The issue of impartial leadership is critical for effective leadership. It is natural to want family or good friends in our leadership world but there are some potential problems leaders should take into consideration. Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 22-36.

In The Maxwell Leadership Bible, John Maxwell writes about Eli’s Leadership: Success as a Priest, Not as a Parent.

First Timothy 3:4-5 has this to say about leaders: “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect, (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25 and 1Timothy 3.

Eli was a successful priest and judge in Israel, yet he failed to discipline his own sons. As a result, they grew increasingly rebellious and contemptuous concerning the things of God. Eli’s failure in this area led not only to a loss of credibility, but ultimately to his own downfall.

Leaders are ultimately responsible for what happens within their organization. It is not enough to understand and be good at the work of an organization; if a person is to lead, they must also understand leadership. Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25 and 3:11-14.

Eli served as both priest and judge in Israel. As judge Eli dispensed justice between opposing parties. As priest he oversaw and entire nation’s relationship with God. Eli had tremendous influence. People depended on him for their social, political and religious well-being. And every sign (almost every sign) in the Biblical narrative indicates that Eli took his job seriously.

Leaders put a lid on their potential for growth and eliminate expanded leadership opportunities if they continually jump to conclusions before they know all the facts. Read 1 Samuel 1:9-17.

Eli was the Chief Priest at Shiloh. He happened to be in the temple when Hannah came to cry out to the Lord about her childless condition. Hannah was broken hearted and her body language showed total focus on communication with her God. It seems logical that most priests in the temple viewing an emotional outpouring might assume a person with great need was crying out to God. Eli assumed Hannah had been drinking!

Given impossible situations that may even appear to be God ordained, every leader faces the temptation to give up. Effective leaders find power in persistence and faith. Read 1 Samuel 1:1-28.

Hannah, mother of Samuel, is not on a lot of “top ten” leaders lists but given the definition that a leader is “a person with influence,” Hannah certainly qualifies as a leader. At a time in history when infertility earned women scorn and ridicule, Hannah was unable to become pregnant. Even though her husband continued to demonstrate his love and support, his other wife, who had been blessed with children, mocked and belittled Hannah, never letting her forget she was a failure.