Leadership training often focuses on skills, not developing spiritual character qualities. The first priority for successful leadership is spiritual or obedience to God, not learning techniques of delegating, coaching or time management. After character, interpersonal skills is second in importance. Knowing what, when and how to speak comes out of a heart that is filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul’s early experience as a leader provides a great blueprint for successful leadership.

 Spiritual Qualities of Successful Leaders
Samuel said to Saul, “Has not the Lord anointed you a ruler over His inheritance?” He told Saul that two men will say that his donkeys were found. He will see a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute and lyre prophesying. The Spirit of Lord will come upon him mightily to prophesy with them. Saul will be changed into another man. When these signs come upon him, “do for yourself what the occasion requires” since God is with him. Samuel will come down to him and offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings. After he waits seven days, Samuel will show him what to do (1 Sam. 10:1-8). Submitting to and obeying the Lord allows people to realize their leadership potential.

God changed his heart and those signs came about that day. A group of prophets met him, Spirit of God came upon mightily and he prophesied among them. People said to one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” After prophesying, he came to the high place (1 Sam. 10:9-13). Successful leaders are filled with the Holy Spirit and worship God in the midst of His people.

Interpersonal Qualities of Successful Leaders
When Saul’s uncle asked where he went. Saul answered that he went to look for the donkeys. When questioned concerning what Samuel said to him, he told his uncle that the donkeys were found. Saul remained silent about the kingdom (1 Sam. 10:14-16). Successful leaders require discernment on when to withhold facts.

When Samuel called the people together at Mizpah, he said the Lord God of Israel brought and delivered them up from Egypt and from the power of kingdoms oppressing them. But today they rejected their God who delivered them from all calamities and distresses. Samuel said they rejected Him by saying, “Set a king over us!” After presenting themselves before the Lord by tribes and their clans, they inquired of the Lord whether the man had come. The Lord said, “He is hiding himself by the baggage” They noticed Saul was taller than anyone from the shoulders upward. Samuel said, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.” (1 Sam. 10:17-24). Successful leaders do not seek the limelight or attention.

Samuel told everyone the ordinances of the kingdom, wrote them in book and placed them before the Lord. Saul went to his house with valiant men whose hearts God has touched. Certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?” Saul kept silent when they despised and didn’t bring a present (1 Sam. 10:25-27).  Successful leaders do not take opposition personally. 

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 for following principles of successful leadership (1 being most false and 10 most true):
1. I submit to and obey the Lord.
2. I am filled with the Holy Spirit and worship God with others.
3. I use discernment on when to withhold facts,
4. I do not seek the limelight or attention.
5. I do not take opposition personally.
For the leadership principle having the lowest rating, ask God to develop it in your life.


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