To lead leaders, we must develop our skills. Solomon invited: “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank” (Proverbs 22:29). So, how do we become skilled in leading leaders?

First, we work hard. Solomon observed: “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4). Hard work develops our God-given skills and helps us wisely manage conflict.

Second, we work smart. Solomon continued: “He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son” (Proverbs 10:5). We have often heard this verse summarized in the axiom, “Make hay while the sun shines.” Working smart delights other leaders: “A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant arouses his fury” (Proverbs 14:35).

Solomon shared: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31). When we work hard and work smart, all credit belongs to God. By humbly accepting his truth, we are much more effective in leading leaders because they are drawn to the Holy Spirit in us.

Fully surrender the development of your skills to the One who makes a king your friend. Work hard: schedule time in your calendar to go the extra mile in your relationships. Start your day an hour earlier to focus on growing your skills. Read the Bible, pray, seek a mentor in your chosen area of desired growth. This time will increase the intensity of your focus during the day. Work smart: don’t perpetuate bad habits, becoming trapped by the tyranny of the urgent. Define and prioritize the most important values in your life. Find a wise confidant to help you with a hard reset of your calendar to include what you value most. Delegate tasks that drain you to someone who would be energized by them. All the while, give credit to God your Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, and Restorer.

Solomon’s three secrets to leading leaders teach us when we love a pure heart, speak with grace, and develop our skills, we won’t be the ones leading; rather, it will be Christ in us. In order to be effective leaders, we must be good followers. The apostle Paul summed it up this way: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Episode 317: Solomon's Secrets to Leading Leaders (Proverbs 22:11, 29) from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.