In an age in which leadership is something of a hot topic and numerous poor examples of leadership are so evident, it is wise to turn back to the Bible to consider the same issue.
The books of 1 & 2 Samuel tell the story, over a period of about 100 years of the transition from judges to kings. We read of leaders in the spiritual and military and national realms. There is much to learn from these books. I have highlighted just a few matters.
Eli set an unhelpful example. He failed to restrain or discipline his children. In 1 Sam 2.29, the man of God tells Eli that he has honoured his sons more than God Himself. This refers, I think, to this failure to restrain. V12-17 explain their sinful behaviour. Eli had tried, weakly to speak with them (v22-25).
Sadly, Samuel and David both fell into this same error.
Samuel came to a nation in crisis. He was hard-working, following a regular circuit in Israel to teach – see 7.16. In this way he changed the culture of the nation. No more the pale imitation of faith, pictured by Eli, but a more healthy God-ward attitude.
Saul started well enough, but his leadership soon deteriorated. Some have suggested his faith was damaged by deep personal insecurity, which led eventually into serious sins and rebellion against God.
In 1 Sam 13.9, he offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, tasks committed to priests. His explanation to Samuel (v11-12) exposed his fear. He worried what might happen if the people scattered from him.
Later, when pursuing David, who had become his enemy, although David never described Saul in this way, Saul accused his leaders of betrayal (22.6-8); “is that why you have all conspired against me?”
David was the greatest of all kings of Israel and Judah. He is the standard by which others were judged. He was militarily successful and later prepared for the construction of the temple.
However, nearer to home, his family life was chaotic. He struggled to address serious wrong-doing, so stored up problems for himself. The most obvious examples are Amnon and Absalom.