The Character of the Leader

In a shocking turn of events over the past six months, the Ohio State football team has been exposed for numerous violations of NCAA rules. I use the term "shocking" not because I don't believe most major college football programs refuse to push the envelope when it comes to NCAA regulations, but because of the man who is under fire.


Ohio State's head coach Jim Tressel resigned from his position yesterday amidst the building evidence of numerous infractions by his football team, putting into question his seemingly high value on character. I have actually been a fan of Tressel because of his faith in God and the way he has, at least on the surface, valued the development of his student-athletes and character above winning.

And it's certainly not up to me to determine the reality of his true character. But, this latest "leadership scandal" reminded me again of the necessity of character in leadership.

Whether it's Enron, Ted Haggard, or Jim Tressel, we have seen organizations and leaders fall time and time again. Both in the secular and religious realm. And it's usually due to a failure in the character department.

In his book Leaders Who Last, Dave Kraft notes that only 30% of leaders finish well. He goes on to say of character:

"Capacity and competence are like gliders. They can fly, but not indefinitely... Who you are will take you much further than what you can do. Character will stand the test of time and hold up when the wind howls and the storm rages around you."

We talk about leadership with students in our ministry and the different roles leaders play. But, what lies at the heart of leadership is our relationships:

1. Relationship with God
2. Relationship with Self (determination, intellectual, character, emotions)
3. Relationship with Others

And too often in our culture we look at what we can do and how gifted we might be and the things that we are able to accomplish. And we (myself included) fail to consistently recognize, consider, and evaluate how we are functioning in these areas.

The latest stat that Jim Tressel may have become, is a good reminder to me of the importance of character as we seek to be leaders who last and leaders who finish well.