The Mistake of Overlooking Character

As leaders build their teams, they are wise to consider character to be more essential than competency. 

David gave Joab a battlefield promotion to commander of the army on the basis of one accomplishment—the results produced in one battle—the capture of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 22:6). As far as we know, Joab’s character and integrity were not considered in the appointment. 

Before long Joab had not only shed enemy blood but also shed innocent blood. Ruthless and brutal, Joab was the kind of leader who reacts in jealous anger and leaves destruction in his wake. You can hardly find a failure among his military exploits, but he was prone to kill potential rivals as easily as real enemies. 

During the assessment and evaluation of potential ministers, we often speak of “gifts and graces.” Gifts refer to talents, abilities, and skills that are often most evident in public settings. Graces refer to the day-to-day ability of ministers to relate to people—even problem people—in ways that bless them rather than offending or alienating them. Individuals who have “gifts” but are lacking in “graces” often create more problems than they solve. 

Be careful whom you put on your team. Choose poorly and you will be dealing with a burden rather than a blessing. You will spend significant time cleaning up the messes and rescuing those capsized in the wake of bad behavior. Character is as important as competency; integrity is as important as ability. Character matters in leadership.

Excerpt taken from Eddie Estep, Who’s Got Your Back Leadership Lessons from the Life of King David (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 2014).