David’s Style of Leadership Essay Example

shame of the entire nation. This is in spite the opposition of the people to his desire to fight Goliath.

He chooses to ignore their opposition and instead focuses on the goal and the reward to be attained; for he was promised the king’s daughter as a wife if he prevailed over Goliath. By doing this, David proved to be an initiator of change. When Saul’s envy for David becomes so intense that he plots to kill him, David does not in any way seek to harm him even when he has the opportunity. Instead, he runs from Saul, sparing him on several occasions even when it is in his power to kill him. Before running away from Saul, David is able to lead the people of Israel to war where he is very successful.

Unlike Saul who often sent the people to war while remaining behind, David went with the people to war, leading them to fight against their enemies. Using this style of leadership, he was able to kill more enemies of Israel than Saul. This is the origin of Saul’s envy for him. Even in captivity, David displays his leadership skills there. As he is in the desert with his men, he ensures that they are provided for. For instance, when they run out of food, he uses diplomatic approaches to request Nabal for bread.

But when Nabal disobeys, David leads his men to attack him and take all he has, including his wife Abigail. Here, David shows leadership as being a diplomatic aspect where one does not have to impose anything or use force unnecessarily. Only when diplomacy

failed did he ever use force. David also ensures that God is built a place of worship - the temple. When God tells him this is the work of his son, David ensures that all preparations are made so Solomon does not find any difficulties building the temple of God. He portrays his ability to share his vision with others, a mark of growing leadership.

He also grooms his son Solomon to take over the kingship. David also ensured that other people took part in what was important. He helped people to achieve their goals in battle and in life. For instance, he made commander the man who led the attack on Jerusalem, then a fortified city. He also ensured that before he acted, he had all the necessary counsel from his men. For instance, when he wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Philistine territory, he found out the best way to go about it and readily accepted the advice he was given.

David also manages to encourage people when they are discouraged. When the Amalekites attack their camp and carry off their wives and children, David’s men are discouraged and are at the point of giving up and withdrawing their loyalty to him. Although greatly distressed as well, David rises o the occasion. He seeks the counsel of God and fearlessly pursues the Amalekites. Upon defeating them and taking back all they had captured, David does not seek retribution against those who failed to go with him to fight Amalek.

Instead, he affirms every man for the victory. He is so selfless a leader and has a heart

for people. He even grieves when a rival warrior is killed. Finally, David always asks his commanders to be careful to avoid shedding blood unnecessarily. He grooms these commanders to be like himself – selfless, compassionate, and fair. On this basis, therefore, it can be concluded that David was a unique leader who particularly modeled growing kind leadership.