QUALITIES OF A GREAT LEADER

Acts 20:28-38

David is a model of leadership. He was a great leader and the Old Testament account of his life emphasizes his unusual leadership ability. Though David is a bit intimidating because of his unusual gifts, he certainly gives us an excellent model to emulate.

INITIATES CHANGE

The most obvious quality of a leader is that they are going somewhere. They're not satisfied with the status quo, and they'll take action to change it. There are innovators who change things without involving others; they are not necessarily leaders. A leader brings about change for the common good through involving others in the change process.

David was a change agent. It did not matter what circumstances he found himself in, he began to make changes wherever he was. We might think that as a king he had certain advantages, but the best examples of initiating change happened before he became king.

IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH (I Samuel 17)

David's encounter with Goliath. A whole army had been stymied by his presence and nobody was courageous enough to take up his challenge.

As soon as David saw this, he could think of nothing else because he recognized Goliath and the critical element on that battlefield. David had been sent only to aid the army, comfort the camp, and maintain the mess, but he could only think of attacking the antagonist!

Even at so young an age, we can see David's bent towards leadership. He immediately identified the problem and determined to knock it out of the way. It did not matter how difficult the issue was. This course of action was very risky for his personal well-being, but his confidence in God was unshaken by this big, hairy problem. From the moment that Goliath fell, David was recognized as a leader as long as he lived and even until now.

IN THE CITY OF KEILAH (I Samuel 23)

David and his men attacked a larger Philistine force that was threatening Keilah and then he led his men away from the city to avoid being captured by Saul. It is interesting to note that David chose his battles; he fought an enemy that threatened a city, but he fled and hid from his own jealous king.

Perhaps the most instructive part of this story is the conversation that David had with God. David had his eyes and ears open and twice identified what he thought might be major problems. On both occasions, he asked God if his perception was correct and God answered him. By seeking God's guidance in this way, we can see the wonderful combination of David's dependence on God and his ability to identify the problems to be faced.

IN THE CITY OF ZIKLAG (I Samuel 27)

Because of Saul's constant pressure to capture him, David and 600 men were finally forced to flee to Philistine territory and place themselves under the protection and at the service of a Philistine king.

That had to be just about the worst situation that a leader could find himself in. How could a leader lead in such circumstances?

First, David asked for permission to move his men to the small city of Ziklag, which was a full day's journey from his Philistine king. This allowed them freedom of movement. Rather than joining in Philistine attacks on his own people, David began to attack other enemies of Israel further south. By hiding his activities from his Philistine hosts, he was able to fulfill his obligations to them while at the same time eliminate other threats to his own people. Even while he was a vassal of the enemy, David still found ways to work towards establishing his kingdom.

INSPIRES SHARED VISION

Through words and actions, a leader draws others into a common vision. He does this by sharing where he wants to go and urging others to join him. In many situations, this may mean more listening than talking, because each person must see that some desire or value can be better fulfilled through this common vision. However, the vision must become more than just a collection of individual desires. A common vision will raise hope and challenge us to buy in for the common goal.

David's vision was initiated and enhanced by the prophetic anointing he received from Samuel. However, considering the obstacles and dangers he faced, it took great faith to believe that this common shepherd would actually become king. One of the greatest testimonies to David's leadership is the variety and numbers of those who chose to follow him while Saul was still king.

WITH THE MISERABLE (I Samuel 22:2)

Perhaps because David was a fugitive whose future looked rather bleak, the first group to join in his vision was composed of those who had little to lose. 400 men who were malcontents chose to follow him. They found in David a leader they admired and they joined in his cause.

Inspiring a vision among the discontented and disgruntled is a very difficult task. David is to be admired because he was able to turn these men into true believers who made a very positive contribution.

WITH THE MAGNANIMOUS (I Samuel 23:15-18)

Even before the miserable shared David's vision, Jonathan the king's son personally accepted David's leadership. Jonathan seems to have had the humility, courage, and magnanimity so lacking in his father. He should have had every right to expect to replace Saul as king one day, but instead, he gladly chose to follow and assist David. We would expect Jonathan to be jealous of his rival for the throne, but David earned his love, respect, and loyalty. This speaks volumes about both men.

