Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) students were challenged to base their leadership style on Christian character during two events: one hosted by PBA Lead in the Titus Lecture Hall on October 5, and the other presented by the Center for Global Leadership on October 7 in the Entrepreneurship Center, featuring leadership coach and author Karl Martin, the founder and CEO of Arable.
Who Is a Leader?
Drawing on his experience of 25 years coaching leaders from around the world, Martin shared wisdom with the students. He explained that leaders are not only needed in positions of authority, but also in every role and aspect of life.
“Leadership is the greatest gift given to humanity by God,” Martin said. “The question is not whether you are a leader. The question is, in what capacity do you lead?”
Martin emphasized that leadership starts with personal transformation, rather than professional achievement. To properly influence the world, they must develop strong character.
“You are the project,” Martin said, encouraging students to strive for personal character growth.
Martin argued that leadership education is required for a well-rounded Christian university education. He expressed that all graduates, in all fields, should be equipped and prepared to lead with Christlike love for people.
How To Lead Well
Martin provided a framework for good leadership featuring four characteristics: being true, brave, kind, and curious. He explained that being true means understanding oneself; being brave means earnestly seeking God’s vision; being kind requires empathy; and staying curious means being ready and eager to learn at every turn. Martin believes that leaders who develop these qualities become resilient and capable of building a healthy organization.
Martin also guided students to identify what God’s unique calling is by asking themselves four questions: What moves you? What fits you? What fills you? And what pays you? He demonstrated that a person’s calling is found where personal passion and fulfillment overlap with practicality. Martin encouraged students to relentlessly identify and pursue their calling.
He warned, “The enemy of your unique contribution is not your incompetency, but your excellency.” Martin explained that although there are many paths you may enjoy or have the gifts for, they often can lead away from God’s unique calling for your life.
He reminded students that a successful leader is not defined by a job title or how much money you make, but by personal development and having a positive influence on others.
To learn more about PBA Lead, click here.
Click here to learn more about the Center for Global Leadership.
