One of the downsides to living in an age that prizes tolerance is that convictions are becoming harder to come by.
An effective leader may lack many various things, but one thing he or she doesn’t lack is convictions. They come hard-wired with a set of values, principles, and beliefs that they refuse to compromise on. It’s what sets apart effective leaders from those that are just strolling in the park.
For effective pastoral leaders, a key conviction is that people matter to God and therefore should matter to the church.
For effective business leaders, a key conviction is that they will not cut corners when it comes to safety.
For effective coaches, a key conviction is that every person has the potential to contribute and will contribute when given the tools to do so.
In every leadership environment, convictions form the backbone of decisions. They form the fodder for stories that take on mythical proportions. “Do you remember the time …” Convictions serve as a compass, helping the leader and others know instinctively which direction to go.
Convictions, by their very nature, can be polarizing. Why? Because not everyone will share your convictions. In fact, some may have just the opposite conviction — hence the different political parties, denominations, etc.
An effective leader knows he must constantly and consistently make the case why his convictions matter.
What’s the alternative? To pretend convictions don’t matter? Or worse, that they don’t exist?
I’m pretty sure that’s not really an alternative. You can call that a conviction of mine.