'An Understanding Heart to Judge Your People': The View of Successful Leadership in the Hebrew Bible
Friedman, Hershey H., Friedman, L. W., and Fireworker, R. B. (2006). 'An Understanding Heart to Judge Your People': The View of Successful Leadership in the Hebrew Bible, John Ben Shepperd Journal of Practical Leadership, Spring 2006, 1(1), 103-117.
15 Pages Posted: 13 Oct 2013
Date Written: April 1, 06
Abstract
The Bible is replete with stories of leaders, some successful and some unsuccessful. This paper examines the characteristics and behaviors of successful Biblical leaders and demonstrates how leaders of today should behave if they desire to be effective. The predominant characteristics of the successful Biblical leaders are: vision, courage, compassion, a sense of justice, humility, and adaptability. Some of the guiding behaviors and activities of the successful Biblical leaders include: seeking advice and counsel; knowing how to negotiate and compromise; being ready and willing to make sacrifices for one's vision and a history of such sacrifices; engaging in activities that are daring, different, and unexpected; and choosing a successor.
Keywords: biblical leadership, leadership, vision, Abraham, Moses, Samson, David
JEL Classification: M12, M14, J50, M54
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation