they have to stand and walk around the office most of the time?
7. Praise in public.
If someone in your team has accomplished his/her job excellently, then appreciating that person in front of everybody will boost his/her morale. It will motivate him/her and the rest of your members to give their best always.
8. Correct in private.
On the other hand, if someone commits a mistake, do not embarrass the person in front of the team. Instead, talk to him/her in private, and make it confidential. This will keep that employee or member from humiliation, which may discourage him/her from working enthusiastically.
9. Give rewards for a job well done.
Another effective way to keep your organization on fire is by setting up a reward system. The more attractive the prize is, such as international travel for two for the top-selling agent by the end of the year, the more energized your team will be. You might worry about how much it would cost your company, but imagine how much more profit you would gain if all your employees worked harder.
10. Put yourself in your downline’s shoes.
If you really want to know how you can be a better leader to your team, then put yourself in their position. As an employee or team member, what would you need from your leader? How would you want to be treated? What is your ideal kind of leader?
11. Bond with your team.
Bonding or having fun with your team from time to time will help you build a relationship with them. You could be a friend without losing your authority over them. A more personal and genuine friendship with your members will help you gain their loyalty.
12. Encourage and appreciate suggestions.
One way to show your team members or employees that you value them is by being open to their ideas. Allow them to participate in decision-making by involving them in the planning of your organization or company. Moreover, this is advantageous for you as well since brainstorming with more heads can generate more ideas.
13. Admit mistakes and apologize for them.
You may be a leader, but you are still a human, so you still commit errors. Admitting your mistakes and apologizing for them are not signs of weakness. Rather, they are signs of humility, which only mature and brave leaders can do.
14. Show them you sincerely care.
Another way of being a better leader to your team is by genuinely caring about them. Aside from knowing them by name, you can show this by asking how they are individually and offering help whenever they need it, and you can.
15. Treat everyone fairly.
Favoritism is one of the killers of a harmonious organization. Treat all your members equally by giving them the same privileges and not exempting anyone from the rules. If you are connected to some of them personally, remind them that you are professionals whenever you are in the workplace, and the familiarity should be left outside the door.
16. Serve them.
Serving your followers will not only encourage them to return the favor gladly, but it will teach them to be passionate and selfless in their work. Just like how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, you can show them what servant-leadership means—which is leading to serve the common good.
Signs God is Leading You Somewhere Else
1. Being redirected
2. New doors and opportunities
3. No more provision
4. Shift of passion
5. Beckoning desire to move
6. No way back
7. Unavoidable circumstance
8. Situation requires
9. Failure
10. Confirmation through a godly counsel
Please visit Signs that God is Leading You for the details.
Bottom line
Apparently, great leaders are rare nowadays. It’s difficult or even near impossible to find a human leader who has all the qualities above. However, we should not lose faith and hope for a better tomorrow. With love as the foundation of leadership, anyone could be a great leader people deserve, not to mention that leader could be you.
Online courses recommended for you：
- Prophetic School And Hearing The Voice of God
This course is for any believer hungry for God’s power to flow through them, bless, and minister to people. - 15 Essential Biblical Texts
15 key Biblical texts you can use to bring deeper meaning to your life for anyone interested in creating a more meaningful life through Biblical wisdom. - The Resurrection of the Son of God
Study of the afterlife and the idea of resurrection.
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Its Very Good Books. God Blesses you.
Thanks much. I’m doing radio devotions just after the election, and want to share your thoughts on a good ruler!
Thanks for the best advice
Thanks Vic’s. I have shared these great tips with my social networks of friends and acquaintances. We as a nation face a Presidential election in a few days. Glad I saw this teaching and tips. God bless you!
This is some great information! Thank you for writing this article and putting this information together!