Several Jaredite kings learned the hard way that obtaining power by treachery doesn't set you up for long-term success. It is much better to be part of a team that is working toward a common goal and supporting one another along the way.
Ether and the Books of Kings
Ether has a lot in common with the books of 1 & 2 Kings in the Old Testament: In both accounts, we see the effects of a leader's character on their nation. Prophets deliver warnings boldly. They are not afraid to share the truth, even when it's unpopular.
“My Sons”
Helaman called the young men whom he led his "sons." He prioritized building strong relationships with them. President Henry B. Eyring observed that students may learn more from the character of the teacher than from the content of the lessons.
“He Caused That His Sons Should Be Gathered”
When Alma saw that his people were hardening their hearts, he gathered his sons to "give unto them every one his charge." Sometimes, instead of focusing on the people who need help, we need to recruit and train helpers, to magnify our efforts.
Admonishing and Being Admonished
Alma and his fellow church leaders admonished one another. It might seem strange that imperfect people should correct each other, but that's the way the church works. We were "baptized unto repentance," meaning that we are humble and willing to change.
Gideon
Lessons from Limhi's servant Gideon: 1. You don't have to be in a position of authority to be a leader. 2. Speak up when you have a good idea or when something isn't right. 3. Give people the benefit of the doubt. 4. Defend the truth, and defend freedom.
Olive Trees and Forward-Looking, Blame-Resistant Leadership
In the Allegory of the Olive Tree, when the servant's advice results in a negative outcome, the Lord of the vineyard could easily have blamed him, but he does not. Blaming is backward-looking. Effective leaders learn from mistakes but focus on the future.
Being Governable
We all love freedom, but we also recognize that living and working with other people requires us to voluntarily curtail some of our desires. We can accomplish more together than alone, but only if we can adapt to the collective decisions of the group.
Servant Leadership
Jesus taught that leaders in God's kingdom do not place themselves above others. They focus on serving and ministering to those they lead. In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin and Ammon demonstrated this kind of leadership.
“Exact No More…”
John the Baptist answered the same question asked by three groups of people: "What shall we do." All three of his answers are based on the same underlying principle, a principle which King Benjamin also exemplified and taught: Don't take more than you should. Discipline yourself to not abuse the power you have.