The Tenets of Leadership: Ask the Four Questions
Leadership begins where self-examination meets divine accountability.
Before we begin...
These four questions form the foundation of self-leadership.
They are the heartbeat of accountability, the rhythm of honest reflection that keeps leaders aligned with truth.
You should ask them often.
You should ask them sincerely.
You should let them shape not just what you do, but who you have become.
Ask the Four Questions
How are we doing?
This question invites honesty. It requires leaders to pause and take inventory, not just of results, but of motives. Are we advancing the mission, or just maintaining motion? Are we serving people, or protecting comfort?
A wise leader measures success not by applause, but by alignment. Alignment with God’s purpose, His Word, and His people. Without this question, we risk mistaking activity for progress and popularity for fruitfulness.
How do we know?
Discernment demands evidence. True leaders anchor their evaluations in truth, not perception.
We know by listening to God, to those we serve, and to the quiet conviction of the Holy Spirit that corrects and guides.
Leaders who fail to ask “How do we know?” drift into assumption or denial. Facts, feedback, and faith must work together to form clarity. Transparency begins where leaders test reality against Scripture and truth.
Are we improving?
Leadership is not static; growth is essential. Paul’s command to “examine yourselves… test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5) reminds us that both faith and leadership require continual refinement.
Improvement requires humility. A leader willing to admit weakness is a leader God can strengthen. When leaders stop growing, their people and organizations stagnate too.
Asking “Are we improving?” keeps our hearts dependent, our minds open, and our teams inspired.
How do we know? (Again)
The repetition is intentional. Evaluation is not an event; it’s a discipline. The second “How do we know?” brings the process full circle. Have we grown in grace? Has our culture become more Christlike? Are we bearing fruit that lasts?
Leadership without accountability breeds self-deception. Each cycle of reflection deepens integrity and sharpens focus. Repetition protects us from repeating mistakes. Those who forget the past are condemned to relive it!
Leadership Through the Lens of Scripture
When Paul told the Corinthians to examine themselves, he wasn’t just addressing moral conduct; he was calling them to spiritual authenticity.
In the same way, godly leaders must look inward before looking outward. Examination precedes excellence. Testing produces trust. Reflection reveals readiness.
Even Jesus withdrew to pray before key decisions. So too, leaders must build rhythms of prayer and self-assessment. Leadership isn’t about results alone; it’s about producing righteousness in how we lead, speak, and serve.
Self-Leadership in Action
Personal Audit: Schedule a regular time to ask the four questions, weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
Team Transparency: Encourage your team to do the same. Shared reflection builds shared accountability.
Spiritual Alignment: Use Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel to ensure your leadership reflects Christ’s heart, not human ambition.
Feedback Culture: Welcome truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Growth only happens where honesty is safe.
Leadership is stewardship.
Those entrusted with influence must return continually to the Source of wisdom, to stay faithful, humble, and whole.
The Mirror of Leadership
The accurate measure of a leader isn’t found in how many follow them, but in how faithfully they follow Christ.
When we ask these four questions, we model humility, courage, and accountability —the pillars of godly influence.
How are we doing? — Honesty.
How do we know? — Truth.
Are we improving? — Growth.
How do we know? — Confirmation.
A Prayer
Lord,
Teach me to lead with open hands and an honest heart. Align my will with Yours, that my leadership reflects Your truth. Keep me humble in success, faithful in trial, and always anchored in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.