That Ought to Scare You

One of the most disappointing new events of 2009 has to be the Tiger Woods fiasco. For the last several weeks every day brought a new revelation. Millions of fans have been disappointed.

To me its a great example of a quote from one of my favorite leadership authors, Andy Stanley:

“Character is not essential to leadership. But character is what makes you a leader worth following. Your talent and giftedness as a leader have the potential to take you farther than your character can sustain you… That ought to scare you.”

Andy Stanley, The Next Generation Leader

Another one of my favorite leadership authors also had something to say about this:

"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall." (Paul, 1 Corinthians 10:11-13)

We set goals for the things we want to accomplish, yet we rarely set goals when it comes to developing our character. I think we should be as intentional about developing our character as we are about achieving material goals.

We also need to cultivate relationships with people who will challenge us and hold us accountable for those goals. We need a personal board of advisers that will challenge us - not enable us. We should invite their scrutiny and thank them for loving us enough to not let us destroy ourselves and the lives of those we love.

Remember:

"Your talent and giftedness as a leader have the potential to take you farther than your character can sustain you. That ought to scare you.”