What better place for a leader to receive impartial advice than from the universal precepts of wisdom! In fact, strong leadership rests on a just character. Moreover, that just character recognizes impartial advice!
Thus, strong leadership rests, in part, on the leader’s ability to identify impartial advice. However, that advice must be coupled with the leader’s just character to produce sound decisions.
The Precept Explained:
Reverence is the foundation for a just character. Additionally, character brings leaders the counsel of wisdom. Wise counsel is needed to effectively carryout leadership duties. Proverbs 8.13-16 paraphrase
The Precept Applied:
What’s a “sure thing” regarding investments?
Well, around the first of each year you will see multiple articles.
Unsurprisingly, the articles have titles like “Sure Bet Investing.” And “Best Investments for (year).” Similarly, “Must Own Stocks.” Better yet, “Betting On A Sure Thing.”
Unfortunately, sure thing investing plays to our overconfidence and arrogance.
Why? Because we’re convinced there’s a magical formula for investing. As a result, I’m guaranteed high returns.
Likewise, some leaders are convinced that with the right decision formula they can, by themselves, always produce perfectly defensible decisions.
However, basing decisions solely on a formula, or on the quantity of data collected, is deadly.
Why? Because it ignores the importance of a just character. In other words, one that is fair and even-handed. Similarly, it ignores the importance of wise counsel.
Therefore, strong leadership rests on a just character that recognizes impartial advice!
What I’m Offered
Unfortunately, sure-thing investments and simplistic decision formulas aren’t a cure-all. Why? Because they don’t fix what’s wrong with a leader’s character.
So, where should I be looking to improve my influence as a leader?
Well, a great place to looks is at the universal precepts of wisdom!
Why? Because the precepts of wisdom are the most valuable teaching of all!
For example, Proverbs Chapter 8 is a word picture. Interestingly, the speaker is wisdom (see 8.1).
Most importantly, wisdom offers me a way out of being shallow-minded. Also, it steers me away from foolish overconfident (8.5). How so? By giving me discernment.
Free From Shallow-mindedness
So then, who are the shallow-minded? Well, the simple or shallow are those who, unfortunately:
1). Believe everything they are told (Proverbs 14.15). Thus, they are childishly naive because they lack the ability to think critically.
2). Lack foresight (Proverbs 22.3). Therefore, they don’t see the connection between their actions and life outcomes. What’s worse, there’s no perception of likely outcomes. Basically, there’s habitual confusion about why things turned out as they did!
3). Have no discernment. Most especially, in interpersonal situations (Proverbs 7.7 and 9.13-16). As a result, their life is a series of bad choices. thus, one bad relationship after another.
What’s the bottom line? The shallow-minded habitually perceive themselves as a victim of the uncontrollable.
What’s worse, that shallow-mindedness can lead to foolish overconfidence because of not discerning what’s really happening.
However, in exchange for shallow-mindedness, I’m offered discernment (Proverbs 8.5 and 8.9) by wisdom.
What’s the root cause of shallow-mindedness? Bluntly, it’s a lack of a discerning character (Proverbs 8.5). In other words, I lack a just character (Proverbs 9.4, 9.6).
So then, what’s the foundation for a just character? Actually, it’s reverence! For example, see Proverbs 8.13. See also Proverbs 1.7 and Proverbs 9.10.
A Just Character
Therefore, I exchange shallow-mindedness for discernment. I combine discernment with a teachable attitude (Proverbs 8.10). However, I must listen.
Also, I’m reverent toward God (Proverbs 8.13).
What am I giving up? According to Proverbs 8.13, I’m giving away my pride. Pride fuels arrogance. In addition, I’m also giving up a combative attitude.
Well, it’s good for a leader to lose some of their arrogance and combativeness!
What’s the outcome? A just character (Proverbs 8.13).
Impartial Advice
Thankfully, a leader’s just character recognizes impartial advice. For instance, Proverbs 8.14 says “counsel is mine”.
Counsel is a good thing (Proverbs 11.14 and 24.6). Why? Because it brings multiple ideas to the table during the decision process. Hence, “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
What’s the end point? I suggest that a just character and impartial advice combine to produce equitable outcomes.
Ultimately, strong leadership rests on a just character that recognizes impartial advice!
Leadership Insights
Proverbs 1.7
First, leaders must be teachable. Next, they should recognize the ultimate value of a sound character.
Also, effective leaders build out experiential insights based on careful reflection.
And, leaders check their own ego, arrogance, argumentativeness, and overconfidence at the door.
These characteristics speak to who I am on the inside as a leader. Primarily, it’s about my character.
Additionally, leaders listen to those on the leadership team who are wise and impartial. Conversely, they have the discernment to perceive inappropriate motives. They also sense poor advice.
Finally, they don’t settle for decisions that are shallow and simple and quick.
Once I get my character right, then it’s about how I function as a leader. Most specifically, in regard to who I allow to influence me.
Who Gets to Counsel Me?
This list of leadership fundamentals points to the importance of the leadership team.
Therefore, leaders should be careful about who is allowed into their inner circle. Because the influence of counselors can be significant.
Granted, the leadership team must function together effectively. Additionally, they must possess the skill sets and experiences required.
I get that.
That said, the focus here is on the character of the individual team members. Therefore, a just character is critical for the leader. But it’s equally as important for other team members.
Leaders are paid to make decisions. And, leaders must be willing to accept wise counsel from members of their leadership team.
Why? Because that impartial advice is a source of deep insight for leaders as they grapple with difficult choices.
Therefore, one of the most fundamental decisions that leaders make, after caring for their own character, is the composition of the leadership team.
Who gets to give me advice? Are they competent? What’s more, are they well-informed? Most critically, can I trust them to be impartial?
Plug This In Today!
A just character guides the leader. It takes me away from pride, arrogance, and unethical actions. Also, away from an argumentative and confrontational management style. Thus, first, who am I?
That just character bases decisions and actions on subtilty and discretion. Thus, the ability to think fast or emotionally and to think slow or logically. Then, second, how do I reason?
A leader gives evidence of a just character and interpersonal discernment by selecting a leadership team that gives impartial advice. Finally, third, who do I listen to?
Wherefore, strong leadership rests on a just character that recognizes impartial advice!
The Source of This Precept
Proverbs 8.13-16
8.13-16 To fear the Lord is to hate evil. (Wisdom) hate(s) arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. I possess good advice and sound wisdom; I have understanding and strength. It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law; by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges. Christian Standard Bible
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
