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The true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less. The Law of Influence

Leadership position does not give someone leadership authority. Having a title is not the same as having influence or moral authority. Harvard Professor Sharer states that moral authority is not easy to define, but you know it when you see it and when you don’t. A lack of moral authority in leaders breeds distrust, creates cynicism and kills initiative throughout an organization. A lack of moral authority can bring down a nation. 

John Maxwell states moral authority is the recognition of a person’s leadership influence based on who they are more than the position they hold. It is attained by authentic living that has built trust.

I want to give 4 Key Insights to the pathway to moral authority.

Competence – The ability to lead well – Competence is the key to moral authority. Author George Davis states that authority is not something we buy, are born with, or is delegated to us by our superiors. It is however he states something that we earn from our subordinates. You must prove yourself first, then you can lead. IN the book Developing The Leader Within You 2.0, there are five levels to consider;

Position – People follow because they have to

Permission – People follow because they want to

Production – People follow because you demonstrate competence

People Development – People follow because you make them competent

Pinnacle – People follow because you have a reputation for excellence

Courage – Moving forward in the face of fear – Courage….Encourages people during difficult times; Enables people to maximise their potential; Helps leaders find their voice.

Every leader who possesses moral authority has had to stand alone at some point in time. Such moments make leaders!

Consistency – Doing well all the time, not just sometimes – Andy Stanley in his book Visioneering, “Nothing compensates for a lack of moral authority. No amount of communication skills, ealth, accomplishment, education, talent, or position can make up for a lack of moral authority. We all know plenty of people who have these qualities but who exercise no influence over us whatsoever, WHY? Because there is a contradiction between what they claim to be and what we perceive them to be.

Character – Being bigger on the inside than the outside – Moral authority is a result of right intentions, right values, right beliefs, right actions, right relationships, right responses. Our intentions must be right, our heart must be good. Put down some strong roots of…

Integrity – align values and actions

Authenticity – I will only teach what I believe (passion), what I experience (Confidence), What I live (Authenticity)

Humility – This is the everyday choice to credit God for your blessings and credit others for your success.

Love – You must love people, respect them, value them. People can always tell when these things are not true. Love them enough that you care about helping them.

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!