Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness. The delight of a king is righteous counsel, and he will love the one who speaks uprightly.
(Proverbs 16: 12–13)
Effective leaders have inner strengths of wisdom, understanding, and respect for others. Leadership ability does not depend upon external characteristics such as popularity, ambition, wealth, and good looks.
The most effective leaders are servants for the best leaders lack selfishness and arrogance. In fact, the best leader serves best. Effective leaders also delegate, giving important responsibilities to those they trust. The leader (president, premier, prime minister, king) delights in subordinates who are wise and those in government who speak the truth. Leadership, and government, itself, are exercised through trusted relationships, and leadership is made secure by justice.
The best leaders weather the tough times and effective leaders do not give up but are willing to work through the wrongs. There will be inevitable temporary setbacks but the best leaders persevere by keeping their eyes fixed on the goal.
Finally, it is important for governmental leaders to be men and women of integrity. As Lemuel is admonished in Proverbs 31, it is not for kings to spend their strength on women or to drink wine or beer to excess. Solomon maintains that a lack of integrity on the part of a leader can result in compromised functioning and oppression of those whom he serves.
What are the hallmarks of a great leader? Do you lead by serving? Do you have the “right stuff” to emerge from the background population to the pinnacle of leadership? Who among us will be listed in Time’s review of the twenty-first century? Who among us will be listed as a great leader on the Day of Judgment?