If your mind went to where mine did when selecting this title then you may be thinking about the personalities of “others” that hinder our ability to lead. While there are personalities that do fit that description (I’m sure we could all give a testimony) I am not talking about others, but ourselves as leaders.

There are 3 personalities that can exist in each of us as leaders that if left unchecked or unchanged render us average to useless in our future leaders endeavors. Here they are and what we can do about it.

The Complacent Personality

I like the quote by John Wooden, “I am not what I ought to be, not what I want to be, not what I am going to be, but thankful that I am not what I used to be.” I love this quote because it talks about the progression of character, of moving forward. Being complacent is different than being content. We can learn to be content in whatever circumstances we are in at the moment. A complacent mindset is uncomfortable with discomfort. A content mindset helps us to rest in uncertainty and even discomfort.

What To Do About It: Be Content

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 NIV

The Controlling Personality

Being in control often extends to controlling others. Most people with a mindset to control things and or people around them do so in order to feel safe and secure themselves. The root of the controlling personality is insecurity. Usually controlling personalities don’t like to be questioned and they may put others down in order to feel in control or secure themselves.

Concern is different than control. Having an awareness of other’s needs without trying to manipulate them or the situation shows concern.

What To Do About It: Be Concerned

God’s purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:25 GW

The Critical Personality

A critical mindset keeps us on the defense with a low tolerance for the thoughts and opinions of others. We find ourselves to be agitated, argumentative, and angry. People who have a critical mindset look for the negative in others like they are earning an award for it.

We often reject in others what we don’t want to accept in ourselves. When this happens we fall into a critical mindset that is destructive for everyone. The difficulty is that good leaders often see the weeds in the midst of the rose garden and that’s not a bad thing. Weeds need to be removed so things can work effectively. The difficulty is occasionally leaders (author included!) only see the weeds and forget to stop and smell the roses.

We should take the opportunity today and move from critical to considerate and look for ways to find the good that other’s are doing. Encourage them, empower them and make a difference in their life!

What To Do About It: Be Considerate

We are reminded to, Consider others more important than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 CEV.

3 Personalities That Hurt Leaders & What To Do About It