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Courageous Leaders, Bullies and Weasels

4. Do not tolerate weasels.

Just as we will encounter bullies in positions above us and alongside us, as we lead more people, it becomes more likely that someone on our own team will be self-serving and insincere, even regarded as sneaky.

Part of the reason we are put in a position of leadership is because we are expected to have the courage to deal with challenges like this. When dealing with those who may be undercutting the people around them, true leaders confront, encourage change, and in certain instances, extend grace and a second chance.

However they must never tolerate it or turn a blind eye to it. And certainly, leaders should never use that person’s manipulative behavior to enhance their own position.

If you are weasely, or if you are surrounded by people who think your word and actions are weasely, you are not a leader of courageous character.

A true leader is more than someone who stands around telling others what to do, expecting everyone to fall in line. Certainly a leader is to be a visionary. But a leader is also expected to be an advocate. A team looks to its leader to show them the way. But they also look to their leader for support.

When you are a leader, everyone under you will have successes and failures. You will need to be prepared to encourage and to celebrate, and at times to correct and exhort. But in every situation, the people who follow you need to know that you have their back just as much as they have yours, even (and sometimes most of all) when you are helping them recover from mistakes.

Yes, these characteristics of a leader can be developed. They can certainly be improved upon. We can grow as leaders. But it takes willingness, discipline and tenacity. If you’re not a person of character in your current situation, you can change that. Leaders can mature. I’ve seen it happen first-hand.

So, if this is convicting to you, address it. Ask the Lord for help and direction. Just don’t pretend it is not an issue.

But if you’re not a person of character in your current situation, don’t fool yourself into believing that you will automatically become one in the next. Without work, character doesn’t change.

Character sticks.  

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Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is the Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola Univeristy and Scholar in Residence & Teaching Pastor at Mariners Church. He has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates; and has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He is Regional Director for Lausanne North America, is the Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and regularly writes for news outlets such as USA Today and CNN. Dr. Stetzer is the host of "The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast," and his national radio show, "Ed Stetzer Live," airs Saturdays on Moody Radio and affiliates.