Second Samuel 23 presents some end-of-life observations by David. He identifies two leadership essentials. Thus, I must get these two right before my leadership efforts are blessed.
Here’s what God revealed to me about leadership. The leadership essentials are as follows. First, a just character. Second, reverence for God. Second Samuel 23.3 paraphrase
Identifying Leadership Essentials
What are leadership essentials?
One way to build a list of leadership essentials is to find books on leadership. For example, you could start with a Top-12 List from Amazon.
Similarly, you could consult the business press for their suggestions.
Finally, you could review any number of other lists, such as one put together by entrepreneurs.
Beyond reading, another option for identifying leadership essentials is to get sound advice from a trusted mentor.
Likewise, you could find podcasts on the topic of leadership.
For example, a Google search on “leadership podcasts” produces results such as : “12 Podcasts that will make you a better leader” and “Top 30 Leadership Podcasts You Must Follow.”
One conclusion? The list of resources related to leadership essentials is endless!
The Laws of Leadership
What leadership traits would we find in these different sources? Well, let’s pull three books off the shelf in my office for some ideas.
Here’s one list, from Maxwell’s popular book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Leadership essentials include: influence, daily discipline, having a strategy, giving service to others, being trustworthy, and touching the hearts of those close to you.
Here’s another list, from Lomenick’s book H3 Leadership. His list of essentials includes: humility (e.g., self-awareness, openness), ambition and curiosity, and hustling – through habits such as excellence and persistence.
One more – the book What to Ask the Person in the Mirror. For Kaplan, essential leadership traits include: vision, priorities, time management, delegation, and being true to yourself.
Certainly you would agree that these are all critical characteristics to develop as a leader.
However, nothing on any of these lists matches the instruction David received, then shared with us.
Just and Reverent
According to Second Samuel 23.3 there are two leadership essentials. First, to be just and, second, to be reverent.
A leader who has a just character leads with justice because he or she does the right thing. The just leader treats others with fairness by being equitable in forming decisions.
A leader who is reverent recognizes that ultimately, leadership is not about me. Instead, it’s about my response to God’s expectations for me. Additionally, leadership is about building out traits such as worship, and humility, and submission to divine purpose.
Ultimately, leadership is about how my reverent and just character executes, responsibly and compassionately, while in a position of influence!
In short, this revelation says that before I can lead I must be aware of how I treat those around me. In addition, a leader must also be aware of the One who is above – to whom the leader is ultimately accountable.
As a leader, what’s of ultimate value to me? Where’s the biggest payoff? What aspect of my life is most enriching? Each of us must find this answer.
Leadership Insight
What follows in this chapter in Second Samuel is a list of names. Guess who! They were members of David’s leadership team.
He briefly comments on their significant accomplishments. In addition, he uses terms like “more honorable” to describe their character.
Leadership that is just and reverent recognizes the contribution of others. Equally as important, leadership that is just and reverent acknowledges the character of others.
Effective leadership sees both the what of accomplishment and the who of character in members of the leadership team.
To lead, I must get this precept. I really don’t do it all myself. And, to coin a phrase, I certainly didn’t do it my way!
An effective leader multiplies his or her influence by drawing on the strengths of the entire leadership team.
Be a Light Giver
Another leadership insight from this passage in Second Samuel 23 relates to what the leader brings to the organization.
proverbsforprofessionals.net
In Second Samuel 23.4 a just and reverent leader is a source of light to others.
“… like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning …”
What a great picture!
Effective leaders are light sources in several ways. For example, they have an abundance mentality. They find solutions and a way forward, rather than dwell on problems or play the victim.
In addition, they encourage others, rather than belittle. What’s more, effective leaders, I believe, find time to stop and listen and then express concern because they are leading from the heart rather than from the head.
The most effective leaders are compassionate leaders!
An effective leader multiplies his or her influence by being a light giver to the entire leadership team.
That said, does this picture of justice, reverence, and practical compassion relate to my leadership?
Be Careful What You Say
A third insight from this passage is found in Second Samuel 23.13-17.
Leaders must be careful how they speak in front of others.
David made a casual remark about a personal desire. Three key members of his leadership team risked their lives on something that was of limited value to the military campaign.
Leaders have significant influence. Even casual statements by the leader can be taken out of context. Or taken too seriously. Worse yet, they may be misinterpreted.
So, be careful what you wish for as a leader. Your direct reports may go to extreme lengths to get it!
Apply This Today!
The depth of my spiritual character is more critical to my leadership effectiveness than the depth of my emotional intelligence.
I thrive as a leader when those around me are thriving in their personal and professional lives.
I must lead with discretion and clarity in what I say because my words directly impact the behavior of others.
Therefore, get the leadership essentials!
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