f auls death led to all kinds of turmoil over who would become the ne)d l(ing. Despite David's anointing by\.rJ Samuel, others saw a tempting oppo[tunity to seize power.

Transitions often bring difficult times. l-eaders who fail to plan for their departure inrrite trouble. Saul could

have been a hero had he cooperated with God in preparing David to succeed him. He didnt have a more

submissive staff person in his entire palace than David. -

Saul suffered from an "[" problem, an oversize ego that blinded him. Saul couldVe helped himself had he

recognized these truths:

;t see ahead and prepare for them.

2. People can live without certainty. but not without clarity regarding future dlrection.

3. Wise choices today put 'thange in the pocket" of a leader regarding future choices.

4. Problem-solving skills and effective communication earn the leader trust and credibility.

complish the following:

1. They proclaim iustice and are blessed (v.6).

2.Theyspeakhopeforthefliturgbeco.mingafountainoflifetoothers(u10.

3. fhey speakforth wisdom and save others ftom ruin (w- 13,14).

4. They knowwhen silence is m6re powerful than words (v. 19).

5. Their words feed and nourish many others (v. 21).

6. They express what is rightand nurtur6 ihe right in the hearts of those who follow fuu 31, 32).

,;-i;,,"1:;..;,, r, .:,, r.i:,,; i: ,; .,rlt 1,..,:ltr:l'';... ': i'l rl'..,rit:r. .

MastCr Communitition an-d You Manage Conflict,jl:r' .

od rightly eXpects leaders to manage conflict within their organizations. But how can you best accom-

I plish this?

i gooO ptu." to start is Proverbs 15:1-yet while we often quote this verse, we seldom practice it

Sr;.ti'r;t;iy the leaders are given liberty to express anget and sooner or later this kind of unhealthV

environment comes back to haunt them. Leaders must create safe places for communication' Master com-

munication and you manage conflict. Look at the first seven verses of Proverbs 15 and note its counsel about

managing conflict:

1. Remain calm and gentle when confronting conflict. and yotlt example will become contagious

(v.0.

2. Speak wisely. making sure your information is truthful and accurate (v. 2).

3. Rernember, God is the ultimate ludge and will execute iustice (v' 3)'

4. Use your words to foster healing; fix the problem, not the blame (v' 4)'

5. Stay teachable; be open to correction and quick to apologize when wrong (v. 5).

6- Add value to everyone who contacts you, even when you disagree (v' 6)'

Z Speak words that spread knowledge and understanding (v' D'