Effective leaders find a way for their team to win. Good leaders will give whatever it takes; they find a way to achieve their goals. Read Genesis 29:16-30.

Jacob worked seven years for his uncle Laban for the hand of his daughter Rachel, a woman he loved. On their wedding night Laban substituted his older daughter Leah and Jacob did not discover the deception until the morning after.

We have all served with good leaders and leaders that left a lot to be desired. Read Genesis 25:29-34 and 27:1-30.

Jacob stole the birthright from Esau. Later, with the help of his mother, Jacob stole the blessing of his father. Leaders can use several methods to bring their influence to bear. The following methods of leadership (influence) go from worst to first:

Adam was earth’s first leader. He was appointed steward over the resources and relationships God had created. When Adam ate the forbidden fruit he became the first leader to fail. So where did Adam go wrong and how can you avoid the same mistakes? Read Genesis 3:6-19.

Leadership requires the willingness to take responsibility for personal and corporate actions. By remaining passive when he should have taken action, Adam allowed both Eve and himself to fall morally. By denying responsibility when God confronted him, Adam damaged all his relationships, spoiled the beautiful garden he lived in, and ultimately devastated all his children and even all mankind.