A slightly shorter blog than usual this week, as Deb, who helps me write these, is on Grandma duty! Our first grandson, Isaac James Tibbert, was born last week, much to everyone’s joy and excitement. Deb and I are, of course, loving being grandparents.

It never ceases to amaze me how great an impact such a tiny baby can have on the lives those around him/her! Our son Ben and daughter-in-law Alice are doing brilliantly, as they adapt to the responsibility of caring for a newborn and get used to surviving on minimal sleep! We are very proud of them.

I thought this week I'd simply leave you with an important leadership principle I came across many years ago in John Maxwell’s classic book, Developing the Leader Within You. He describes the difference between ‘emotion driven’ and ‘character driven’ people. This is how he summarises it:

Character Driven People
Do right, then feel good
Are commitment driven
Make principle-based decisions
Action controls attitude
Believe it, then see it
Create momentum
Ask: “What are my responsibilities?”

Emotion Driven People
Feel good, then do right
Are convenience driven
Make popular-based decisions
Attitude controls action
See it, then believe it
Wait for momentum
Ask: “What are my rights?”

Which of these lists best describes you? If you’re unsure, ask yourself how you react when dealing with challenges in either your work or personal life. There is no doubt in my mind that character driven leadership wins every time. I may not always succeed, but I hope over the years I have become better at being that kind of person.