Leaders gain more understanding from listening than speaking. Read Habakkuk 1:1-11.

The book of Habakkuk was written in 607 B. C. (approximately 21 years before the fall of Jerusalem). Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah who also prophesied in Jerusalem, and Ezekiel, the prophet assigned to prophesy in Babylon to the first group of captives taken to Babylon approximately 30 years before the final fall and destruction of Jerusalem.

A leader’s goal when communicating should be to establish mutual understanding between all those involved. Read Isaiah 6:9.

After God called Isaiah into service He gave him information that his assignment would be very difficult. God forewarned Isaiah that there would be communication problems. Even though Isaiah would be giving totally accurate information, there would be no communication because the people would refuse to listen or understand. The people had no choice but to hear the words but they allowed them to pass through their conscious mind without changing their core truths or their behavior.

Responsible leaders can answer the questions “Where are we going?” and “How do we get there?” Read Proverbs 24:3-4.

The wording in Living Bible paraphrase helps Proverbs 24:3-4 come alive by using everyday English. It says, “Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.” Leaders can get their hands around simple words like planning, common sense, and keeping up with changes that affect their organization. It is a pretty simple formula, but if you drop any one of the three elements your leadership can become ineffective.

No leader can enjoy success without developing a healthy sense of discernment and intuition. Read Numbers 22:21-35.

Balaam lacked both discernment and intuition about what was happening around him. Balaam angered God because he disobeyed what he knew (or should have known) to be right. It actually took an angel standing in Balaam’s path to stop him. Balaam lacked the discernment to see the angel’s blockade and even whipped his donkey, who had more discernment than Balaam, for responding to the angel.