The Enemy of My Enemy is...My Enemy?

Servant Leaders, as many of you know, I've written a few books. Some are fiction and very enjoyable to write, and -- I hope -- very enjoyable to read. Others come from experience and the desire to relate Christian leadership principles that have proven beneficial -- or disastrous -- in GovCon.

One such book is "Don't Glean the Margins", which I wrote based on the story of Ruth and Boaz. The idea came to me one morning and a few weeks later, the book was done. Similarly, I'm investigating book ideas based on the story of Eliphaz and Timna. Like Margins, this story came to me a few mornings ago and I just haven't been able to get past it.

So, here are a few thoughts...first, the story.

Timna was of royal lineage in Seir. Yet, she was enamored with the God of Abraham and wanted to be closer to the Israelites so she could learn more. However, the Patriarchs rejected her. So, she turned instead to Essau's side of the family. Biblical tradition shows that Jacob was the lineage of promise whereas Essau's line was one of contrast. By joining Essau's line, Timna still served the God of Israel, but in a manner wholly different than she may have intended. Timna was the mother of Amalek, the father of the Amalekites, generational enemies to Israel.

Story ideas: (All relate to GovCon and these are all working titles.)

1. Don't Create Amalek: How Rejected People Become Tomorrow's Competitors. By rejecting Timna, the Patriarchs unknowingly created a generational enemy in the Amalekites. How often do companies reject employees, mistreat subcontractors, discard teammates -- all for profit. Which one is the Amalek in this scenario?

2. Better a Servant than a Princess. Why do people stay? They stay because of belonging, not salary, not benefits, not promises of promotions. They stay because the people around them make them feel a part of something that matters. This principle highlights why servant leaders attract talent.

3. The Amalek Principle: The Enemies We Create. In business, enemies are not always discovered -- they are created. They are former employees, customers, mentees who felt mistreated or unappreciated. A leader's single emotional decision can create the next Amalek to our Israel.

4. The Empty Chair. Abraham's family did not have room for Timna -- and that led to a generations-long conflict. In every meeting, planning session, executive discussion, there is room for one more person with unique insight or growth potential. Who are we overlooking and why?

5. Don't Create the Next Amalek: How Servant Leaders Avoid Creating the Enemies They Fear the Most. Boaz created Ruth's future because he left margin. The Patriarchs, according to the Timna tradition, created Amalek because they failed to make room. Every leader is creating one or the other.

What do you think, Servant Leader? Is there need for another Biblically based leadership book in GovCon?