The Heart of Leaders
For anyone who has spent time in the workforce, this message will resonate.
In April 2024, Jonathan Falwell delivered a powerful sermon at Thomas Road Baptist Church on the Parable of the Sower. It was a thought-provoking message, and as I drove home, I found myself viewing it through a leadership lens. It made perfect sense.
A leader’s heart determines how they influence others, handle challenges, navigate conflict, motivate their teams, and ultimately shape the culture around them.
Every leader predominantly operates from one of these four heart conditions. Let’s explore them.
1. The Hard-Hearted Leader – Resistant and Unteachable
"Some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them." (Matthew 13:4)
"When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart." (Matthew 13:19)
A hard-hearted leader hears feedback or attends training but refuses to believe it applies to them. They may listen to new ideas, but they don’t truly hear. They resist change, reject wise counsel, and operate with a closed mind.
Signs of a Hard-Hearted Leader:
Dismisses new perspectives, alternative solutions, and constructive criticism.
Avoids accountability and refuses to admit mistakes—blaming others when things go wrong.
Ignores the well-being and concerns of their people, often viewing employees as the problem.
Leads with control rather than influence, creating a culture of "have to" instead of "want to."
A leader with a hardened heart creates an environment where employees disengage, knowing their voices don’t matter. These leaders struggle to retain top talent and often miss opportunities for innovation.
2. The Volatile-Hearted Leader – Passionate but Inconsistent
"Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth..." (Matthew 13:5)
"He who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while." (Matthew 13:20-21)
A volatile-hearted leader is full of enthusiasm but lacks the depth and resilience to persevere through challenges. They are front-runners—fully committed when things are going well but quick to abandon ship at the first sign of adversity.
Signs of a Volatile-Hearted Leader:
Gets excited about new initiatives but rarely follows through.
Makes emotional, reactive decisions rather than strategic ones.
Lacks the resilience to lead through difficult seasons.
Struggles to develop a consistent leadership approach.
This type of leader may temporarily inspire their team, but their inconsistency creates instability. Employees quickly learn how to derail progress when they see no personal benefit, leading to a “flavor of the month” mindset. Instead of embracing change, employees assume "this too shall pass."
3. The Distracted-Hearted Leader – Pulled in Too Many Directions
"And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them." (Matthew 13:7)
"He who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." (Matthew 13:22)
A distracted-hearted leader starts with good intentions but becomes sidetracked by competing priorities. They may have a clear vision, but over time, they shift focus toward personal gain, external pressures, or the next big thing.
Signs of a Distracted-Hearted Leader:
Prioritizes short-term gains over long-term impact.
Focuses on personal success rather than team success.
Neglects core values in pursuit of external validation.
Fails to invest in people because they’re always chasing the next opportunity.
While these leaders may achieve outward success, they often lack deep fulfillment. Their leadership feels hollow, and their teams frequently feel undervalued and overlooked.
4. The Good-Hearted Leader – Transformational and Purpose-Driven
"But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop..." (Matthew 13:8)
"He who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)
A good-hearted leader leads with both conviction and compassion. They have the humility to learn, the resilience to endure, and the discipline to stay focused on their mission.
Signs of a Good-Hearted Leader:
Leads with both Grace and Truth—setting high standards while valuing people.
Creates a culture of growth, empowerment, and accountability.
Remains mission-driven despite external pressures or setbacks.
Bears fruit in the form of lasting impact and legacy.
These leaders don’t just build businesses; they build people. They cultivate transformation within their teams, organizations, and communities.
Fixing Leadership Gaps (and the Heart) – John Maxwell
So how do we change undesirable leadership behavior?
John Maxwell, one of the most influential voices in leadership, identifies four key circumstances that drive people to change:
When they hurt enough that they have to.
When they see enough that they’re inspired to.
When they learn enough that they want to.
When they receive enough knowledge and encouragement that they’re able to.
Ultimately, real behavioral change happens when individuals experience meaningful, genuine, and consistent consequences that push them to act. Change rarely happens on its own.
As leaders, we must recognize the power of these four catalysts, but they must be applied with both grace and truth. Direct, candid conversations rooted in honesty and accountability are the only way forward.
Remember, ignoring poor leadership behavior doesn’t just allow it to continue—it actively reinforces it.
Which kind of leader will you choose to be?