In this episode of The Nonprofit Exchange, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Tom Collins, a physician, educator, and leadership scholar who has developed a transformational framework called the "Four Stars of Leadership." Drawing from his extensive interviews with America's top four-star generals and admirals, Dr. Collins identified four essential dimensions of leadership: character, competence, caring, and communication. We explored how these principles can be applied not only in the military but also in the nonprofit and faith-based sectors, where leaders often face unique challenges such as limited resources and high accountability. Dr. Collins emphasized the importance of setting clear expectations and building trust through character, which is foundational for effective leadership. He also highlighted the distinction between professional competence and leadership competence, noting that excelling in one area does not automatically translate to success in the other. Throughout our conversation, we discussed common mistakes leaders make, such as relying too heavily on positional authority, and the impact of blind spots on leadership effectiveness. Dr. Collins underscored the value of humility as a strength and the need for leaders to be self-aware and authentic. As we wrapped up, Dr. Collins shared insights about his website, FourStarLeaders.com, where listeners can find resources, his podcast, and information about his book, "The Four Stars of Leadership." This episode serves as a reminder that effective leadership is about influencing others to achieve mutually beneficial goals, and that the principles of character, competence, caring, and communication are vital for success in any organization. More information at - https://www.fourstarleaders.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices