Leadership Lessons: Solomon
Be careful what you ask for because you may end up getting what you asked for! But, maybe not in the way you were expecting. So, ask wisely.
You will have the wisest and most discerning character of all! First Kings 3.12 paraphrase
The Story
Decisiveness, a bent toward action, and thinking in the moment are essential skills for a leader.
Moreover, it’s important to have a sound character that can tell the difference between right and wrong.
Clearly, impactful leaders are able to pull off this skills balancing act. As a result, they’re less likely to make poor decisions.
Now, in the case of Solomon, he asked for discernment in First Kings 3.9.
First, he clearly understood his life’s calling, saying “… you made me king …”
Second, he made a wise character his distinctive competency, saying “I gave my heart to know wisdom …” Ecclesiastes 1.17.
Getting What You Asked For
Certainly, discernment is critical for an impactful leader. Especially, in regard to the self and social awareness needed to tell right from wrong.
Now, research support is nice, but in First Kings 3.12 God Himself points out the importance of being discerning.
Solomon had just asked for discernment, so this is a great example of getting what you asked for! Also, discernment is one trait of an impactful leader.
Leadership Insight
Leadership isn’t about the leader.
Or, about how the leader benefits personally.
Also, it’s not about the pettiness of getting even once a leader is positioned to do so.
A Decision Process
Instead, impactful leadership is about:
1). Listening carefully. Then,
2). Discerning deeply to know what’s right. And, finally,
3). Acting decisively after forming a decision, by using good judgment.
Therefore, a clear sense of purpose, paired with an understanding of the leader’s distinctive competency, are important. Unfortunately, without a sound character, the leader isn’t in a position to do the right thing.
Apply This Today!
There’s a big difference between knowing what’s right and doing what’s right.
A sound character drives a leader to do right.
Obviously, if knowing what’s right was easy, there would be no reason to pray for discernment to know what’s right!
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