Leadership Lessons: Solomon
Often, we link thought leadership to deep knowledge in a specific disciple. But, ultimate thought leadership is uniquely spiritual.
Early Thought Leadership
Today, thought leaders attract followers by consistently producing impactful content.
Now, that was also true of Solomon, according to First Kings 4.34. Moreover, those who came to see him were fellow kings because they wanted to hear “… the wisdom of Solomon …”
True, we don’t know the topics of these meetings. However, we do know from sources such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes what the “… wisdom of Solomon …” sounded like.
Also, we don’t know how much wisdom sharing went on in those meetings.
Granted, at least three times in the Book of Proverbs we read the phrase “… proverbs of Solomon …”, in Proverbs 1.1, 10.1, and 25.1.
Sourcing Thought Leadership Content
Likewise, we also read “… words of the wise …” in Proverbs 1.6 and 22.17, as well as in Ecclesiastes 9.17 and 12.11.
Therefore, Solomon is referencing others who were wise, thus he notes the value of shared knowledge. As such, it seems likely that as a continuous learner Solomon would have asked as many questions as he was asked.
We know, for example, of his political alliances, First Kings 3.1 and trade arrangements, First Kings 5.1. So, it seems likely he would be bench-marking as part of these arrangements.
Leadership Insight
Thought leadership enables an individual or organization to share knowledge as a way of demonstrating expertise and market know how.
That expertise can include topics such as technology, logistics, manufacturing, and personal growth. Thought leaders turn expertise into a competitive advantage by monetizing what they know.
For Solomon, thought leadership was certainly a source of personal and national wealth.
Ultimate Thought Leadership
However, he never forgot that “… the wisdom of Solomon …” was a divine gift, as explained in First Kings 3.12, 4.29, and 5.12.
He did possess deep insights about life and success. But, repeatedly Solomon acknowledges the critical role of reverence in setting his life path.
Thus, the wisdom from connecting the eternal and universal precepts with divinely-given insight is ultimate thought leadership!
Apply This Today!
Remember, wisdom isn’t about native intelligence. Instead, it’s about making practical use of fundamental life principles.
Thus, wisdom is free to all of us. What’s the catch? I must be teachable and correctable.
Certainly, thought leadership is about original content. But, it’s also about allowing ideas to be bounced off of and enhanced by others.
So, experiential insights pull in experiences of not only the thought leader, but other contributors as well. Hence, these studies from the life of Solomon!
Now, which thought leaders are you listening to and learning from?
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/
