I think one quality that has always attracted me to specific leaders is this: a heart for people.

My father is almost 89. He’s had a very rough last three weeks. He has been in the hospital and in a rehab facility. We were able to just bring him back to his apartment yesterday. Several times during these three weeks I have witnessed something.

He always takes time to talk with people. He’s always willing to help. He speaks words of encouragement. He asks about others. He smiles at people.

(Dad helping folks at his nursing home find someone – the day he got back to his apartment.)

Granted, physically he has been in bad shape for three weeks. But even during those times, he has found ways to try to brighten somebody’s day or to do something for someone.

(My Dad helping out his friend on a Sunday service at the rehab center)

Leaders demonstrate the ability to care for others. But it’s not something that they have to manufacture. It comes from their heart to another person’s heart. That is my dad. He has been such a great example to me.

(With some of his grandkids and 1 of his great grandkids.)