The next day, Moses sat as usual to hear the people’s complaints against each other. They were lined up in front of him from morning till evening. Exodus 18:13 NLTThe stress of leadership can be overbearing.
I’ve never had people with problems lined up in front of me from morning till night, but I have been laden with other people’s situations. My day has begun by sitting seven hours with a family whose loved one was having a complicated heart surgery. Then it was off to the shut-in’s house who just needed someone to talk to. After gobbling down a bite of supper, it was off to a leadership team meeting. When I finally plopped down in my recliner at nine p.m., the phone rang. So and so had been in an accident. I was off again.
Responsibility hounds leadership positions, and Moses had his share. He was responsible for leading more than a million people. Along with providing for their daily needs, he had to listen to their disagreements. Fortunately, his father-in-law gave him some sane advice that guarded his sanity.
Effective leaders aren’t afraid to take advice from people who are qualified to give it. Jethro told Moses he couldn’t care for all the people’s needs by himself. Moses’ attempt—while well intentioned, was impossible.
Effective leaders recognize they can’t do everything and shouldn’t try to. Jethro helped Moses see his unrealistic attempts. He told Moses how to solve his dilemma, and Moses listened.
Effective leaders train and delegate. Jethro suggested that Moses divide the people into smaller groups. Then he was to find qualified leaders who could listen to the complaints and handle them. Only the major situations would come before Moses. Trying to do it all or having their hands in everything that occurs isn’t the sign effective leadership.
Effective leaders genuinely care about those they lead. Though Moses had to reorganize his structure of handling disputes, the fact that he tried to handle them demonstrated his concern. Those he led could be aggravating, but he loved them.
Let God show you how to be a more effective leader. Then lead.
Prayer: Father, we acknowledge we cannot effectively lead without Your guidance. Direct us to be loving leaders who guide others as You do us.
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