Leadership:"L" is for Love

Love is the most difficult word to define in the English language. Mostly because it has almost as many different meanings as there are people who use the word. From saying, “I love those shoes” to “I love you mom”; there are many different meanings and levels of meaning for this word. When focusing on love in Leadership, the word would be used to define one’s passion for those they lead and the mission of the group.

Without love there can be no leadership. Many mistakes can be forgiven in leadership, but to not love those you lead and the values and purposes that they hold dear can be the unforgivable sin. If you, as a leader, do not truly love those you are leading, you cannot expect anyone to follow. Would you follow someone that you did not think cares about you?

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” --1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV) The words we use in Leadership are important, but not nearly as important as the motive of the heart with which they are spoken. So, as we pay attention to the words we use, may we pay even more special attention to the motives of our heart when dealing with and leading others. Love is the most important trait that a leader can ever have because without it, no one will follow for very long.