YOU! HOLD THE KEY TO CHANGE | Supporting Our Leaders: The 3 C’s Rule

BY DR. ELLEN BROWN

Recently, I have been taking a moment to think more carefully about the increasing number of people who show up in various leadership positions around the country. I am not focusing only on their skills, knowledge, and power, but also on the reasons behind their choices. Whether these individuals are chosen or they work their way into the spotlight, once there, the expectations of their value in the positions will surely be assessed. They need our support. 

Leadership requires giving: knowledge, time, money, energy, privacy, and opinions, to name a few. Though I may disagree with a valid leader and their constituents, my opinion category will undoubtedly consist of both supporters and non-supporters. 

No one is perfect. John 8:7 is an oft-cited Bible verse about gossip and condemnation of our words and deeds: “He that is without sin among you, let him cast first a stone.” In this story, the victim is a woman targeted by accusers; but Jesus saw the leaders as the accusers. He challenged them to look first at themselves and the importance of their own power as leaders. 

Leadership consists of a collection of initiatives — including beliefs, loyalties, trust, commitment, communication, and reliability. Here is a rule of leadership that I came across on the internet, centered on character, competence, and commitment. 

We follow those we trust, who hold the legitimate title of leader — whether they are teaching, leading, protecting, delivering the Word, serving our country, or keeping our children safe at crosswalks. It is a partnership. 

In our Las Vegas community, we are fortunate to live in a place of strong leadership — of capable people willing to share their time and knowledge, as well as resources, to make this a better place. When questions of decisions come up within our leadership community, assess their commitment to the 3 C’s and the benefits we receive. 

CHARACTER. Who are they? What do you see that supports the character of leadership? Get to know them! Anyone can sit around and talk about individuals in positions without knowing who they are and what they stand for. Character always shows itself. What you conclude is your impression. If you have questions, connect more with who they are and what they are doing that matters to you. 

COMPETENCE. The résumé. What has been accomplished? This goes for personal, professional and within the connection you are making to them. It is this category that will give you hard and fast data on the abilities of the person seeking leadership positions through your support. Seek out this information in more than one way. 

COMMITMENT. What commitment will I make? As we wrap up our Vegas Summer and prepare for the work we have ahead in 2025-26, let us embrace the foundation of commitment along with support. Create questions you may have about the leadership promises and ask for answers. Questions, rather than statements — or worse, leaning on hearsay and past vs. present in pursuit of the current truth. How often do we hear the phrase: “So, this is what ‘They’ (or ‘You’) should be doing”? Both leaders and followers are positions we each hold every day, and the 3 C’s of Leadership is a template needed to accomplish the role and the goal. 

When the Leadership topic comes up during campaigns and elections, consider the following: If not you, who? If not me, why? If not here, where? If not now, when? 

This article aims to raise awareness of this initiative. Please share it with your friends, family, business contacts, congregations, and community members. Together, we can make a difference. I welcome your input, questions, and ideas for topics; feel free to send them to ebrown.nci@gmail.com