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Gideon & The Law of Buy-In
Who would have picked Gideon as a leader? Certainly not Gideon himself. He asked, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15).
Despite Gideon’s doubts, God used him. The people rallied around Gideon and he led Israel to the most lopsided victory in the nation’s history.
Gideon grew as a leader through the following stages:
1. Started at home (Character)
Out of This World Leaders prove themselves first to those closest to them. Gideon started with ten household servants. With their help, he destroyed an altar of Baal, built a new altar to God, and offered sacrifice requested by God.
2. Won a key influencer (Charisma)
The men of Ophrah were furious with Gideon when they discovered he destroyed Baal’s altar. “Bring out your son,” they ordered his father, Joash, “that he may die” (Judges 6:30). But Gideon’s father stood up for him and spared Gideon’s life.
3. Broadened his circle (Credibility)
Gideon won over his city by winning the influence of Joash (his father), then quickly won the allegiance of the people of his region, along with the tribes beyond his border. Once a core group of people buy-in to your leadership, it’s possible to broaden your circle of influence.
4. Moved at the right time (Culmination)
In fact, so many people bought in to Gideon’s leadership that God had to send a bunch of them home (Judges 7:2). God reduced the number of Gideon’s army to 300. So, when the fought under Gideon’s leadership, they won a great victory—and God received the glory!
Seven Assets Followers Want in a Leader
People often ask, “Why should I follow you?” These seven qualities attract people to a leader:
1. Calling
Few things are as compelling as a leader’s clear calling. Beforehand, Gideon lived in fear, doubted himself, and asked for multiple signs to confirm his mission. Once he embraced his calling, passion and boldness filled his heart.
2. Insight
People respect a leader with insight and wisdom to see the issues. God gave Gideon insight into the weak hearts of the Midianites. By the time Gideon called his men to battle, he understood that God assured their victory.
3. Charisma
People flock to leaders who make them feel good about themselves. When Gideon invited the people of Ephraim to join in pursuing the Midianites, they reacted angrily. But Gideon reminded them they had captured and killed the princes of Midian (Judges 8:1-30).
4. Talent
Followers swarm around talent—just look at the sports world or entertainment industry. While we don’t know much about Gideon’s natural abilities, the angel called him a “mighty man of valor” and instructed him to “go in this might of yours” (Judges 6:12,14). It’s likely that Gideon possessed both physical strength and courage.
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5. Ability
People feel attracted to someone who can get things done. Gideon didn’t attempt to get the Ephraimites on board until he had proven his ability.
6. Communication Skills
A leader who cannot communicate his calling and vision has trouble getting anyone to buy in to his leadership. Whenever Gideon spoke to his people, they understood him and eagerly followed.
7. Character
It takes character to win and maintain trust. Gideon stood up when others wouldn’t. He displayed courage in the face of incredible odds. In the end, a flaw in his character betrayed both him and the people. After his victories, Gideon created an idol and erected it in Ophrah: “All Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and his house” (Judges 8:27).
May we learn from Gideon’s example—the many positives and even what caused his downfall—as we seek to gain buy-in to our leadership and help our teams shoot for the stars!