The last in a three-part series, this article recognizes that attitudes can cause progress or setbacks. Many times progress can be directly related to a leader’s attitude. If a leader is positive, his followers are more likely to approach their tasks and responsibilities in the same way. Negativity has killed more projects and hampered change more than any leader wants to admit.

Attitudes that are pleasing to God and valuable for ministry don’t arrive via UPS all neatly packaged! A smart leader is one who constantly monitors her/his attitude when approaching work and ministry. It isn’t enough to work on a positive attitude. There are other attitudes that also need our attention. The Bible mentions a wide variety of attitudes, most of which can impact our leadership effectiveness at one time or another.

Review the following list and look up the Bible passages. As you read the verses, reflect on those attitudes that are missing or misaligned in your approach to ministry. Attitudes that are negative will cause us to digress or go off on a tangent. Most leaders have a defined task and any digressions can cause the project to derail. If we as leaders will develop these character attitudes in our lives, we will see the harvest God intends for our work.

• A teachable attitude keeps a leader receptive to God’s working (Proverbs 2:1-5).
• A forgiving attitude frees a leader to focus on the ministry rather than being emotional about others’ hurtful actions (Ephesians 4:32).
• An understanding attitude enables a leader to look beyond what happens to him and focus on God’s purpose.
• A disciplined attitude developed through study and prayer allows a Christian leader to be prepared to yield fruit in God’s Kingdom work.
• A realistic attitude helps a leader see what goals are attainable and maintain a balance in achieving the vision God has given her/him.
• A restrained attitude helps a leader control his tongue, speak wisely and earn the respect of others (James 3:1, 2; I Timothy 3:8; Philippians 1:15).
• A courageous attitude gives a leader strength during times of discouragement and opposition.

There are many adjectives that can be applied to a successful leader’s life. Think about how beneficial they are to your own success as a leader:

• patient
• persistent
• confident
• loving
• sensitive
• humble
• friendly
• respectful
• balanced
• modest
• discreet
• steady
• decisive
• sacrificing

Create a chart of your leadership life and place these attitudes on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the most positive evidence in your life. Determine to work on those with a rating of 5 or under to move yourself toward having attitudes that enhance your effectiveness as a leader.

• Do you have a leader's heart?
• Do you prepare to lead?
• Do you lead with a positive attitude?

The answers to these three questions could make the difference between your being an effective leader, one who is ready to reach your full leadership potential, and one who constantly has to re-focus and re-group. Our hearts determine our approach to leadership; our preparation affects the outcome; and our attitudes dictate whether others want to follow us.

This article is part of a three-part series: part one, part two, part three.