42 Critical Behaviors of an Influential Leader

An Essential Guide for Faith-Forward Leaders

Early in his business career, Jeff Banning realized that leadership is not a position but a daily decision. Having grown a small logistics business into a nationally recognized company with an award-winning team culture, Jeff now shares the practices behind his people-centric approach to help you increase your own leadership impact.

42 Critical Behaviors of an Influential Leader reveals the key practices and attitudes every leader needs to drive growth, build trust, and create connection in any context. Organized under the core disciplines of curiosity, humility, and empathy, each behavior discussed combines biblical truth, business insights, and practical applications that will guide you toward consistent, incremental, and intentional change.

Seasoned leaders, faith-driven professionals, mentors, parents, or anyone in a position of influence will appreciate the honest self-assessments and concrete action steps provided throughout. Biblically based and action oriented, this transformative leadership tool offers the life-changing guidance you need to take control of your life and become a leader of influence.

Jeff Banning is an entrepreneur, coach, mentor, and community leader who built a nation-spanning and award-winning logistics company certified as a Great Place to Work®. The founder of Aspire Leadership, Jeff is passionate about sharing his 30 years of experience in leadership development and nonprofit management with others who desire to lead and lead well in all areas of life.

Dr. Drew M. Christian retired from pastoral ministry after 27 years and now serves as the director of research and communication at Aspire Leadership. His 2024 book, Three Years: Making a Difference in the Time You Have Left, was named a finalist for Book of the Year by the Christlit Book Awards. In collaboration with Aspire Leadership, he authored The Three Daily Disciplines: A Leadership Carol in 2025.