Leadership Lessons: Solomon
The Proverbs contain a number of verses that discuss the value of friendship. Thus, those observations express what many have learned from experience.
He was the chief officer and a friend of the king. First Kings 4.5 paraphrase
The Story
What’s it take to be an insider?
Thus, to influence an influencer?
Or, to have access to someone in power?
In First Kings 4.5 we read about someone who was “… the king’s friend …” Thus, a confidant of Solomon.
Unfortunately, we don’t know anything about the relationship except the individual was an officer within the inner circle of the king.
As it turns out, Solomon frequently discussed the value of friendship.
The Value of Friendship
Here are some of Solomon’s observations about friendship:
1). To have friends, be friendly, Proverbs 18.24
2). Friends say what needs to be said, even when it hurts, Proverbs 27.6
3). Some friendships are shallow and materialistic, Proverbs 14.20 and 19.6-7
4). Rumors can damage a friendship, Proverbs 16.28 and 17.9
5). True friendship is resilient, Proverbs 17.17 and 27.10
6). Gracious words enhance friendships, Proverbs 22.11
7). Friendships are mutually beneficial, Proverbs 27.17
8). Some friendships should be avoided, Proverbs 22.24 and 27.14
In short, friendship is a give-and-take process that’s marked by openness, acceptance, honesty, loyalty, forgiveness, and building up each other.
Leadership Insight
A leader becomes impactful by building relationships.
Actually, all leaders need mentors, people to encourage, and those to confide in.
Personally, I’ve found conversations with peers to be enlightening. It’s good to hear what’s going on elsewhere. And, interpersonal skills are a key trait for leaders.
However, it’s better to get deep counsel from someone who has been there and done that. In fact, don’t be surprised if your superior asks about the bench-marking you’ve done when facing a difficult choice.
For me, when I was dean, I benefited greatly from the advice of a senior dean within my university. Frequently, what appeared to be a thorny problem had already been resolved elsewhere. So, all I had to do was ask, then modify the solution for the needs within my college.
Apply This Today!
Professional friendships add great value to a leader. So, nurture those relationships.
Sometimes, the best conversations among peers are unstructured and free-flowing.
Unfortunately, friendships encounter stresses. Thus, it’s important to let things go and be forgiving, assuming there is respect for relationship boundaries.
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