The elements of leadership

I am puzzling over that question of what does it take to be a good leader.

How is it that some leaders can have power over millions and yet internally are morally bankrupt?

For example look at two presidents: Clinton and Carter. Clinton had great leadership ability and political savvy. He had the skills and the charisma to become reelected. However he was internally wanton as shown by his sex scandal in the White House. Carter is portrayed with a character of integrity. Yet in many ways was inept as a leader as seen by his foreign policy with Iran.

What does it take to be a good leader?

Billy Graham is an excellent example of a good leader. He has moral integrity that spans his lifetime. He has competence to lead that has created openings to speak to presidents. He has connection to influence the lives of billions.

Character

Competence

Connection

A person can lead when they have skills in one or two of these areas. However to lead well, all elements must come into play.

Solomon is known as a great leader in ancient times. He is known for having incredible wealth. In his nation silver was as available as rock! He also had incredible wisdom. Many of the world leaders came to him for advice. Some of his writings are widely read today! He had competence and connection but in the long run had no character. He used his power for selfish gain and built houses and amassed wealth for himself while he abused his people like slaves.

It showed up strongly in his son Rehoboam. Even though the book of proverbs was written for Solomon's children, Rehoboam had little wisdom. He cared more for his own self interests than those he led. Because of this he had the greatest uprising and had more than half of his people defect and form their own nation.

Without character a leader falls from within. Without competence a leader has no ability to lead. Without connection a leader has no followers.

I seek to live well with Character, Competence and Connection so that I can lead well.