Leadership Lessons: Solomon
It’s a given that leaders generate administrative overhead. That said, impactful leaders carefully monitor overhead costs and the value returned from that investment.
When Solomon became king, he set up an extensive administrative structure. First Kings 4.1-2
The Story
Everybody complains about administrative overhead, but no body does anything about it!
Well, I’ve certainly heard lots of complaints about overhead costs. But, I’ve rarely heard complaints about employee benefits that require overhead to administer!
Leaders Generate Administrative Overhead
Now, First Kings 4.2-19 describes the early days of an administration and the rapid appointment of a number of individuals to various duties.
Apparently, at least two of the appointments were related to Solomon through marriage!
In addition, First Kings 4.22-23 and 26-28 detail the size of the operation. Unsurprisingly, one of the first appointments was someone to manage tax collections, First Kings 4.6.
But, not to be overly critical, the prior king used a similar structure, Second Samuel 20.23-26.
The point is, leaders generate administrative overhead as part of being decisive and action oriented.
However, how much overhead is too much? Well, beyond bench-marking, that’s a tough question to answer.
Leadership Insight
Other than during a downturn, or when a new leader comes in, or after a buy-out, how often have you seen cuts to administrative structures?
Probably very infrequently.
In fact, administrative bloat is easy to create but very difficult to contain. Hence, the old saying about not wasting a good crisis as a chance to cut and reorganize.
However, the most impactful leaders carefully analyze the need for any new hire. As such, they’re clear that there’s no such thing as an automatic replacement because personnel turns are a great chance to evaluate tasks and total outlays.
Impactful leaders carefully select direct reports because of their access to, and influence on, the leader.
Remember, nothing masks overhead increases like revenue growth. So, the overhead you pay in peak season is similar to the overhead you pay in the slack season.
As such, this advice is just plain, old diligent business practice as described by Solomon in Proverbs 10.4.
Apply This Today!
A new leader gets some leeway in regard to administrative decisions. Use it wisely!
So, be thoughtful in hiring because you’ll live with those selections for a long time.
Truly, it’s hard to make personnel decisions absent agreement on the strategy that uses those appointments. Thus, be strategy driven.
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