Red teams: What King David taught me about strategy and culture

ILLUSTRATION BY RUTH MACAPAGAL

I spent eight years in theology school. Yup, eight years diving deep into the Scripture, leadership and human condition. And among all the stories and lessons, one stuck with me, not just as a spiritual truth, but as a blueprint for how leaders and organizations survive and thrive.

It’s the story of King David and the prophet Nathan.

You have probably heard of it growing up. Maybe even in Sunday school. But here’s the thing: read it like a strategist, and it’s one of the best examples of why truth-telling matters more than popularity, and why leaders need people willing to challenge them, not just nod along.

Let me break it down.

When power goes unchecked, everyone loses

David was on top of the world. A warrior-king turned nation-builder. Power, prestige, loyal followers, you name it, he had it.

But then he made some terrible decisions: He slept with Bathsheba, another man’s wife. He arranged the death of her husband, Uriah, to cover it up. And then he acted like none of it mattered.

Here’s the kicker: nobody stopped him. Not his generals, not his advisors, not his inner circle. They didn’t speak up. They turned a blind eye.

This isn’t just an ancient story; it’s a red flag for every company, team or startup. When no one calls out bad moves, bad ideas sail through. Cultures rot. Reputations tank. And strategies fail.

Nathan: The original red team

Now, Nathan didn’t wait for an invitation. No formal meeting, no “let’s discuss” calendar invite.

He showed up with a parable: A rich man stole a poor man’s only lamb to feed a guest.

David heard the story and got furious. The injustice was clear, and he said the thief deserved to die. Then Nathan said something that changed everything:

“You are the man.” (2 Samuel 12:7)

Boom! Truth dropped right in David’s lap, not as an attack, but as a necessary wake-up call.

Nathan risked everything to say what no one else dared. Not out of spite, but because he cared about the mission, the integrity of the kingdom.

Why you need a red team

Fast forward to today, and almost every smart organization uses “red teams.” These are the people who challenge assumptions, stress-test plans and say, “Wait. Have you thought this through?”

Red teams aren’t the enemy. They are the reason your strategy holds up under pressure.

Nathan was David’s red team. He wasn’t a yes-man or an enemy. He was loyal to a higher cause, truth and the kingdom’s future.

And David? He didn’t get defensive or fire Nathan. He owned up. “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13) That humility saved his leadership.

What this means for you—especially if you’re young and leading

Whether you’re launching a product, pitching a campaign or building a culture, the scariest ideas are the ones that no one challenges.

Here’s what you need on your team:

People who see differently
People willing to say the hard things
People who put the mission above being liked.

Too often, leaders reward comfort and silence. They hate conflict, so dissent gets shoved aside.

But no strategy survives without challenge. Without truth-tellers, you’re just telling yourself a story.

Being the Nathan isn’t easy.

It’s the hardest job.

You’re the one who sees the cracks. You speak when staying quiet is easier. You’re not the crowd favorite. You might even get pushed aside.

But this is exactly what sets you apart.

You’re protecting something sacred: the mission, the values, the future.

And yeah, it’s lonely sometimes. Thankless. Risky.

But don’t back down. Your voice matters more than you realize.

How to build a Nathan culture

Invite contradiction. Don’t just look for yes-people. Ask, “What are we missing? Where will this break?” Make it normal to disagree.
Protect the truth tellers. The ones who challenge you are your greatest asset. Create a space where they don’t fear backlash.
Model humility. David’s response made all the difference. When leaders admit mistakes, the culture shifts from fear to growth.
Red-team your moves. Before big decisions, bring in a team or a fresh voice to poke holes. Treat dissent as discipline, not disloyalty.

Don’t let success mute your reality

Here’s a secret no one likes to admit: the higher you climb, the harder it is to hear the truth. Success often comes with smooth talkers.

But the best leaders? They want to surround themselves with Nathans.

Because it’s the hard truths, spoken in courage and conviction, that keep organizations honest, innovative and alive.

So if you find yourself in the Nathan role, keep going. You’re not alone. You’re exactly who your team needs.

And if you’re leading others, ask yourself, ‘Who are my Nathans? Am I truly listening?’

The future may depend on it.