A wise leader listens to their subordinates. Any leader, whether in business, politics or in the home, that attempts to be the sole decision maker without counsel, is not a good leader, but a foolish dictator. Has anyone noticed the state of a country that has a dictator for their leader? Countries like this nearly always have a high level of poverty and very few freedoms.
Proverbs 18:2
"A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion."
Proverbs 28:26
"Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."
Sadly too many marriages, churches, businesses and communities are being ruined by narcissistic dictators who think they have all knowledge simply because they are in a position of power.
A wise leader knows they do not have all knowledge, they show understanding, concern and a depth of empathy for those under them. Those who use their leadership position to demonstrate loyalty and deference when needed are those that will be successful.
Proverbs 11:14
"14 Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory."
A good leader takes into account the welfare of those they lead more than their own desires for power. A good leader is selfless, so much so that his own needs seldom come to mind for being pushed out to accommodate the needs of others.
There is a saying that is supported by Scripture, "a good leader, leads by the way that they serve." The objective for the good leader is not to get what they want, but to bring about that which is good for everyone. What is good for others? Scriptural principles are what is good for others. When a leaders leans on the Word of God to make His decisions, he will also value the opinions and advice of his subordinates. His subordinates are not his slaves, they are his helpers who advice him.
A selfish leader dictates his own pleasure, shouting out orders like a range boss, without concern for those he serves. Perhaps they do not serve at all, but merely use those under them for their own glory.
Arrogant leaders tend to be overly harsh in their punishments while eventually causing rebellion against them self for their indifference toward those they pridefully treat as slaves.
Christ showed the ultimate leadership, He died for others and all He asks is that we love and serve Him.
James 4:10 "10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
The best leaders are those who seek God in all things, they are not too proud to admit they cannot have all the answers. Nor are they too proud to proclaim when they have failed. Those who will not listen to subordinates, nor admit when they have been wrong, very likely don't seek God. Prideful people will not ask anyone under them that they can see, let alone God Whom they cannot see.
Matthew 20:26 "26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,"
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