In the world of leadership, we often encounter individuals who resort to manipulation, threats, and intimidation to drive their teams forward. While this approach might yield short-term results, it is not effective leadership. When a leader is a jerk and creates a hostile work environment, it will inevitably lead to the disintegration of the team.

Yes, it is true that, as leaders, we are tasked with moving the ball down the field and getting things done. However, it is the inward qualities of a leader that produce lasting results. Your character as a leader is the difference between effective leadership and ineffective leadership.

Effective Leadership Cultivates the Fruit of the Spirit

You’re probably familiar with the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

Have you ever contemplated how these internal virtues can significantly impact your ability to lead your team effectively? John Maxwell provides a valuable framework to assess our capacity to incorporate the Fruit of the Spirit into our leadership.

• Love – Is my leadership motivated by love for people?
• Joy – Do I exhibit an unshakable joy, regardless of life’s circumstances?
• Peace – Do people see my peace and take courage?
• Patience – Do I wait patiently for results as I develop people or goals?
• Kindness – Am I caring and understanding toward everyone I meet?
• Goodness – Do I want the best for others and the organization?
• Faithfulness – Have I kept my commitments?
• Gentleness – Is my strength under control? Can I be both tough and tender?
• Self-Control – Am I disciplined to make progress toward my goals?

Incorporating the Fruit of the Spirit into your leadership will not only yield lasting results but also create a positive and harmonious team environment. Embrace these qualities, and you’ll find that your leadership journey becomes more fulfilling and impactful.

In the pursuit of effective leadership, it’s important to move beyond conventional methods and incorporate the Fruit of the Spirit into both our lives and leadership style. By embodying these virtues, you can transform not only the way you lead but also the lives of those you lead. Elevate your leadership by cultivating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and witness the transformational impact it has on your team and organization.