Our society tends to prop up one kind of leader as the prototype we should all model our lives after. Business, and even ministries, have determined that certain personality styles are significantly more effective and look for individuals with those traits when hiring and promoting. Some personality styles may give the illusion of effectiveness but if we revert to the definition of leadership as the “ability to influence others,” individuals with each of the personality styles i.e. dominate, steady, influencing and compliant can serve as extremely effective leaders. Read 2 Kings 4:1-44.

Elisha’s name sounds a lot like his mentor Elijah. Both prophets lived during the same time period in Israel’s history and both struggled against the idolatrous Baal cult. Both Elijah and Elisha were appointed to their leadership position by God, both had great influence and both are viewed by history as significant and very influential leaders in Israel. But Elijah and Elisha were very different in how they carried out their leadership duties.