Traits to Avoid and Learn From

Over the years, I’ve become quite perceptive at identifying qualities that make a poor leader. I’ve noticed that sometimes leaders can inadvertently cause more harm than good. Fortunately, we can learn and grow from these mistakes. Here’s a short list of characteristics of ineffective leaders:

• They gossip or look down on others.
• They complain instead of finding solutions.
• They lack the initiative to make decisions.
• They don’t work well with others.
• They discourage rather than encourage.
• They are self-centered or greedy and don’t consider others’ needs.
• They constantly worry about others’ opinions.
• They lack determination and drive.
• They make decisions based on self-interest rather than considering the group as a whole.

By recognizing these traits, we can strive to improve and develop into better leaders.

It’s easy to compile a list of negative qualities based on our experiences. However, it takes a bit more thought and insight to come up with a list of positive leadership qualities. One standout characteristic is the ability to motivate others. For some, this intangible ability to inspire and influence seems to come naturally, while other leaders develop their capacity to inspire through the school of hard knocks.

1. The Call Of A Leader

The first eight verses of Isaiah 6 illustrate how God calls many leaders. After Isaiah captures a vision of God, the Lord lays out a need for someone to speak on His behalf. God has a message and is looking for a messenger. He issued a general call for anyone, and Isaiah took it personally. He did so because of three factors:

1. A Vision of God’s Holiness: Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple. This overwhelming vision of God’s majesty and holiness humbled Isaiah and prepared him to respond to God’s call.
2. An Awareness of Personal Sinfulness: In the presence of God’s holiness, Isaiah became acutely aware of his sinfulness and inadequacy, as well as the sinfulness of his people. He cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”
3. A Willingness to Be Purified and Sent: After acknowledging his sinfulness, Isaiah was cleansed when one of the seraphim touched his lips with a live coal from the altar, declaring that his guilt was taken away and his sin atoned for. When God then asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah responded with readiness and humility, saying, “Here am I. Send me!”

These three factors—recognizing God’s holiness, acknowledging personal sin, and being willing to be purified and sent—are crucial for anyone responding to God’s call to leadership.

2. Answering the Call: Isaiah’s Divine Commission

God had Isaiah become His messenger, as described in Isaiah 6:1-8. God issued the call, and Isaiah took it personally. He had a divine call based on four key factors:

1. Opportunity: We seek specific places where we can make a difference. This has to do with timing and recognizing the moment when we are needed most. For Isaiah, this opportunity came when he saw the vision of the Lord and heard God’s call. (v.1).
2. Ability: We recognize that we have the God-given gifts to address a need. This has to do with competence and understanding that we are equipped for the task at hand. Isaiah knew that God had given him the ability to be His spokesperson. (vv.6,7).
3. Desire: We want to step out and address the need. Our hunger pushes us. This has to do with our passion. In Isaiah 6:8, Isaiah’s desire is evident when he responds to God’s call with, “Here am I. Send me!” His willingness and eagerness to serve highlight his deep passion for fulfilling God’s mission. (v.8).
4. Divine Call: Isaiah’s encounter was marked by a profound spiritual experience. He saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and exalted, which underscored the holiness and majesty of God. This vision made it clear to Isaiah that he was being called for a divine purpose.

In Isaiah 6:7, we see the moment of purification: “With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’” This act prepared Isaiah for his mission, cleansing him of his sins and making him ready to fulfill God’s call.

Isaiah’s experience teaches us that when we recognize the opportunity, understand our abilities, feel a deep desire, and respond to a divine call, we can become effective messengers and leaders for God’s purposes.

Perhaps God has placed a passion or deep-seated purpose in your heart. Continue to bring it to Him in prayer and seek His direction. He will open doors for you to walk through and perform mighty works through you. He will provide you with the strength to lead, despite the difficulties and challenges along the way. The struggle will bring you back to your knees, reminding you to rely on Him. May your prayers be constant as you serve Christ according to your passion.

With love, Nancy Duarte Founder of Life on Earth Ministries