The leader's character

Competence and character

The White Book preamble states that at the foundation of every healthy model of leadership lies “not only the right structure, but above all the spiritual maturity, character and attitude of service of those who take responsibility for others”.

Competence says what a leader can do; character says who they are. Competence without character is dangerous: the more effective a leader of bad character, the greater the damage. Character without competence can be helpless. Both are needed, but character decides trust in the long run.

The character ethic and the personality ethic

Stephen Covey, studying two hundred years of American success literature, observed that until about 1920 the character ethic dominated (integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience), followed by the personality ethic - techniques of impression and influence. Covey argued that lasting effectiveness requires a return to character (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 1989).

Virtues

The classical and Christian tradition describes character in the language of virtues - firm dispositions to do the good (CCC 1803). Of particular importance for leaders are:

• the cardinal virtues - prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance;
• humility - the truth about oneself and readiness to serve;
• integrity - consistency of words, deeds and values;
• faithfulness and patience.

Alexandre Havard (Virtuous Leadership, 2007) argues that leadership is essentially a matter of character, with magnanimity and humility at its core.

Biblical criteria

When Scripture speaks of criteria for choosing community leaders, it lists almost exclusively traits of character, and only one skill - the ability to teach (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). When David is chosen, God tells Samuel that man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Sam 16:7).

How character is formed

• through repeated choices - virtue is a habit of good;
• through trials and difficulties (Rom 5:3-4);
• through community and relationships that correct us - see mentoring and spiritual accompaniment;
• through grace - in the Christian perspective, transformation of character is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), not only of self-improvement.

See also selection of leaders, leader formation.