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Leadership and Scripture Assessment: Leadership Traits Assignment
Leadership is the art of causing others to create results that would not happen otherwise
(Benzel, 2021). In the book of 1 Samuel, King David exhibited numerous leadership traits that
have been studied and admired throughout history. The six traits of an effective leader are vision,
honesty, empathy, determination, competence, and motivation (Leadership Vision, 2024, slide 7).
When adopting the six traits, a leader establishes a vision demonstrating a commitment to the
school and making an impact on those involved.
Six Leadership Traits
David’s interaction with Goliath portrayed his visionary leadership. When faced with the
challenge of Goliath, David was not intimidated by the threat and envisioned having victory over
Goliath by the power of God. 1 Samuel 17:45 David says, “This day the Lord will deliver you
into my hands and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.” David’s vision was clear and
inspiring. As an educational leader remaining steadfast to the vision and having confidence in
God can lead my colleagues and students to success. David’s honesty was proven in his
interactions with Saul. David had the opportunity to kill Saul in the cave, but he chose to spare
his life after others had advised him not to. This demonstrated his character and respect for
higher authority even under the pressure of others. 1 Samuel 24:8 David said to Saul, “I will not
lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.” As a teacher, honesty with students,
administrators, and parents represents ethical behavior and demonstrates that true leadership is
centered around moral character.
David’s empathy is featured throughout 1 Samuel 30, where he demonstrates care for his
men and families. David and his men wept with all their strength after they found out that the
Amalekites had attacked Ziklag and taken their families captive. (The New International Version,
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1973/2011, 1 Samuel 30:4). David first showed empathy for his people’s pain and then took
action to fight for what was lost. As students walk into my classroom each day they portray a
variety of emotions based on their day. To be a successful educational leader it is important to
take the time to empathize with each student and encourage them to push forward despite
hardships. David’s determination is portrayed in his battle with Goliath. David encounters much
doubt and discouragement from those around him, however, David remains determined to battle.
He approached Goliath with only a sling and five stones and declared, “The Lord who rescued
me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this
Philistine” (The New International Version,1973/2011, 1 Samuel 17:37). This reference
demonstrates my role as an educator to accomplish my professional goals regardless of the
obstacles and challenges.
David’s competence is shown through his skill from past experiences as a shepherd
watching over his flock from lions and bears. David told Saul, 1 Samuel 17:36 “Your servant has
killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them.” His
skills and experiences built his confidence and competence in God’s ability to deliver him from
Goliath. As a leader competence in one’s abilities and faith in God demonstrate leadership
contains skill and trust in divine support. David’s motivation is shown in how he encouraged and
led his men after the Amalekite raid after they experienced much despair. David inquired of the
Lord and was inspired to lead his men to the Amalekites. (The New International Version,
1947/2011, 1 Samuel 30:6). In my classroom my ability to motivate and inspire students can lead
them to engage in the curriculum and apply the skills they have learned to real-world situations.
Conclusion
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The leadership traits demonstrated by David in the book of 1 Samuel provide valuable
lessons for modern leaders. In future leadership positions, I would prioritize the leadership traits
of vision, empathy, and determination. In the educational field having a vision and a clear
purpose are important factors to achieve and lead others to success. Empathy is crucial for
understanding and addressing the needs of my students and creating unified classrooms. As an
educator, determination is an important leadership trait for overcoming challenges and reaching
goals in the face of adversity. These traits inspired by David’s leadership, are essential for
becoming an effective leader and creating a group of individuals to be successful and resilient.
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References
Benzel, E. (2021). Leadership. World Neurosurgery,152, xvii.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2021.06.001
Liberty University (2024) 6 Leadership Traits [Powerpoint slides], Slideshare,
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/637292/files/102991748?module_item_id=66931489
The New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway. biblegateway.com. (Original work
published 1973)
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