When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse’s son? To your tents, Israel! Look after your own house, David! So the Israelites went home. But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them. King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram, who was in charge of forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem. So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. 1 Kings 12:16-19

How a man listens to others has an enormous impact on his ability to lead. Early in Rehoboam's leadership, he had vital decisions to make following his father Solomon's reign. The people came to him and requested that the previously heavy burden be lifted. Reheboam failed to listen and then made the burden greater. The result was the loss of a servant and a hasty retreat.

Where Rehoboam was misled was directly related to whose advice he failed to pay attention to. The elders did instruct him to lighten the burden to win the people over. Rejecting that advice was costly. Every man should carefully consider the information given by reputable and trusted people. When in a position to make a big decision, seek the counsel of someone who has wrestled with a similar situation before. Learn from those around you. The right advice will prevent loss and increase your capacity to lead.

DO THIS TODAY: Ask someone you trust for good advice.