In answer to the question, “What is a reasonable expectation of leadership in society, business, or the organizations?” the answer must always begin with truth. If we consider the myriad of ethical breaches in society, at their foundation is a lie: abuse, infidelity, perversion, breach of relationships, and compromise.   

First, visionary leadership must abide by the most essential principle: God is truth, its very source, and fundamental to ethical leadership. One step removed from this truth is one step closer to personal and community moral anarchy. Colson reviews the tragic circumstances of Jimmy Swaggart and Jimmy Baker. He asserts that Baker’s downfall was “violating what should be the most sacred trust of all: to speak for God and to minister to people in their spiritual needs.” [3] He suggests that Baker and Swaggart crossed the line in their departure from truth. They took several steps away from God and in doing so headed down the path toward moral collapse.

Second, visionary leadership must be grounded in the truth. Colson calls for the need of moral consensus. He writes that a consensus must have its roots in Judeo-Christian values for society to exist. These values find their source in the Scriptures. Taking steps away from them is taking steps toward personal and societal destruction.

We may say that these guidelines do not advance anything new. Quite right, they do not. They have all been said before and so why repeat them? We all need reminders concerning truth. Reminders make an imprint on our minds and guide our actions and behavior. Reminders play a continual record of what is right and wrong. Reminders give motivation for doing right. One who forgets is like one who loses a defense. He or she lets down a guard and leaves the battlefield scarred because of lack of practice when the battle was not near.

What is reasonable to expect from our leaders in society? Leadership spans beyond the smallest to the largest organizational unit, from the family to the largest corporation. It can only do so when there is a reference point higher than oneself.

Two sets of leadership qualities exist for the leader – a) internal and b) the expression of those internal qualities. Ranking high on the list of leadership qualities are: integrity, truthfulness, unselfishness, humility, patience, and wisdom. 

Integrity expresses itself in consistency (and not perfection), equal treatment of people, practicing one’s moral core, blamelessness, and faithfulness. People do not expect perfection from their leaders, for they realize they will make mistakes. Rather how a leader responds to mistakes sets an example of genuine leadership. Recognizing and taking action rather than denying or covering up mistakes or shortcomings shows courage and strength – positive qualities people find attractive and willing to emulate.

Truthfulness expresses itself in speaking and acting truthful. One can only speak and act when there exists an inner moral core. Such a moral core does not rest on a “my truth versus your truth” mentality. Rather, as Chuck Colson recognized, truth is normative. [4] There are indeed absolutes, and people look for a moral core for guidance in their personal and professional lives rather than for chaos, confusion, and anarchy.

An unselfish leader does not seek his own way first. Rather a leader’s thoughts and motives are toward those led. Unselfishness does not neglect care for oneself or self-reflection. Such care and reflection means attending to moral, emotional, and physical fitness. In attending to these, one can lead others well. 

Humility shows itself in self-control and not attempting to flaunt oneself before others. Flaunting reveals insecurities and an over estimation of oneself that tends to polarize rather than attract people. Humility does not assume a doormat mentality – permitting people to wipe off their shows on you. Rather, humility integrates inner strength, love and care for people, and standing up selflessly for what is right. Self-control speaks to the inner discipline that recognizes when and where to speak and act.

Patience is humility under control. An impatient leader finds declining followers. An impatient leader tends to vent an uncontrolled set of emotions toward others rather than assuming responsibility for those emotions when confronted with the undesirable. Patience is a fruit having its roots in a tamed spirit. Tame does not assume lack of assertiveness but wears the clothing of self-control during confrontation or disagreeable circumstances.

Wisdom is the cup that draws from all of the above springs of leadership. It rests on the foundations of truth and integrity, does not drink at the well of self-seeking, and finds its home in humility and patience. Above all, it feeds on the fear of God. This fear is a deep respect for Him and all He is and does. When wisdom latches on to the fear of God, it unlocks the door to a strong and abiding faith and hope in His providence. 

Visionary leadership sets its eyes higher than oneself. Selfish ambition takes a toll on a person, because that person must always be watching those whom he or she believes may be attempting to topple ambition. When self steps aside, the need for recognition fades in the background, because the person seeks after benefiting others. 

 Visionary leadership looks beyond the pettiness and squabbles that occur in society. The visionary leader sees these as hindrances to moving groups, communities, and nations forward toward peace and prosperity. Ronald Reagan said,

“Let us go forward determined to serve selflessly a vision of man with God, government for people, and humanity at peace. For it now our task to tend and preserve, through the darkest and coldest nights, that “sacred fire of liberty” that President Washington spoke of two centuries ago, a fire that tonight remains a beacon to all oppressed of the world shining forth from the kindly, pleasant, greening land we call America” (The Annual Conservative Political Action Conference Dinner, February 25, 1982).

This quote elevates visionary leadership above the bickering and slanderous atmosphere that becomes destructive to society and its liberties. Visionary leadership has its eyes firmly on the liberty that sets people free, because it is a leadership of service to humanity.

[1] Black, David Alan, It’s Time to Abolish Art Welfare, http://www.daveblackonline.com/ it's_time_to_abolish.htm

[2] Colson, Charles W., The Problem of Ethics in Christian Ethics Today: Journal of Christian Ethics, Spring 2004, Online Edition.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Colson, Charles W., The Problem of Ethics in Christian Ethics Today: Journal of Christian Ethics, Spring 2004, Online Edition.