Leadership Lessons: Solomon
What should I do while waiting for a career opportunity? When it’s my time, I step forward to lead because I prepared myself during that wait.
The entire nation is watching to see what you will do! First Kings 1.20 paraphrase
The Story
We know nothing of Solomon’s life before he became king.
However, he was his father’s choice to be king, First Kings 1.13. And, Solomon was God’s choice, First Chronicles 22.7-10.
Unfortunately, there was a problem. An older brother had taken over, First Kings 1.5. So, King David ordered Solomon to be anointed king, First Kings 1.32-39.
Now, what was Solomon to do? Well, he allowed the situation to play out.
But, how did Solomon prepare beforehand? We don’t know. However, we do see his actions after he became king.
Leadership Insight
How do I respond when I’m close to a break through, but there’s a delay? Solomon called this “hope deferred” in Proverbs 13.12.
Or, worse yet, the opportunity may be snatched away?
As it turns out, there are several possible responses:
1). I cry “unfair” and get angry.
2). I use political infighting.
3). Or, I give up, convinced I wasn’t good enough.
Certainly, there are other responses.
But, when it’s my time, I don’t walk away.
Instead, like Solomon, an impactful leader keeps his/her head. Hence, Proverbs 13.12.
For a person of faith, assurance of career guidance is based on a belief in God’s intervention, but in His time and in His way.
When It’s My Time
Now, how does this play out in practice?
Delay: Sometimes there’s a delay because my career trajectory doesn’t move as fast as I want or along the path I envisioned.
Set-backs: Also, there are set-backs. For example, after being anointed king, David was under threat of death for months.
Different Outcome: And, occasionally I find a different end point than what I originally planned.
All that said, when it’s my time I step forward with confidence. Not because I’m fully equipped. But because I’m prepared to learn and to succeed.
As such, these studies of Solomon identify several characteristics of impactful leaders.
Apply This Today!
Remember, what seems likely at a point in time isn’t always the outcome. Thus, don’t get overconfident. Conversely, don’t be fatalistic.
In the meantime, I should be intentional about personal and professional growth so I’m positioned when opportunities arise.
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