Recently a new follower of my blog Facebooked me and told me how much he loved my blog.
It was actually quite interesting because I didn’t recognize the name as someone who had left a comment on any of my posts.
But that got me thinking on how leaders can have an affect on those around him, or her, and not even realize it.
That is why we have to be careful – not that we are going to be perfect – to display a character that is above reproach.
You’ve probably heard the saying that character is what you are, reputation is what people think you are.
The experience reminded that people are watching very closely our every move. Especially when we profess to be one thing or another.
Many times people are watching closely not because they are looking for you to fail, but because they truly admire you and wish you only the best. In either case, people are watching and we must have high integrity.
The experience reminded me of several things about leaders:
1. People will watch your actions.
2. People will listen to what you say.
3. People will watch your interactions and relationships.
So be a leader of high integrity and character. Be in public what you are in private. This is the only true way that you will have a positive influence on others, and it’s a hallmark of great leadership.
How are other ways you are leading and don’t even realize it?
Juan,
This post is so timely. I know in my own life I don’t recognize the impact and influence I have on others mostly because I’m just myself. You don’t really understand the force of your character until someone outside of your inner circle approaches you and tells you.
I had a co-worker put her hand on mine and tell me, “You’re such a good person” yesterday. The irony in this is I’m not a leader or in any sort of position that I enact that responsibility. She said this because I remembered a conversation we had at the start of the year and it resonated with me and she had forgotten due to the stress of the semester.
Sometimes all people need is our attention and time. More importantly, to know we care. While I try and act this out in my own life, sometimes you don’t realize how much you do for others until they tell you.
I have to learn to humble myself in these moments, because I am just doing God’s will. Treating others how we want to be treated and living our life honestly in and out from behind closed doors the same way is key to living a life of integrity.
Great post, Juan.
Happy Holidays!!
Julie, thanks for sharing your story. It is just awesome to know that God uses us and our words to encourage people even when we don’t realize the full weight of our words. That’s why so important to be wise with our words, and just love on people, and be a good influence. Have a great Christmas!
Juan, it’s so true – sometimes we don’t know the impact of our words, actions and interactions. I’ve received similar feedback in the past and it’s always humbling. it always makes me want to be better person
Ngina, that is so true. I feel the same way. When I get feedback It makes me want do even better. It’s an awesome responsibility to have influence on people’s lives. Thanks for sharing.
This reminds me of the story of Daniel in captivity. The leaders in the kingdom were constantly watching him and even trying to trip him up. Knowing he was being watched, Daniel just continued to live with godliness and integrity.
Thanks for the post!
Matt, what awesome parallel story from the Bible. Thanks for pointing that out and sharing. God bless.
It’s so amazing the impact we have without ever even realizing it. I think it’s true of leaders, but it’s also true of anyone almost anywhere. Simply living with integrity and doing the best will have resounding effects that we won’t be able to comprehend until heaven.
Loren, you are so right. Probably, in most cases we will never know until we get to heaven. That is why is so important to live a life of integrity and high character, Thanks for sharing.
Great reminder and points Juan!!! It’s important to make sure our values and beliefs match our actions and attitude. It’s amazing how many people we can positively impact if we have God in the center of our life and we are willing to put in some hard work.
Dan, right on. It’s about positively impacting people for the better. Thanks for sharing, bro.
I whole heartedly agree with you there. We have to make sure that what we are saying it what we mean to say. We never know who we will be affecting.
I sort of had the same experience recently. Someone started commenting and I could tell they had been reading for awhile…it’s weird to think how long they may have been reading me
Pretty neat though that we can have such an impact on people we may never meet.
Jared, that feels good doesn’t it? But it also makes you stop and think, that your words and actions can have an impact on someone, and we have to make sure it is a positive impact.Thanks for stopping in sharing. God bless.
This is such a great reminder. It especially hits home to me when I think about my 5 children. I know they are watching my every move and learn from how I live even though I am not intentionally trying to lead them with everything I do. Thanks!
Caleb, I can also relate. I have two younger daughters at home. I make every effort to exhibit genuine high character. I read a quote the other that, and I am paraphrasing – when your children think of integrity,and character, let them think of you. That was such an eye-opening quote. Thanks for sharing and God bless.
As I mentioned on Twitter, outstanding post! Straight and to the point.
As Ken Davis says, “What we believe in is evidenced by how we live, not by what we say.”
Kent, awesome Ken Davis quote. Thanks for stopping in and sharing. God bless.
You are so right! We can forget this so easily, but there is no downtime. That can be scary if we’re not properly connected to the Source, but in Him is infinite grace that sustains and builds us up and others. Thanks for this Juan.
Jason, thanks for sharing.God bless.