One of the things that gives the Bible credibility is the honesty with which it portrays its "heros".  Rarely does it gloss over the flaws, even of the most revered characters.  Abraham loses patience and takes God's plan into his own hands.  Moses loses his temper and acts out violently.  Jacob lies to his own father.  Often the Bible uses the flaws of its heros as a means of teaching what to do and how to live by telling a story of what not to do.  We learn from their mistakes.
    When it comes to leadership, the Books of 1 & 2 Chronicles are full of lessons from the kings of Israel and Judah.  There are as many lessons from their mistakes as there are lessons from their success.  Saul, David, and Solomon (the three most famous kings) are great lessons in leadership, but there are other less known kings who can teach us something.  Here are a few examples:

     1. Leaders must be careful who they use for advisors (see Rehoboam, 2 Chronicles 10)
     2. Leaders need people who will be honest with them (see Ahab, 2 Chronicles 18)
     3. Leaders should prepare their successors (see Ahaziah, 2 Chronicles 22)
     4. Leaders need a spiritual advisor (see Joash, 2 Chronicles 24)
     5. Leaders do what is right, but with the right motive (see Amaziah, 2 Chronicles 25)
     6. Leaders know when to cut their losses and get out of a situation (see Amaziah 2 Chronicles 25)
    
     Try studying the stories of the Kings (1 & 2 Samuel, Kings, Chronicles) with a focus on leadership principles.  You can find some really relevant advice from from really old stories.  As for a new book suggestion on leadership, take a look at "The Mentor Leader" by Tony Dungy (former coach of the Indianapolis Colts).

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