Leadership Lessons: Solomon
A leader who is concerned about being smartest will say “I’m smarter than you!” Unfortunately, that leader contributes very little to the organization.
I’m Smarter Than You Are!
“I’m smarter than you” is a childish comment. Often, it’s paired with “We’ll do it my way!”
Moreover, a leader who constantly talks about his/her intelligence is childishly self-consumed. Why? Because no one cares how much the leader knows.
So, don’t be that leader!
Instead, what team members want is for the leader to combine the facts with experiential insights to yield wisdom. Consequently, impactful leaders produce solutions that are practical and timely.
Value Added
Similarly, the value of Proverbs isn’t from raising a leader’s IQ.
Additionally, the value of Proverbs isn’t unique content because others were famous for being wise. For example, see First Kings 4.31.
Even geographic centers of knowledge, as listed in First Kings 4.30, don’t surpass the usefulness of practical wisdom.
In short, the value added from Proverbs isn’t its unique content or remarkable insights.
Instead, The Proverbs add practical value to the wisdom that’s universal and timeless.
Leadership Insights
Impactful leaders aren’t hung up on being the smartest person in the room.
But, they are concerned about team members staying on task to produce solutions that can be implemented on time and within budget.
Remember, if it’s about the leader alone then the entire organization will suffer. Now, don’t be that leader!
In addition, the leader shouldn’t care about being the center of attention. Why? Because the leader wants to create an environment where team creativity can thrive.
So, using the principles from Proverbs, the focus isn’t on the smarts of the leader. Conversely, the focus is on the agility and productivity of the leadership team.
To repeat, Solomon’s wisdom wasn’t about his native intelligence.
Instead, the wisdom of Solomon was his God-given discernment to use good judgment. Then, he formed sound decisions, as paired with a large heart.
So, be that leader!
Apply This Today!
Impactful leaders constantly remind themselves that it’s not about me. More importantly, they really believe that!
There are lots of very smart people in the world. So, why not compete on the basis of practical wisdom instead?
Actually, if intelligence alone was enough, competition would be a simple matter of IQ.
Likewise, if logic alone was sufficient, there would be no need for leaders to speak to emotions and concerns. Thus, the importance of emotional intelligence in leaders.
Thanks for visiting. Also, please contact me if you have comments: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
And, I invite you to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-young-38418110/
