"Leadership"

“Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.” 1 Chronicles 11:1-2

As the most influential man in the country, David was leading long before Saul lost his throne. Like it or not, position doesn't make a person a leader. A particular title may give someone authority, but not influence. Influence comes from the person – it must be earned. David had earned it and Saul had not. Why was this so?

David rallied the people and created unity.  A true characteristic of a leader is they will always strive to unite people.  I completely understand that there are times when some people just won’t allow this to happen, but a good leader always strives for unity.
David identified with his followers as family.  You know the old saying, “Some get too big for their shoes and forget where they came from.”  David never forgot that he started out as just a shepherd boy on the back side of nowhere. 

 David enjoyed God's hand and power on his life. May we never forget that it is God who enables us to do what we do.  If you are a doctor, paramedic, firefighter, law enforcement, etc., always remember that God is the one who gives you the health and the knowledge to do what you do. David knew that he owed his position and his leadership gifts to God.

David worked cooperatively with key leaders.  David always remembered he could not do what he did without the help of others!  God has placed others in our lives to help us accomplish the task that lies in front of us.

 “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch