Principle One | Discerning Leaders Have A Cunning Curiosity
Great leaders ask the very best questions. Discernment requires an inquisitive nature and aspiration to advance in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Discerning leaders understand that stakeholders take what they say seriously and that this will lead to followers to draw conclusions and take action that has an impact on people. Therefore, they never assume, and as a result, they inquire about everything before concluding. Discernment begins with gathering the best information.

Principle Two | Discerning Leaders Have Uncompromising Character
Leaders with discernment are people with an exceptional moral compass. They have integrated their thoughts, feelings, and actions with sound moral judgment. Leadership decisions made without regard moral character will always injure people and damage organizations. For those who are followers of Christ, our witness is impacted when we compromise our integrity. Therefore by remaining true to our biblical convictions, we become a leader that others can trust both in work and life. And this has the potential to influence organizational cultures and a person's personal choices positively.

Principle Three | Discerning Leaders Align Character With Mission
Discerning leaders don't just act; they act in alignment with both their personal character and organizational mission. Like great leaders, they want to drive the purpose of the organization forward but in a way that brings out the best in them and others. Therefore they never act independently of the mission they steward, or independently from the character they profess. They chose to be conscious of shady transactions and decisions in business and life. As a result, they use the full force of who they are to influence maximum impact. Anyone can be an employee, but a discerning leader aligns their character with the mission to influence and shape it.

Principle Four | Discerning Leaders Act With Courage To Win
Discerning leaders act to win. They have an inclination for action and an impulse for change. However, their actions reflect the ability to put disparate pieces of information together into a coherent whole and then make a decision. They are never indifferent or indecisive. Instead, their choices are carefully thought and deliberately executed. And while they take risks, they are always calculated having considered the unintended consequences. They act to win, and through this, they demonstrate visible forms of discernment.

Today as you lead consider your discernment. Slow down and develop this ability. Give time to forge your character, competency, and skill in leadership from the inside out.