“Nothing so conclusively proves one’s ability to lead others as what he does from

day to day to lead himself.” – Thomas J. Watson Sr.

HEALTHY HABITS serve as pulleys to lighten your load and INCREASE

your leadership capacity.

1. EXCEPTIONAL leaders continually model HUMILITY.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes

wisdom.

"People would rather follow a leader who is always real rather than always

right.”—Craig Groeschel

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my

power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly

about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for

Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in

difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2. Exceptional leaders learn how to HANDLE CRITICISM.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Mark 15:1-5 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the

teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound

Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. “Are you the king of the

Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied.   The chief priests accused

him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See

how many things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply, and

Pilate was amazed.

Sometimes as a leader you RESPOND to criticism, and other times you just

ABSORB IT.

Psalm 18:1-2 GNTD How I love you, LORD! You are my defender. The LORD is

my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I

am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.

3. Exceptional leaders allow GOD to LEAD THEM.

The leader who ADVANCES in the future is the one who RETREATS to

God’s word.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:10 5 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give

you rest.