DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, has been called the “building block of life.” It contains an individual's entire genetic makeup and is the basic element of every cell in the human body. DNA determines eye color, hair color, personality and the shade of one’s skin. It’s what makes one person different from another and what distinguishes humans, who are created in the image of God, from various species of animals.

Similarly, as humans are separated from animals by a unique, God-given gene code, leaders are also different than average people because of the unique qualities in their character, attitude and personality.

Look closely at any “true” leader and you will see this to be true. Leaders are unique. Leaders look at things differently than the rest of us—they see things, not as they are, but as they should be. They are agents of change. They refuse to be content with status quo. They’re always thinking ahead, charting a course that brings improvement, enlargement or some kind of positive progression. And in situations where such progression is not occurring, the leader can’t stop himself or herself from stepping forward, finding out what’s wrong, taking control and fixing it. It’s in their DNA.

This is why leadership is counter cultural. Culture is the predominate beliefs and behaviors in a particular social group. It’s what is normal, acceptable and typical. But leaders are men and women who challenge the status quo of culture; they articulate a greater future and pull people there by the power of their passion. In some cases, the culture of an organization can be thriving as people are developing or improving themselves mentally, spiritually and physically. In many cases however, culture tends to stagnate. People naturally gravitate toward a condition of rest and comfort where there is little tension or pressure. In this state people become sedentary and lackadaisical. Vigilance turns to relaxation. Passion fades into apathy. Perseverance gives way to resignation and sacrifice succumbs to gratification.

Leaders however, cannot tolerate the cultural status quo. When leadership is in one’s DNA, he or she can’t fade into the background or meander in mediocrity, they actually believe things should be better and cannot rest until they do something about it. They have a bias to action, a sense of responsibility that cries out: “It’s up to me to make a difference and if I don’t act, part of the blame must fall to me.” This is why leaders are driven to take initiative. They can’t wait for someone else to motivate them, they’re already motivated by their own DNA. Without a doubt, leaders are different than average people—they must be or they wouldn’t be leaders.

This edition of Leadership Teaching Magazine takes a look what makes leaders different—their DNA. Each article takes a “slice” of it and dissects it so that we can splice it into the gene pool of our own leadership be transformed.

The authors who’ve contributed articles for this edition are some of the best leaders found in New York State. These are the men who comprise the district presbytery of the Assemblies of God New York District with whom I have the pleasure to serve. I am sure their insights on leadership DNA will be an enhancement to your own leadership.

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