Have you ever wondered how a seemingly small story from ancient times can offer profound leadership lessons for today? The life of Elisha, a Biblical prophet, provides surprising insights into leadership through a simple yet powerful story.
2 Kings 6:1-7 (NLT)
One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. Let’s go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.”“All right,” he (Elisha) told them, “go ahead.”
“Please come with us,” someone suggested.“I will,” he said.
So he went with them. When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees.
But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!”
“Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the water at that spot. Then the ax head floated to the surface.“Grab it,” Elisha said. And the man reached out and grabbed it.
3 Lessons of Leadership
When you first read this story, you might think (as I did), “Well, that was a clever story, but there’s not much there for life lessons.” Let’s face it: I grew up in the church, and many of you (if you are still reading) probably grew up in the church as well. We’ve heard this story before; Elisha does a miracle and saves the day. The application: nothing is too hard for God; just have more faith. Believe it, and you can do it.
Those are all nice thoughts, but we need to slow down and consider the story from several other angles. Slow down and look at the back story. Please go back up and read the passage one more time, this time, slowing down as you read.
Hey there! Are you ready to learn some valuable leadership lessons? Well, look no further because I’ve got three key takeaways from a story that I think you’ll find really insightful. So, let’s dive in and see what we can learn!
Lesson 1: Take Initiative
2 Kings 6:1 (NLT)
One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small.
In this story, a group of men is attending a school of prophets led by Elisha. As Elisha’s reputation grows, more men want to join the school and learn from him. However, they soon realize that they need more space to accommodate the growing group. Rather than waiting for Elisha to take action, they take responsibility for the situation and approach him with the idea to build a new space. This principle of taking initiative and being responsible for the areas around us is applicable in various aspects of life, including the workplace, home, and church. We can all be leaders by being observant of our surroundings and addressing any needs we see. Taking initiative is a powerful trait that empowers individuals to proactively seek opportunities and drive positive change in their lives and communities. One way to take initiative is by identifying areas for improvement or innovation and taking action to address them. For example, if you notice inefficiencies in a work process, you could propose solutions and offer to spearhead implementation efforts. Another way to demonstrate initiative is by volunteering for new projects or responsibilities, even if they fall outside your typical scope of work. By stepping up and taking on challenges, you not only showcase your leadership potential but also contribute to the collective success of your team or organization. Additionally, seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as attending workshops or pursuing further education, demonstrates a proactive approach to self-improvement. Ultimately, taking initiative involves being proactive, resourceful, and solution-oriented, and it can lead to greater success, fulfillment, and impact in all aspects of life.
Lesson 2: Work Together
2 Kings 6:2-4 (NLT)
Let’s go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.”“all right,” he (Elisha) told them, “go ahead.”
“Please come with us,” someone suggested. “I will,” he said. So he went with them. When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees.
“This is a simple principle that we often overlook. Working together, being creative, and solving problems as a team are key. I admire the approach of these individuals; they encounter a problem (lack of space), think creatively to solve it (let’s build a new meeting place), and seek help from their leader. Anyone can work hard alone, but it takes cooperation, patience, and wisdom to work hard together towards a shared goal. These individuals are taking on the task of building a new space for training and learning, which is commendable.
Teamwork in the workplace can be both rewarding and challenging, as individuals with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles come together to achieve common goals. As Dr. Meredith Belbin, a renowned management theorist, stated, “The ideal team is one where everyone contributes to the best of their ability.” However, achieving this level of collaboration requires effort and dedication from all team members.
One common struggle in teamwork is communication breakdowns, where misunderstandings or conflicts arise due to poor communication. To overcome this challenge, it is crucial to foster open and transparent communication channels. Additionally, promoting a culture of trust and respect among team members can help create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback.
Encouraging collaboration and sharing of responsibilities, as Dr. Ken Blanchard, management expert and author, advocates, “None of us is as smart as all of us.” By fostering a sense of shared ownership and accountability, teams can leverage the diverse skills and perspectives of their members to overcome challenges and achieve success together.”
Lesson 3: Manage Resources Responsibly
2 Kings 6:1-2 (NLT)
One day the group of prophets came to Elisha and told him, “As you can see, this place where we meet with you is too small. Let’s go down to the Jordan River, where there are plenty of logs. There we can build a new place for us to meet.” “All right,” he told them, “go ahead.”2 Kings 6:5 (NLT)
But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!”
These individuals demonstrated maturity in two significant ways. First, they took initiative to address the need for more space at their school without waiting for official permission. Instead, they approached the leadership and obtained the necessary approval. Secondly, they displayed responsibility in managing the tools they borrowed for the job, despite limited financial resources as Bible College students.
Their actions align with the sentiment expressed in Proverbs 22:1, emphasizing the value of a good reputation over material wealth. They recognized that responsibility and integrity are key to building a good name, regardless of one’s official leadership status. Building trust and integrity is crucial for meaningful relationships and success, as highlighted by Warren Buffett and Dr. Stephen R. Covey. Their insights emphasize the importance of cultivating trust through consistent actions and behaviors based on honesty, reliability, and transparency.
Managing resources responsibly isn’t just about borrowed tools—it’s about accountability in how you manage finances, time, and people in your organization.
I found the story inspiring and thought-provoking. It serves as a reminder that responsible actions and integrity are essential in shaping our reputation and fostering trust within our personal and professional relationships.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this story. If you enjoyed it, please share it with others!
What leadership lesson from Elisha’s story speaks to you most? Share your thoughts below or take the next step in your leadership journey by scheduling a consultation with me today.
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