WITH THE MIGHTY (I Chronicles 11)

David's strong leadership attracted the very best men of the nation. This is a good test of his vision since strong, courageous people normally do not follow someone less strong than they are. These men became even stronger and more courageous warriors when they joined in David's cause. It became their vision to extend David's reign as broadly as possible. David was not intimidated by them but gave them increasing responsibility.

WITH THE MAJORITY (I Chronicles 12:23-38)

As time went by, more and more men defected to join David. Finally, a great wave of recruits came over and gave David the majority. They voluntarily joined him with the intention of making him king of Israel. It had taken a while, but David's leadership finally won them over.

EXEMPLIFIES WHAT IS NEEDED

 
Good leaders not only dream dreams; they model the values and actions needed to make the dream come true. By living and working consistently according to the values required to accomplish the vision, leaders engender trust. By modeling the actions necessary for success, they show others the way. By recognizing others who are doing it well, they provide positive reinforcement to those things necessary for others to succeed.

David was a warrior-king. His vision could not be accomplished until he had won multiple victories to protect himself, to extend his territory, and to overcome the enemies of his kingdom. Part of his success is based on the personal example he gave as a warrior in battle. The major failure of his life occurred when he failed to go out to battle with his men.

THROUGH EXCEPTIONAL FLEXIBILITY (I Samuel 18:5)

We know that David was an unusually gifted person. He could write beautiful poetry, sing it to his harp, and slay ten thousand men. When he first came to serve Saul, he was given a variety of tasks and he excelled at each one. He did so well that he won the respect of the military officers. As a result of his good work, Saul promoted David to a high rank. Though he had already developed the qualities of leadership, this is where David first practiced leadership of others.

THROUGH EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS (I Samuel 18:24-27)

David felt unworthy to take Michal, Saul's daughter, as his wife without somehow earning this special favor. Saul asked him to bring proof of 100 slain Philistines, with the expectation that David would die in the attempt. In response, David killed 200 Philistines. David asked that the bar be raised and then more than cleared it! Though rather gruesome when seen in the light of our modern world, it is clear that David had a commitment to excellence and accomplishment.

THROUGH EXCELLING AT THE MAIN TASK (I Samuel 18:30)

The Philistines had better weapons and leadership until David came along. Once David led the armies, the balance of power shifted and the Israelites won victory after victory. It is clear from David's whole life that success breeds success.

THROUGH EXEMPLARY ATTITUDES ( I Samuel 26:9-11,24)

David showed respect and deference to Saul, even when the Lord's blessing had left him and he was trying to kill David. This was a display of personal integrity as well as trust in God. The same can be said of David's commitment to keep his promise to protect Jonathan's family even after his death. In retrospect, it may be that David's respect for God's anointed one may have set a model for the people that later saved David's own life when he was in trouble.

ENABLES OTHERS TO CONTRIBUTE

The real test of a leader's success is how many of those following become a success too. A good leader will prioritize helping others succeed, even if they get the credit. This must begin with an attitude of belief in and trust in others, but the leader also needs to take practical action to make success a reality for others.

Though he personally achieved many victories, perhaps David's greater contribution was the way he helped others succeed. There is a bit of unselfishness displayed throughout his life because he was not jealous of victory for his cohorts, in fact, he sacrificed so that they would do well.

PROVIDED OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHERS TO TAKE INITIATIVE (I Chronicles 11:6)

Jerusalem was an unconquered stronghold in the midst of the Israelites. David pointed to the task of taking the city and promised that whoever went up first against it would be in command. He was reinforcing the need for initiative and bravery. He could have chosen a leader for this attack, but he let the one most desirous of leadership prove it. The opportunity was offered equally to any who would take up the challenge.

ASKED FOR EVERYONE'S INPUT IN A PIVOTAL DECISION (I Chronicles 13:1-2)

David wanted to retrieve the ark and bring it to Jerusalem. He initiated discussion with his leaders, recognized God's authority over the decision, and then consulted all the people, especially those most likely to carry the burden. It is clear that this was not just an ordinary day-to-day decision and it had significance for the whole nation. From top to bottom he included everyone at some level of this decision-making process.

