7 Proverbial Success Factors of a Good Leader

7 Proverbial Success Factors of a Good Leader

May 14, 2010 by Joel Goode


As a mentor, coach or simply a respected, experienced leader and person of influence, it is likely you are often asked to provide advice for someone seeking to become a leader or just beginning their first leadership role. While leadership is nearly impossible to define or describe in a manner that everyone can universally agree upon (no single universally accepted definition exists), it is possible to outline some key characteristics which a good leader is highly likely to need to accomplish goals and unify people in the accomplishment of determined objectives.

When considering an example of a leader in history to reference as the foundation for a few tips to help a new leader get off to a good start, I considered who in history assumed a significant leadership position with an attitude of service (not self accomplishment) and sought the knowledge and wisdom to be a good leader for their people as a primary driver. One figure from the Bible immediately came to mind: King Solomon, the son of King David (the famous giant killer and strong leader in his own right). For more specific details of his life, a biographical summary of Solomon can be found at http://www.answers.com/topic/king-solomon .

While King Solomon’s reign was far from perfect, he certainly set an example for future leaders to emulate in terms of his attitude and desired purpose upon becoming a leader (King of Israel) when he prayed for God to provide the wisdom for him to lead his people described in 1 Kings 3: 6-13,Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.

Solomon’s wisdom is described as being greater than that of all the wise men of his time (I Kings 5:9-11) and among his contributions to history and person of many talents, Solomon reflected on the wisdom and experience of his life and authored several books in the Bible including Proverbs. A simple, straightforward collection of insightful wisdom and guidance that can be applied as meaningfully today as when Solomon put the ink on the papyrus in writing Proverbs around 900 B.C. In reviewing and studying Proverbs with a “leadership lens”, I identified 7 Success Factors espoused by Solomon as a basis for good leadership.

The 7 Proverbial Success Factors of Good Leadership- A Study of Proverbs

Commitment
“Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave”-Proverbs 12:24 (NLT)
Value Honesty and Candor; Realism is at the heart of true accomplishment
“It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest”-Proverbs 17:26 (NLT)

Respond, Don’t React. Listen, consider the full context of a situation then respond
“ Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish”-Proverbs 18:13 (NLT)

Be a perpetual learner and remain open to new ideas
“Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge”- Proverbs 18:15 (NLT)
Seek multiple and varied perspectives when making an important decision
“The first to speak in court sounds right-until cross examination begins”-Proverbs 18:17 (NLT)

Strength to withstand challenge and crisis
“If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small”-Proverbs 24:10 (NLT)

Accept praise with humility but don’t be swayed by flattery
“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised”-Proverbs 27:21 (NLT)

Author- Joel Goode

About the author: Joel Goode is an experienced sales and marketing leader with a passion for personal and professional development and helping others achieve their goals and dreams through coaching. He lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country just outside San Antonio with his wife Stephanie and son Jake; www.bestlifeandcareer.com


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