Even for good leaders, change can be difficult and even disruptive. Read Proverbs 14:8.

In one way or another, every leader has an aversion to change especially if things appear to be going reasonably well and according to short-term and long-range plans. Yet we serve a God that is committed to nothing less than an entirely new order in His creation. Revelation 21:5 says, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Living in a world directed by the hand of God the effective leader needs to anticipate change and even embrace it. The goal isn’t to stop change but to determine how to lead in an environment where change is a given. Read more »

Effective leaders lead with consistency even when their personal life or work environment lacks structure and organization. Read Proverbs 14:4.

King Solomon of Israel, who wrote most of the book of Proverbs, lived in an agrarian society. Several of his proverbs lose their profound meaning when read by leaders three or four generations away from the land. Proverbs 14:4 talks about an ox and an empty or clean manger, etc. and is not instantly viewed as a proverb that would shape a leader’s thinking or actions. When restated in today’s leadership language it has a profound point; “An empty barn or stable (or business) stays clean but there is no income from an empty stable so get used to working in less than ideal situations.” Read more »

Knowledgeable leaders select their outside alliances carefully, understanding their own character and subsequent actions are shaped by these relationships. Read Proverbs 13:20.

Solomon wrote the Proverbs often restating the same principle in slightly different ways to make sure his readers got the point. For example, the following Proverbs in conjunction with Proverbs 13:20 make his point very clear: Read more »

A leader’s heart shows up in their communication and will either instill confidence or fear in their team.  Read Proverbs 13:2.

No amount of skill or technique will compensate for a leader’s empty or evil heart. Verse two in The Living Bible says it this way, “The good man wins his case by careful argument; the evil-minded only wants to fight.” Jesus put it this way in Matthew 12:35, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” A leader’s communication is simply an overflow from their heart. Read more »

King Solomon, who according to the Bible was the wisest man to ever live on earth, stressed the importance of self-discipline as leaders develops close associations with others. Read Proverbs 12:26.

Solomon spoke of the “righteous man” who is “cautious in friendships.” The need for self-discipline in choosing those friendships is brought to light in the second half of verse 26 when Solomon points out that that the “wicked leads them astray.” Read more »