The cunning art of a modern-day management guru consists in repackaging old methods and convincing others that he has invented a miraculous technique for dramatically improving organizational performance.
The valuable core content often gets lost in translation, though. Given the profound wisdom and enduring achievements of a select few ancient leaders, as well as their continuing relevance in today's world, it often makes more sense for managers to go back to the source and learn from their recipes for success.
One of the most extraordinary helmsmen of all times was Moses. The man of God freed the Hebrew slaves from bondage in Egypt, guided them through the wilderness to the borders of Canaan, the Promised Land, all the while welding the ragtag into a national theocracy governed by strict, wise laws.
In reality, he owes all of his achievements exclusively to God, with whom he communicated directly. Moses transmitted His commands to the Chosen People and executed them faithfully, with one recorded exception.
Thanks to divine inspiration and support, he was able to adopt morally admirable and highly effective attitudes and behavioral patterns, which still matter today for leading different organizations successfully. Moses excelled in a mesmerizingly broad range of roles, such as prophet, founder of a pivotal world religion, nation builder, lawgiver, teacher and judge. He achieved a dramatic impact during his lifetime, left a legacy that is still palpable in our time, and is still honored by multitudes of people from diverse backgrounds.
In view of these amazing feats, I suggest that contemporary leaders attend an imaginary master class with Moses, similar to a student of music getting lessons from a great performer. The learners must constantly remain vigilant, though, and try not to repeat the grave mistakes that even a man like Moses, because of human weakness, could not help committing. Let me start with two vital foundational principles of veritable and deeply fulfilling success, which the prophet embodied.
1. Demonstrate faith-driven obedience
At first, it sounds strange that a leader, who has the power to give orders to subordinates, needs to be obedient himself. Many people think that the high and mighty must act like the freewheeling Titan Prometheus. But obedience is always vital, especially for those in positions of high authority. Moses was a sublime model of loving submission to the will of God, which helped him to serve his followers whole-heartedly.
Contemporary movers and shakers are well advised to emulate Moses' decision to accord top priority to the Creator, which would enable them to access unlimited creative power. But even if they only care about secular affairs, they should submit their egos to various stakeholders and serve them faithfully.
Instead of trying to exert undue influence on government officials and tricking them, a manager should accept their authority, if lawful, and think about ways of supporting them in their service to the people. He should not exploit opportunities for self-aggrandizement arising from the separation of ownership and control. Instead, he should be obedient to the will of shareholders and further their interests. An executive also must become the servant of customers, trying to meet even their unexpressed wishes, while being sufficiently bold to shape their preferences in a positive way.
Sometimes, disobedience is warranted, though. Moses' faith and trust gave him the courage to abide by God's command to petition a cruel worldly leader. Together with his brother Aaron, the 80-year-old prophet appeared before the mighty Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, and demanded: "Let my people go!"
Now ask yourself: Are you willing to publicly resist dictatorial regimes and corrupt government officials in some emerging countries, for example, even if this might undermine your business and cost you your job?
2. Exercise yourself in sincere humility
Faith and obedience was made possible by the fact that Moses, in successive steps, emptied himself of all illusions of control. Instead of relying on himself, he learned to rely on God. The Bible records that he was "more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth."
Moses' actions actually speak even more loudly than this glowing praise. In a dramatic U-turn, at age 40, he abandoned the privileges he had enjoyed as a prince in the hedonistic Egyptian court and showed unconditional solidarity with his people. He was not afraid of lowering himself to the level of the maltreated Hebrew slaves. After he presumptuously took the law in his own hands and killed an Egyptian who had beaten a Hebrew, he escaped to the Midian wilderness and served as a shepherd, an occupation that trained him in humility and enhanced his leadership skills in other areas, too.
Are you willing to abandon your pride and return to your roots for the good of your people? Would you be prepared to walk through the wilderness to grow spiritually and thus serve your organizational members more effectively in the future?
When God, speaking from within a burning bush at Mount Horeb, finally commissioned the 80-year-old Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses exhibited his humility in front of the Almighty. The shepherd in exile first wondered why he had been chosen, then stated that he had never been eloquent, and subsequently suggested that somebody else should be sent to accomplish God's mission.
Are you coveting positions of power and honor in your organization and society at large? Or do you wait to be called? When you hear the call, do you realistically assess your shortcomings and the possibility that others may be better qualified for the task at hand?
Throughout his journey as a leader, Moses was sufficiently humble to refer all important matters to God, instead of trusting in his own intellect and human solutions. He also accepted the wise advice of Jethro, his father-in-law, to delegate authority to judges, even though this meant relinquishing some power in a very sensitive area of leadership. Are you trying to project the image of being a superman or do you reach out for help when facing serious obstacles?
At Kadesh, Moses disobeyed God's command by striking a rock twice instead of speaking to it. In self-abasing honesty, the prophet mentioned his sin, which barred him from entering Canaan, several times in the Pentateuch as a warning for countless generations in the future. Undoubtedly, such sincere humility enhanced his credibility as a leader. Many contemporary headmen find it difficult, though, to admit mistakes. Throughout his career, many an executive desperately tries to persuade others that his track-record is spotless.
Faith-inspired obedience and sincere humility help leaders to master the other elements required for successfully guiding and serving a diverse group of followers. But to learn this, you have to attend an advanced leadership program with Moses!
*To be continued*
"Prof. Kai on Strategic Leadership" Column Number 34. Kai-Alexander Schlevogt (D.Phil. Oxford) is a professor of strategy and leadership at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School and author of The Innovation Honeymoon (Pearson Prentice Hall). Email: schlevogt@schlevogt.com; website: www.schlevogt.com
