How “Who You Are” Impacts Your Ability to Lead
In the latest episode of The Clearly Christian Podcast, host Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School, dives deep into the importance of credibility and character in Christian leadership with Dr. Collette House, the superintendent of Aurora Christian Schools. Together, they discuss how character forms the bedrock of leadership, especially in Christian education, where trust and credibility are indispensable.
Credibility and Character: Built on Trust and Relationships
Dr. Smith opens the episode by emphasizing the significance of credibility and character in leadership. As he points out, "Character is indispensable to credibility, and credibility is essential for leadership." In Christian leadership, credibility is tied to one's character and rooted in Christian convictions. Without this, people won't follow the leader.
Dr. House shares her personal journey of building credibility as a school superintendent. Reflecting on her early days at Aurora Christian, she says, "I stayed in the trenches a bit, which is hard for a school leader, but I was still teaching... I still understood what was happening in the classroom." By remaining connected to both the staff and students, she was able to maintain credibility while navigating a financial crisis during her first year as superintendent.
Chalkboard Point #1: Character matters.
One of the key themes discussed was the role of consistency in maintaining credibility. Dr. House emphasized that leaders need to be consistent in their behavior to earn the trust of their team. Dr. House notes,”It should be the same every time, not, 'Well, today is she going to be happy? Tomorrow, is she going to bring down the hammer?” Leaders cannot afford to be unpredictable, as credibility is built when followers can trust that their leader will act with integrity, no matter the circumstances.
Dr. Smith echoed this by quoting Albert Moeller, “When leaders enter the room, trust and confidence must enter with them.” He and Dr. House both agreed that staff and followers know quickly if a leader can be trusted, or if their actions don’t align with their words.
Chalkboard Point #2: Credibility can be earned and credibility can be lost.
Both leaders agreed that credibility stems from convictions rooted in a Christian worldview. Dr. House shared that one of her core convictions is that God has called her to lead in Christian education: “I believe the Lord has called me to Aurora Christian for this time.” This calling, she explains, shapes everything she does as a leader and drives her to model Christ-like behavior in every aspect of her life, from the classroom to the grocery store.
Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of living out one's convictions in both personal and professional life, remarking, "People want to see that your behavior is the result of your Christian convictions." In a culture that often opposes Christian values, staying true to those convictions becomes more vital for leaders who seek to inspire others and maintain credibility.
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Passing on Passion for Christian Education
As the discussion wrapped up, Dr. House shared how she instills a passion for Christian education in her staff and students. “We are on a mission,” she tells her team, often using her love for the Avengers as an illustration of teamwork and purpose. She believes that reaching the next generation requires leaders to be authentic and relatable, not distant or detached.
Dr. Smith and Dr. House agree that the next generation of leaders in Christian education must be equipped not only with knowledge but also with a deep-rooted passion for serving God through their roles. As Dr. House points out, “To impact a generation for the Lord requires the children and training up these kids.”
This insightful conversation between Dr. Smith and Dr. House highlights the indispensable role of character and credibility in Christian leadership. Effective leaders are those who live out their convictions with consistency, build trust through their actions, and inspire the next generation to embrace their calling with passion and purpose.
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