Suggested reading: 1 Kings 12

When King Solomon died, Rehoboam, his son succeeded him as King. Rehoboam faced a number of people who were slaves during Solomon’s reign and asked for favour:

⁴ Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

⁵ Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So the people went away.

⁶ Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.

⁷ They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”

This reading made me reflect on my leadership style. If you continue reading the entire chapter of 1 Kings 12, you’ll find out that Rehoboam did the opposite; he made their yoke heavier, which backfired on him as a leader.

While I will not share the results of the mini-exercise I did as part of my bible reflection, I will, however, encourage you to go through all your direct reports/team members and reflect on how you’re serving each of them.

Ask yourself two simple questions:

1. How are you helping your team member?
2. Do you even know what they want?

I have 7 direct reports, and it became evident that for a few of them, I didn’t even know what they wanted, so I’m not sure if I’m helping them the way they want to be helped.

If this post resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy Sunday!