David marched out with the army and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do. Saul put him in command of the fighting men, which pleased all the people and Saul’s servants as well.
1 SAMUEL 18:5 (CSB)

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Here’s a good leadership lesson. When you have someone on your team who is better than you at one thing or another, let them take the lead in that area. Empower him or her and provide collaboration as necessary to get things moving and support to keep things going. Demonstrate trust and stay out of the way. 

Saul did this with David. How could he not? How many giant killers did he have on his team? Who would the people trust to lead the battles? The giant killer or the guys who cowered before the giant for a month and a half?

Saul did well in this decision. 

Then Saul failed. Returning from battle with his troops, he was greeted with praise, as usual, but not the level of praise he liked or wanted. The women danced and sang and played stringed instruments. It was a concert of praise. They sang, 

A wise and humble leader would know that the success of the team was more important than the success of the leader. Teams working together create team victories. 

A wise and humble leader would know that his best leadership would be to exalt his team in the eyes of others. This creates confidence in the team and among those they lead and serve. 

Saul was not a wise and humble leader. 

In verses 8 and 9, we see three characteristics that never describe wise and humble team leaders: resentment, complaint, and jealousy. 

Wise and humble leaders do not care who gets the credit. Their concern is that the job gets done. As President Harry Truman said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” He was not merely acting humble at that moment. He told General Eisenhower that he would gladly serve as his Vice President if he would run for president. 

What kind of leader are you? 

Even if the only person you lead is yourself, you can work on rooting out resentment, you can choose not to complain, and you can choose loyalty over jealousy every time. 

Saul the Tall soon shrank in the eyes of everyone as he tried to take out the giant killer. The giant killer soon had opportunities to take out Saul the Tall and refused to do so. He chose loyalty over jealousy every time. He turned his complaints into prayers and songs we still employ today. He decided resentment was too heavy a burden to bear and placed his trust in God.

What leadership itch does this story scratch for you?

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I will celebrate team victories and team leaders who make those victories possible. 

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Our Father, thank you for surrounding me with men and women who are better than me. Thank you for the privilege of working on the same team with them. Thank you for how much they teach me day by day. I am humbled by their expertise. I am delighted by their joy. I am enriched by their friendship. Amen.