Two Leaders – Two Very Different Outcomes

23. Jan, 2012 0 Comments

I have been spending time reading and pondering the life of Eli, a spokesman for God who lost his voice. And no, he didn’t have laryngitis. The Bible records the story of Eli in the opening chapters of first Samuel. Eli held a prominent position of influence but lost his voice when he lost credibility.

The story records a self-absorbed leader who became complacent in fulfilling his responsibilities. He prioritized personal comfort over doing what was right even after a personal wake-up call from a fellow leader.

Eli knew his sons were abusing authority, pursuing pleasure, and using their position for personal gain. But he turned a blind eye. Words of concern fell on deaf ears. People were suffering at his son’s hands and Eli did nothing to stop it. His lack of response cost him dearly. Credibility is the fuel to great leadership. A leader who exhausts credibility will become stranded and completely alone – this is where Eli found himself.

In those same chapters, another leader begins to emerge. Samuel began serving under Eli as a young boy. Years of observing the lack of integrity in Eli were profound teaching moments that helped Samuel learn how to be a credible leader. Better to learn how to be a great leader from an effective leader but Samuel did not get that opportunity. He learned what “not” to do from a poor leader so he could become a great leader.

The contrast between these two men is glaring:

Eli listened but refused to respond.
Samuel listened and responded.

Eli abdicated responsibility.
Samuel faced responsibility head on.

Eli avoided crucial confrontations.
Samuel courageously handled difficult conversations.

Eli viewed his position as a right.
Samuel viewed his position as a gift

Eli ignored the wrongs of those he led.
Samuel spoke truth to the wrong doer

Eli prized personal comfort.
Samuel cared more about doing what was right regardless of how uncomfortable it made him

Eli and Samuel provide insightful lessons on how to lead. Leading requires credibility. What appears to be the easy road for Eli ended with significant disappointment and suffering for many. Eli’s leadership illustrates the outcome of abdicating responsibility resulting in loss of credibility. The direction Samuel chose required courage to face the tough moments and resulted in helping many people. His leadership illustrates the outcome of courageous choices resulting in credibility strengthened.