I love reading, but what I love reading the most is the Word of God. Did you know that the word of God is not just a manual for living a godly life, but also teaches how to be a good leader?
There are many examples of good leaders in the bible, but I'm interested in the life of Moses, because he is the first example of a leader I find in the bible. Exodus 17 details one of the first accounts of Moses serving as a leader of the Israelites. His people were coming under attack, and his role shifted from a motivator through their pilgrimage out of Egypt to a commander. As a good leader, he exercised his delegating skills by designating Joshua as an army recruiter. "Choose some men and go out to fight." (Exodus 17:9).
Thus, a good leader delegates! Now that's hard to do, especially if you are anything like me. If I want something done right, I get it done myself. The problem with that mentality is that you soon find yourself burned out and no longer able to carry on your duties with excellence. When Jethro, Moses' father-in-law came for a visit and noticed that Moses was doing everything himself, he told him, "The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." (18:18). Now before you consider the fact that as a father-in-law of course he'd criticize the work Moses was doing, let's consider this for a minute. Exodus 18:13 reads, The next day, Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. I think we can all agree that people waiting all day to be served is not a good indication of efficiency in the process. Agree? Moses' abilities to perform were being hindered by the fact that, as a human, he's not meant to do it all alone!
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But before you start delegating, there's a template Moses followed. Jethro tells Moses to "select capable men" (Exodus 18:21). Selecting someone capable of doing the job will be crucial. Equally important will be to select someone who can perform the duties with the same excellence as you would. To do this, you must set the expectations for them. Exodus 18:20 states, teach them, show them, and appoint them!
Take the time to teach those you will be supporting about your expectations and why you operate the way you do, while also allowing enough freedom to employ their own creativity and skills. This will allow them to perform at their best, and the end results will benefit you. When teaching someone, please keep in mind, not everyone learns the same way. Some of us are hands-on learners, others learn by listening, and then some learn by observing. Again, get to know your people and provide an environment that is conducive to their learning. And yes, I do realize it does take time and effort that we're not all willing or capable of providing, but think of it this way: taking the time today will free you up tomorrow!
Show them by leading the way! As a leader, much like a parent, you can say one thing and very easily and unknowingly sometimes be doing something different. Allow your team the opportunity to know you at a deeper level by granting them time to observe you and mimic you. This will come with time and trust! Speaking of trust, be sure the person you are delegating to is also trustworthy. You will need to trust them to follow your lead. I once had a boss who taught me that a good leader's leadership abilities are evident in their absence. In other words, how your team behaves in your absence is the true testament to your leadership style! If you've done well in selecting, delegating, and training, it will show when you step away.
Finally, appoint them! Appoint them and step away! Let them work. By this, I don't mean let them run the ship, and if everyone sinks, is on them. What I mean is that you are now taking a back seat and letting them drive. You will remain in the vehicle and alert as to any recommendations you may make, but you will trust their abilities to perform, and more importantly, your abilities to have selected and delegated properly.
One last thing that really catches my attention about Moses' leadership abilities is that even when he knew his people were wrong, he was quick to intercede for them. Moses often found himself interceding for the Israelites with God, such as with the golden calf incident (Exodus 32), the rebellion at Kadesh (Numbers 14), and Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16). Moses would remind God of his covenant, appealing to his mercies, and even at one point offering himself as a sacrifice, suggesting he be removed from the Book of Life instead of his people (Exodus 32:31). This is the ultimate self-sacrifice a leader can make! As a leader, you should be your team's loudest cheerleader and biggest supporter. If they are wrong, you correct them, but do that in private. In public, acknowledge them, praise them, and thank them!
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