Leaders must manage conflict to develop teamwork among those on their team. Read Ezekiel 37:15-28.

This Messianic passage describes God’s ideal for what leadership is to accomplish. Ezekiel enacts a symbol. Two sticks, representing the southern and northern kingdoms of Israel (Judah and Joseph being the chief tribes, respectively), are joined to form one stick, symbolizing the unity of the nation of Israel on its return to the homeland. These verses contain several references to peace and unity. Tribes that butted heads often during Israel’s history will have their conflict end. When conflict management works as it will in the Messianic Kingdom tensions are released, there is mutual understanding, and teamwork flourishes.

A leader’s goal when communicating should be to establish mutual understanding between all those involved. Read Isaiah 6:9.

After God called Isaiah into service He gave him information that his assignment would be very difficult. God forewarned Isaiah that there would be communication problems. Even though Isaiah would be giving totally accurate information, there would be no communication because the people would refuse to listen or understand. The people had no choice but to hear the words but they allowed them to pass through their conscious mind without changing their core truths or their behavior.

A strong vision for the future gives hope. Read Isaiah 4:2-6.

It has been said that without a vision the people will perish. Isaiah had previously given messages to the residents of Judah concerning their wickedness and rebellion against God leaving them little hope. Because of their wickedness Judah and Jerusalem would suffer God’s discipline. The people desperately needed to hear that there was also a vision for the future that brought hope following the judgment. Isaiah 4 illustrates an extraordinary vision of the future of the Jewish people after a time of hardship.

Wise leaders develop the ability to communicate and sometimes must use words. Read Proverbs 10:6-32.

In Proverbs 10 Solomon uses phrases about the tongue and mouth of the leader to shed light on various elements of communication. Leaders who skillfully use their words increase their influence. According to verse 6 when they proclaim righteousness with their life (and mouth) they are blessed. Verse 11 tells leaders that when they speak hope for the future they become a fountain of life for others. Verses 13 and 14 show how a leader’s words can save others from ruin. Verse 19 speaks to the effective use of silence to communicate and verses 31 and 32 show that a leaders’ effective communication is more a product of their character than of their communication skills.