Leadership is not for the fainthearted.

By Phil Walton, Leadership Expert & Professional Trainer Leadership Mpact

No matter the position or role, leaders need to understand what is required of them. There was a time when a group of men came together and "attached themselves" to a cause. They were both "brave and mighty, joined together in a noble task: to help their leader become king." I believe we can learn three characteristics from these men that are vital in 2016.

commitment

COMMITMENT These men were determined to make their leader, David, king. They were single minded, wholehearted and committed to David and to the cause. However, we face two choices regarding personal commitment: the pursuit of comfort or the pursuit of a cause. If you choose comfort, you eliminate yourself from effective leadership because your decisions will be self-serving. If you choose a cause, then be careful of the cause you choose.

competence

COMPETENCE These men understood the times in which they lived in. They were ready for battle and they were the kind of people you would want to have when going against an enemy. They were proven, competent warriors who knew what to do and how to do it. We realize that today we are not talking about actual "battles." However, we need to ask ourselves: • Do I understand the environment in which I work? • Am I a proven leader who knows what to do and how to do it? • What am I willing to do to become competent to lead others?

courage

COURAGE We need courageous leaders today; however many people are put off by leadership because it comes with costs and consequences. Don’t give in to fear. Courageous leaders make decisions based on what is best for the organization, or the people they lead. It takes courage to face your fears and find ways to address them that will ultimately benefit the people who are looking to you for leadership.

Businesses, organizations, and churches, as well as our community and our world, seek ordinary individuals willing to become brave leaders who are committed, competent and courageous. Bill Hybels once wrote, "God didn't make you a leader to respond to stuff all day. He made you a leader to move things forward." It is time to move things forward in 2016.

Be committed. Be competent. Be courageous.