The Soul of Leadership – Part 1

I first heard this quote about twenty years ago. Strangely enough, it was not in a work context; it was at church!

My pastor quoted it to me when I was complaining about a conflict I was having with another choir member who was promoted to assistant choir director. Can you I tell this story often, but I will abbreviate it for you: We watched as this person behaved poorly—snapping at others, making decisions without consulting anyone, and stirring up drama to stay in control. It wasn’t just frustrating; it was heartbreaking. Here we were, trying to learn content, work together, and yet this person’s character was undermining the very spirit of what we were called to do. That’s when he quoted Abraham Lincoln: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” 

Well, I’ve updated that to, “Power doesn’t change people; it reveals them.” It’s one of those truths that shocks you when you see it happening with a person you know. and it also makes you take a hard look at yourself. It magnifies who we are already, , laying bare the choices, values, and emotions that guide us when we think no one is watching.

But here’s the kicker: leadership isn’t just about your actions. It’s about the soul behind those actions. Remember, my theme for the year is Emotions and Character-The Soul of Leadership.

What Is the Soul?

The soul has been defined in ways that reveal its profound influence on who we are and how we lead:

• The Source of Character Traits and Behaviors – Carl Jung called the soul the wellspring of what makes us, us.

• The Core of Emotions and Thought – Merriam-Webster ties the soul to individuality, the birthplace of both our emotions and intellectual processes.

• The Basis for Self-Awareness – Encyclopedia Britannica connects it to our mental and emotional activity, our capacity for self-reflection.

• The Essence of a Person – Oxford English Dictionary frames it as the very foundation of who we are at our core.

• The Inner Self – It’s your mind, heart, will, imagination—your thoughts, desires, passions, and dreams rolled into one.

Why Is This Important for Leadership?

The soul is where everything begins. It’s the engine driving our character, decisions, and relationships. When you step into a position of leadership, you’re not just managing tasks; you’re managing people—hearts and minds, hopes and fears, and here’s the catch: people don’t follow titles; they follow trust. That trust is built (or shattered) by your character and how you navigate your emotions.

Think about it. How do you respond when:

• Someone challenges your authority?

• A team member makes a costly mistake?

• You’re handed more responsibility than you can handle?

Your reactions in those moments don’t come from a rulebook. They come from your soul, from your ability to align your emotions with your values, your thoughts with your intentions, and your actions with integrity.

Character strengths like humility, courage, empathy, and self-regulation are not optional. They are the very fabric of effective leadership. These qualities determine whether you inspire or alienate, uplift or oppress, build or break. (Want to take a free assessment? Google VIA Character Strengths)

A Call to Action

As we move into the holiday season, I challenge you to go deeper. Don’t just ask yourself what you’re doing as a leader—ask yourself who you are becoming each and every day.

Reflect on these questions:

• How do my emotions shape my leadership decisions?

• Am I leading from a place of integrity, or am I just trying to maintain control?

• What character strengths can I cultivate to align my leadership with my values?

Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about showing up with a soul anchored in character and a heart willing to grow.

So, let’s rise up and LEAD. Let’s lead with heart, mind, and soul. Let’s make 2025 the year we lead from the inside out—because the soul of leadership isn’t just about what you do. It’s about who you are.