John Stanko

"Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his
wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,
able to teach, . . . " - 1 Timothy 3:1-2.

Leaders in the early church were to model the Christian behavior that was expected. In some sense, they were teaching through and by their lives so that followers could not only hear the truth being taught, but see the truth being lived. Leaders cannot underestimate the importance of their position as role model for followers will be quick to see when leaders talk the talk but don't walk the walk. When followers see that disconnect of action from words, they can become cynical and are encouraged themselves to behave in a careless and undisciplined manner, thus depriving the organization of their best work and creativity.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to determine if you are walking your walk. Since you are the leader, it may be difficult to get accurate feedback since people fear possible retaliation. With that in mind, identify a 360 feedback tool (almost any HR department or online search can help you find one). Invest in having a 360 done and then study the results to see how people view you and what areas you need to improve to influence others through your behaviors.