If a leader is to make changes in their work environment, the change will start within them and then spread to their environment. Read 2 Kings 22:10-23:25.

John Maxwell discusses how Josiah created public reform in Judah by first starting with personal renewal.

Throughout his 31 years of godly leadership, King Josiah wholeheartedly followed the Lord and devoted himself to leading the people well. His own spiritual passion soon began to influence Judah and eventually brought about public reform. Read more »

No leader can ignore the impact of momentum. If you’ve got it, you and your team will be able to accomplish things you never thought possible. If you don’t, the smallest task becomes hard work and difficult. Effective leaders understand momentum, make the choice to have it, seek God’s favor and guidance, and work to develop it. Read 1 Kings 2:1-4:24.

How does a winning team keep winning? What makes it possible for an organization to keep the momentum going? How did Solomon so successfully take the reins from his father? Read more »

Leadership takes on many forms as an organization grows or downsizes, as its climate and environment change. What remains constant is the moral base required of the leadership. Read 1 Kings 1:1-9.

Maybe you have experienced what Solomon experienced stepping into his leadership role. He was about to assume leadership after the greatest leader in Israel’s history. The expectation of the people concerning performance of their leaders was high. David had set the standard for their expectations over the last 40 years so an entire generation knew Israel as a great nation with leaders revered by all the nations around them. The inner circle of leaders that had received orders from the great King David would now be receiving orders from an 18-year-old and those first decisions would become a first impression that had the potential to form an opinion of Solomon’s abilities that would last throughout his reign. The neighboring nations were sure that no nation could find another leader with David’s skill so they were hoping for a lesser man. Sounds like a no win situation for Solomon. Read more »

There are several actions a leader can take to pass leadership to a successor they have chosen to take their place. Read 1 Kings 1:28-40.

Transitions in leadership often cause significant problems for groups and organizations. David planned for his son Solomon’s succession but failed to adequately communicate this to others. As a result, his son, Adonijah, attempted to take the throne when he saw that his father could no longer rule. It is one thing to plan ahead but another to communicate these plans to others who will be affected by them. Read more »

Leaders who fail to plan for their departure invite trouble on their team. Read 2 Samuel 2:4-11.

Saul could have been a hero if he had cooperated with God in preparing David to succeed him. Instead, Saul’s death led to all kinds of turmoil over who would be the next king. Despite Saul’s knowledge that God, through the prophet Samuel, had anointed David to be the next king, he viewed David as someone attempting to seize power. Saul’s decision not to aid his nation in finding their next leader after his departure caused the people of Israel several years of confusion after Saul’s death. Read more »