Leaders become better leaders with the right teammates. Read Proverbs 27:17.

The best teams sharpen each other through the process of working together. Teams are comprised of positional specialists. The individual teammates have been recruited on the basis of individual ability and expected contribution. It is the combining of these individual strengths that causes the team to be highly effective. It is in learning from one another that teammates sharpen each other’s skills.

Effective leaders understand that people are their organization’s most valuable asset. Read Proverbs 27:1-21.

People skills are one of a leader’s most important attributes. Proverbs 27 presents some fundamentals on relationships. Leaders can learn from the following principles in this chapter:

A leader without commitment, defined as devotion and dedication to the cause, person or relationship, will find excuses for failure. Read Proverbs 26:13-16.

The unflattering words about the sluggard in these verses reveal the sad state of those who live without commitment. For the individual described in these verses any excuse will do to keep from putting in the work to accomplish the goals. Leaders must strive to provide themselves and their teammates vision and goals that are motivating and to which they will commit themselves.

Leaders must choose wisely those they will trust to communicate their vision to others. Read Proverbs 26:6.

It is one thing to have vision; it is quite another to communicate that vision to others so they embrace and internalize it. Only when that vision infects the entire organization can the team proceed effectively to fulfill the vision.

It is perfectly natural for a leader to enjoy using their gifts and even enjoy the role of being in charge. The issue comes when it goes to their head. Read Proverbs 25:27.

Most individuals with the talent and skill to lead enjoy using the skills of a leader i.e. making decisions, delegating, organization, implementation, etc. When a leader is effective in the application of their skills, some form of privilege usually accompanies their leadership. Solomon’s advice to leaders in verse 27 is to not let success and the perks that go with it create a prideful ego or a self-centered outlook on life.