Faith

 

Faith is the next quality that Brady and Woodward include in the Trilateral Leadership Ledger's factor of Character.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines faith as: strong belief or trust in someone or something

In many cases discussions of faith also have a religious connotation.  The Bible defines faith this way: ... faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 GNT.

Whether one approaches faith from a secular or religious (or both) point of view, having it is a key factor to one's character and, as a result, to leadership effectiveness.

Effective leaders believe, I mean REALLY believe, in what they are doing, in the direction that they are going, and in the people that they are leading.  They have the faith that things will work out in a positive, productive manner.  I am not talking about some Pollyanna, pie in the sky sort of faith that is naive and lacks conviction and action.  What I am saying is that effective leaders believe in what they are doing, have unwavering confidence in their people, and put an enormous amount of sweat equity behind that faith!  They have faith in their vision and direction, they convey that to their people, and then they make it happen.  Faith is not passive.  Quite the contrary!  It is a skill that functions much like a muscle: the more you use it, the more effective it is.

And... it has to be genuine!  You can't fake real faith.  People will see through that in an instant.  Effective leaders understand this and exercise authentic and genuine faith! 

Chris Brady & Orrin Woodward: "Launching a Leadership Revolution."  Business Plus. New York. p.96