6 Be's
Over the years, I’ve come to embrace a few key principles that have shaped my leadership journey. I hope these will encourage and challenge you as much as they have me.
Be Hungry
Proverbs 4:7 says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
If you want to grow as a leader, it starts with hunger—the drive to learn, grow, and figure things out. No one else can force you to get better. The responsibility is yours. Hunger is not something you declare; it’s something you demonstrate.
Think about a baby. Even before they can talk, their actions make it clear when they’re hungry. The same is true for us as leaders—our hunger is shown by what we do, not what we say.
For me, staying hungry means reading, asking questions, and surrounding myself with people who challenge me to grow. If I’m the smartest person in the room, I know it’s time to find a new room. Growth happens when we position ourselves to learn from others.
Be Humble
Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
In my early years, I sometimes struggled with pride. I thought I knew more than I actually did, and it led to tension in relationships. But life and ministry have taught me that great leadership starts with humility.
Humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself—it’s about being willing to serve others. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned came from doing tasks I didn’t want to do. Whether it’s helping in ways that feel beneath you or listening to advice from someone you might not naturally connect with, humility opens doors for growth, connection, and influence.
Leadership isn’t about making grand declarations—it’s about serving and building others up. Humility changes everything.
Be Hardworking
Jim Collins wrote, “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.”
Hard work isn’t about overloading yourself or working ridiculous hours; it’s about being intentional. If you say you want something but aren’t willing to put in the effort, do you really want it?
Great leaders don’t sit back and hope for success—they climb. Climbing takes grit, persistence, and determination. Leaders with a hardworking mindset believe the best ideas are still out there, the best solutions are yet to be discovered, and there’s always room for improvement.
Be Open
Leadership requires openness—a willingness to embrace new ideas, perspectives, and feedback. Sometimes, as leaders, we can become set in our ways, thinking we have all the answers. But real growth happens when we stay open to learning, even when it challenges our current way of thinking.
Being open means listening to others without defensiveness and being willing to adapt when necessary. It’s about creating space for new opportunities and unexpected breakthroughs.
Be Honest
Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Honesty is a cornerstone of trust, and trust is essential for effective leadership. Being honest doesn’t just mean telling the truth—it means leading with integrity and being upfront about challenges, expectations, and decisions.
People will respect a leader who is transparent and forthright, even when the truth is hard to hear. Honesty creates a foundation for healthy relationships and strong teams.
Be Sincere
Sincerity is about leading from the heart. People can tell when you’re being genuine, and they can also tell when you’re not. Authenticity is one of the most powerful tools a leader has.
To be sincere means showing empathy, caring about the people you lead, and being genuine in your actions and words. When people know you’re sincere, they’ll trust you and follow you—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Leadership That Lasts
These principles—being hungry, humble, hardworking, open, honest, and sincere—have transformed how I approach leadership. They aren’t always easy to practice, but they’re always worth it.
Whether you’re just stepping into leadership or have been at it for years, remember that great leaders are always growing. Embrace these values, and you’ll find joy and fulfilment in the journey.
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