Every time leadership goes bad it can be traced back to one of two things: balance or value. Let’s take balance first. When a leader is out of balance between skills and character leadership is going to go bad. When a leader thinks his character has nothing to do with getting the job done, trouble is around the corner. If a leader thinks she should just focus on character and never on the mission, weak leadership will follow. Leaders must be in balance or leadership will go bad.

Value is much the same. If a leader places a high value on people and neglects the task, leadership will go bad. If a leader only focuses on the task and not on caring for people, followers will leave and the leader will be ineffective.

Remember balance and value are the keys to effective and long lasting leadership.