Inspirational Leadership
When we start by leading ourselves, aligning our convictions with discipline, and investing intentionally in our teams, we build stronger organizations and communities. The future of leadership will be shaped not by those with the loudest voices, but by those with the courage to serve, inspire, and grow others.
Foreword
Many of the men and women I’ve known in leadership positions have openly admitted they are hardwired introverts—people who never set out to lead anyone or anything. Yet, over time, their natural discipline, insight, and effectiveness drew others to follow. They didn’t chase leadership; leadership found them. To bridge their own gaps, they studied, read, observed, and practiced—until they became the most capable and inspiring leaders I’ve ever known.
This article is about that journey—how to intentionally sharpen the skills and habits that will make you a stronger, more effective leader in your business and personal life.
Inspirational Leadership
Leadership is both an art—how you apply what you know—and a science—what you know.
Several years ago, while leading an Army unit, one of my responsibilities was to enforce discipline standards across the organization. I had a young soldier, Private Joe, who tested positive for marijuana. At the time, Army policy was “two strikes and you’re out,” meaning a second positive test resulted in separation from the service with an “Other Than Honorable” discharge.
Before administering punishment, it was common practice to hear the soldier’s side of the story. Through that conversation, I learned that Private Joe had made a series of poor decisions—chief among them was allowing the wrong people to influence his life. I shared advice I had once received:
“You are the sum of the top five people you allow to influence your life. If you don’t like who you are or where you’re going, change who you allow to influence you.”
At the end of our discussion, there still had to be consequences to maintain good order and discipline. I reduced his rank, docked his pay, enrolled him in rehabilitation, and created an accountability plan. Over the next six months, Private Joe transformed his life. Not all cases end that way, but this one did. The point is that maturity in leadership allows you to apply both the art and science of leadership—using wisdom, preparation, and discernment—to bring about meaningful change.
Phil Hodges, author, teacher, and pastor, once said that “the gap between knowledge and application is much wider than the gap between ignorance and knowledge.” Let’s focus on closing that gap by examining leadership, intentionality, discipline, and the transition from leading yourself to leading others.
The Meaning of Leadership
Phil Hodges defines leadership as anyone attempting to influence another person’s thinking, behavior, or development. That means we are all leaders—in our homes, families, churches, schools, and businesses—wherever we have influence. In today’s fast-changing world, leadership is less about titles and positions and more about intentionality, character, and influence. The challenge is not simply to manage people but to inspire them—guiding teams through change while keeping values at the center.
Author and speaker Simon Sinek said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” The first person in your charge is yourself. Leading yourself builds the credibility to lead others. Recognizing that there was only one perfect leader—Jesus—reminds us that the rest of us must continually grow and develop to reach our potential.
Two things separate successful leaders from the rest: intentional preparation and discipline.
Intentional Preparation
Romans 12:8 (NLT) says, “If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.” Other translations say, “Be diligent.” Either way, you cannot take responsibility seriously without being intentional. To lead intentionally, you must devote time to maintaining clarity, focus, and spiritual sharpness. If you don’t refill your own cup, you’ll have nothing to pour into others.
It’s a simple equation: if you spend only one hour a week developing yourself but 20–30 hours a week leading others, you’ll burn out quickly. It’s not a perfect ratio, but you must remain self-aware and know when to recharge.
Leading yourself forms the foundation of your credibility. It aligns your actions with your principles and strengthens your performance in every role you serve. The more you intentionally develop your skills and character, the more fulfilled and effective you will be.
How do you find time to work on yourself? Be intentional—with your learning, your time, your family, your work, and your relationships. Create a plan, stick to it, and build good habits. Set aside a few hours a week to develop your ideas, learn, and reflect. Listen to audiobooks while commuting, journal your thoughts, and take time to think deeply.
The Army taught me that learning is a change in behavior resulting from experience. If your behavior doesn’t change, have you really learned? Give yourself grace when you fail—mistakes are part of growth. Admit them, learn, and move forward.
Discipline and Character
No one wakes up and says, “Today, I’m going to be the worst leader I can be.” Most leaders want to do their best. What separates success from failure is discipline.
When I’ve asked groups to list the traits of good and bad leaders, the results are strikingly similar. Good leaders are humble, compassionate, principled, and consistent. Bad leaders are self-centered, controlling, and hypocritical. Discipline is what helps you stay true to your values.
Character is not just a trait—it’s a responsibility. People want to follow leaders with strong character. In his book *On Character*, General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal defines character as convictions multiplied by discipline. Intentional preparation shapes your convictions; discipline prevents hypocrisy.
Convictions × Discipline = Character. – GEN (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal
Leadership begins long before you step into a boardroom, company, or community project. It starts with leading yourself. Leadership is a continuous process that requires constant development, pruning, and maintenance. Discipline beats motivation every day.
From Self to Team: The Power of Alignment
By leading yourself well, you earn the credibility to lead others. Leadership is about aligning people and organizations toward a shared goal. Alignment is achieved through clear communication, accountability, and genuine care for your team. Your words and actions shape both direction and success.
Communication failures are the root of most organizational problems. Too much communication can be as damaging as too little. In today’s AI-driven, hyperconnected world, the quality and timing of communication are crucial.
The Army taught me that a leader is responsible for visualizing, describing, and directing the organization. If your team isn’t producing the results you want, look first at your guidance, not at your people. Self-awareness is an essential tool.
When leaders communicate a clear, compelling vision—and explain why it matters—teams gain ownership and buy-in. Alignment happens when teams trust their leaders and feel responsible for the mission’s success. This alignment builds efficiency, strength, and resilience.
Trust is earned. Communication creates shared understanding. Discipline ensures follow-through, even when times are tough.
Alignment Requires:
Trust
Clear Communication
Shared Understanding
Organizational and Leader Discipline
The Multiplier Effect: Investing in People
Many leaders focus on results instead of relationships. But people long to belong. When you invest genuinely in your team, they invest in you. Developing people personally and professionally strengthens both the team and the mission.
Balance is essential. When you are at your best in your other roles—spiritual, family, personal—you bring your best self to your organization. A leader’s job is twofold: accomplish the mission and grow the people who make it possible. When you do that well, your team doesn’t just perform—they thrive.
In Closing …
Leadership is not about control or authority. As Simon Sinek reminds us, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
To truly care for those in your charge, you must be prepared, disciplined, aligned, and invested in your people.
When we begin by leading ourselves—aligning our convictions with discipline and investing intentionally in our teams—we build stronger organizations and communities. The future of leadership belongs not to those with the loudest voices, but to those with the courage to serve, inspire, and help others grow.
