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From Exodus 18:24, “Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.”
What three lessons can we learn from Jethro’s interaction with Moses, and Moses ultimate response?
(1) Listen to Good Advice
As an organization leader, I’ve observed that the higher you move in an organization, the more difficult it is to hear and understand what’s really going on with the people. From the corner office, things are usually rosy…or at least that’s what gets reported. In fact, I’ve seen cases where rose petals are painted on cow chips…if you know what I mean!
That’s why it’s imperative as a leader that you surround yourself with people who will tell you how it really is. Moses had his father-in-law, whom he respected and listened to. Who is your “management consultant”? Like Moses, a strong leader is approachable and willing to allow others to suggest changes to their organization…if doing so will strengthen it.
(2) Choose Capable People
The key point in listening to good advice is choosing the right advisors. Again, if we look to the NIV Leadership Bible and turn to Numbers 11:11-17, we find Moses overwhelmed, saying, “I can’t carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.” God swiftly answers, telling Moses to enlist the help of 70 of Israel’s elders. It’s interesting that God gives Moses clear criteria about these 70 men…“who are known to you as leaders among the people”…
To share leadership, you must have capable leaders. That’s why spending time on selecting the right leaders for your team and your organization is crucial to your long-term success. Getting the right people in the right places is key…
Another key point found in the example of Moses should be noted. The solution wasn’t about “Who’s boss?” It was about, “Who is going to serve the people so they can get on with their lives?” Too often, we ask the wrong question… “Who’s in charge? Who is responsible?” … and lose sight of the big picture mission or goal we need to accomplish.
(3) Let Them Lead
As we see in the example of Moses, through delegation, leaders can multiply their effectiveness and better meet the needs of those who require personal attention. Please note that delegation is not “dump and run” or “walk away”, though. You should note that Moses still acted as final arbiter over “difficult cases.” He didn’t abdicate his leadership role or authority…he shared his leadership with others, so more people could be served more efficiently and effectively. Any management consultant—and in this case, a father-in-law, Jethro—would be proud of those results!
I, too, am blessed with a wise father-in-law. Dr. Wayne C. Smith is a role model for me as a leader in his faith, with his family, and on the job. Wayne (or as my kids call him, “Pop”) demonstrates commitment in all aspects of life. First, he’s a committed follower of Jesus Christ, daily reading the Bible to seek to know God better and learn to be more like Jesus. Second, Wayne is committed to his family, keeping both his marriage and his relationships with his daughters strong. Finally, Wayne is committed to his church—First Baptist Church of Lamesa, Texas. Over the past few years, in fact, he’s filled in as Minister of Education, and he continues teaching Bible Study on Sunday morning that is televised for the community. While he “retired” from his day job in school administration and later as Chamber of Commerce President for Lamesa, Wayne stays actively engaged with his community…making it a better place.
I’m honored to be married to his younger daughter and have the Smith family in my life. My goal is to continue to live up to the standards set before me by my grandfather, my father, and my father-in-law…all great role models and “management consultants” just like Jethro was for Moses!