DELEGATED RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY TO OTHERS (I Chronicles 18:14-17)

David was not stingy with either responsibility or the authority to carry it out. As he had done within the ranks of the army, David gave key roles to those who were most suited for them. He recognized the different gifts and callings of his followers and empowered them accordingly.

DIVIDED AND ORGANIZED THE TASK INTO MANAGEABLE PARTS (I Chronicles 23:2-5)

                                                                                                     
It appears that one of the last acts David did as king was to organize the priests into task forces. He first divided the overall task of serving the temple into smaller pieces. Then he assigned specific groups to work together to accomplish specific parts of the larger task.

WORKED HARD TO MAKE SOMEONE ELSE A SUCCESS (I Chronicles 22)

David literally made his successor a success! It must have been a great disappointment that he himself was denied the privilege of building the temple. However, he appointed workers to begin preparing stone and nails. He gathered materials from far distances. He set aside financial resources for the project. He enlisted the help of all the people. Then he challenged Solomon to build the temple and to walk with God. Though Solomon is the one who got credit, David laid all the groundwork for the building project.

ENCOURAGES THE HEART

Leaders complete the work by encouraging those who share the vision. Leaders do this by caring for them as people and not as pawns. They encourage others by believing in them when difficulties arise. They encourage others by affirming the contribution that each one makes to the overall task. They celebrate when a victory is won.

We see a pattern of David being encouraged by God, and then being an encouragement to others. Though a king, David never lost contact with his people and knew how to encourage them at difficult moments. In his life, it is clear that this was not just a skill or technique, but the very real concern he had for others.

RECOGNIZED THE CONTRIBUTION OF EACH PERSON (I Samuel 30:21-25)

David led his men into battle to rescue their families from the Amalekites. After the victory he affirmed the role of both those who fought and those who supported them. When he divided the spoils from the raid with all, his example laid down a standard that became the rule for future generations. This was certainly critical for future cooperation and team-building.

GRIEVED THE LOSS OF A WARRIOR, THOUGH A RIVAL (II Samuel 3:33-37)

For years Abner had been the loyal servant of Saul and had pursued David in that role. He was ready to come to David's side, which would have finished any resistance to David's authority. David was willing to overlook the past conflict and accept Abner as an ally. However, Joab, David's general, took Abner's life. When he heard it, David cursed Joab and grieved the loss of this warrior who had so often pursued him. His grief for one who had been a rival touched the heart of the nation.

PROTECTED HIS MEN IN HUMILIATING CIRCUMSTANCES (II Samuel 10:4-5)

                                                                                                        
David sent a delegation to attend the funeral of a neighboring king. Treated as spies, the men were sent home half-shaved and their rear-ends showing. When David heard of it, he ordered them to stay where they were until they could return whole. David then showed no mercy to those who had humiliated his followers. In both actions, David showed his own loyalty and protection for those who followed his leadership.

CELEBRATED THEIR VICTORY IN SPITE OF PRIVATE GRIEF (II Samuel 19:1-8)

Though Absalom was out to destroy his father, David asked his men to treat him gently. The battle resulted in saving David's life and kingdom but at the cost of Absalom's life. David was grieving the loss of his son until a wise counselor reminded him that he was shaming the troops who had risked their lives for him and won a great victory. David immediately went out and encouraged them. By this act, he encouraged the heart of the one who gave him the counsel and he encouraged the hearts of his men who had risked all for him.

AVOIDED USING OTHERS FOR HIS PERSONAL ADVANTAGE (I Chronicles 11:15-19)

This is one of the greatest stories of valor ever told. Three mighty warriors went through enemy lines just to satisfy David's desire for a drink of water. However, David would not drink the water because he did not want others to outdo one another just to meet his personal whims. He valued the lives of these men that had been entrusted to him and he would not risk their lives unnecessarily. He encouraged their hearts by both honoring their valor and valuing their lives.