Our society tends to prop up one kind of leader as the prototype we should all model our lives after. Business, and even ministries, have determined that certain personality styles are significantly more effective and look for individuals with those traits when hiring and promoting. Some personality styles may give the illusion of effectiveness but if we revert to the definition of leadership as the “ability to influence others,” individuals with each of the personality styles i.e. dominate, steady, influencing and compliant can serve as extremely effective leaders. Read 2 Kings 4:1-44.

Elisha’s name sounds a lot like his mentor Elijah. Both prophets lived during the same time period in Israel’s history and both struggled against the idolatrous Baal cult. Both Elijah and Elisha were appointed to their leadership position by God, both had great influence and both are viewed by history as significant and very influential leaders in Israel. But Elijah and Elisha were very different in how they carried out their leadership duties.

Every leader needs to “self-evaluate” leadership strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis. A single unguarded weakness can destroy everything that a leader has built. Read Judges 13:3-5, 14:2, 14:6 & 19, and chapter 16.

Samson was special. Before he was even conceived, an angel of the Lord set the stage for his life. Samson was a Nazirite, one set apart for God. God had selected Samson to lead Israel against the Philistines, and his valiant, single-handed battles with Philistine troops attested to his personal bravery and the presence of God’s blessing on his life.

To build trust, a leader must exemplify three qualities: competence, connection and character. People will forgive an occasional mistake based on ability, especially if they can see that you’re still growing as a leader, but they won’t trust someone who slips in character. If a leader has an occasional lapse in character, it is lethal. No leader can break trust with their people and expect to keep influencing them. Trust makes leadership possible. Read Judges 13:24 – 16:31.

In The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Maxwell looks at Samson and the Law of Solid Ground.