Christian leaders can and should make their plans, but they must never forget that it is God who controls the future. Read Proverbs 21:1.

Wise leaders know there is a difference between being in charge and being in control. Christian leaders fool themselves if they think they are in control. God may have entrusted them to be in charge of a family, a team, an enterprise or even a nation but the control remains in God’s hands.

Leaders build trust within their team when they trust their judgment and empower them in the decision-making process. Read Proverbs 20:18.

A team is capable of accomplishing things no individual, no matter how multi-talented, could do alone. To function well, a team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and must be willing to work as a unit for the improvement of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.

Effective leaders do the work that needs to be done when it needs to be done even if they don’t like the task at hand. Read Proverbs 20:4.

Every leader has jobs they hate. Over the years I have worked with leaders who disliked the planning process, some that found it extremely hard to discipline a team member, some that didn’t like accountability, and some that continually fought the battle of fiscal responsibility. Some of the leaders found ways to avoid working at these elements of leadership and every time, that flaw damaged their ability to lead effectively.

It is to a leader’s credit if they can overlook insults and restrain their anger. Read Proverbs 19:11.

Conflict is a fact of life so it is crucial that a leader learn how to manage it with an eye toward positive closure. A wise leader manages conflict with patience and recognizes it for what it is – a conflict; do not turn it into an offense by personalizing it.

It is dangerous for a leader to rush into a situation with no thought to the potential outcomes from their actions. Read Proverbs 19:2.

Zeal is a great attribute for any leader but it is not good to push forward with zeal when you are lacking the knowledge necessary to make good decisions. It is not wise to be in such a rush to implement a strategy that you do not take the time to think through the potential ramifications of your actions.