“They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army. For from the day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God.”
– 1 Chronicles 12:21-22 (ESV)

Leadership expert, John Maxwell has made the claim that there are no Lone Ranger leaders. Our takeaway from this statement is that if you are alone, you are not leading anybody. Think of any highly effective leader in sports, business or ministry and you will find someone surrounded by a strong inner circle. Hire the best people you can find, develop them as much as you can and turn everything you possibly can over to them. When you have the right people in place the potential for success skyrockets. Much of a leader’s success or failure will be determined by the people closest to him. If those people are strong, capable and motivated, then the leader can make a huge impact. If they are weak, he can not.

Let’s examine the way David pulled core people together who helped make him successful. First, David began building an inner circle long before he needed it. His leadership style attracted the strongest leaders of his day. They sought him out, David did not have to look for them. Second, David attracted people with a variety of gifts. He wanted leaders with experience and a varied skill set. With these kinds of men, David felt ready for anything. Third, David demanded loyalty. His men were willing to give there lives for him. They stayed with him in the good times and the bad. Fourth, David delegated responsibility based on ability. He wanted men who would take charge and follow through. David gave his men a job to do and got out of the way, recognizing that his way was not the only way. When God wants a leader to do something, He will provide that leader with the right people to get the job done. That was true for David and it will be true for you.

Heavenly Father, give me the wisdom and courage to be the leader You have called me to be. I don’t want to be a Lone Ranger. Help me to see the value of strong inner circle. May I always be about Your glory and not personal success. In Jesus’s name, Amen.