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Learning from David: Inspiring Leaders
In 1 Chronicles 28, God gives King David a vision for the temple at Jerusalem, but explains that David can’t build it because he shed blood as a warrior. So, David energetically took on the task of communicating the vision for the temple in a way that would inspire his son Solomon to take on this important job. David started by making it clear that the plan came from God (v. 1-3). Then, he took four steps that are instructive to all leaders:
- He informed Solomon of his role in leading the building of the temple—a role that would require total devotion to get the job done (v. 7-10).
- David assured the people that Solomon would be able to get the task done because God was behind it (v. 6).
- David provided enough details about the temple that Solomon could visualize the final outcome (v. 11-19)
- After casting the vision, David gave his son another dose of encouragement (v. 20-21).
Learning from Moses
Addressing Resistance
Every leader occasionally faces seemingly impossible challenges. That’s how Moses felt when God asked him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. Let’s explore five ways Moses resisted in Exodus 3, and consider how we may face similar resistance—either from ourselves or our team members:
- “Who am I?” In Exodus 3:11, Moses revealed that he felt inadequate for the task. Leadership implications: The sense of being overwhelmed should accompany any good vision statement. If the team doesn’t feel, at least initially, that they are in over their heads, then there is no challenge or no spark that calls them to stretch. So, in many ways, the strength of the vision is inversely related to the resistance it will receive…
- “What shall I tell them?” In verse 13, Moses recognized he’d need a higher authority to persuade Pharaoh to let release the Israelites from captivity. Leadership implications: You must address who is responsible for accomplishing the vision, and who will take final responsibility for the vision.
- “What if they don’t believe me?” From Exodus 4:1, we see Moses’ fear of rejection. Leadership implications: Most people move from being overwhelmed, to legitimate skepticism, to serious investigation of legitimacy. If a vision is well stated, people will demand evidence.
- “What about my lack of qualifications?” From Exodus 4:10, Moses implied that he couldn’t lead the people out of Egypt because he wasn’t an eloquent speaker. Leadership implications: Many people in organizations have faced defeat and disappointment. They want assurance that their hopes and dreams won’t be raised just to be crushed again. But people also want to be part of a vision that delivers promised results.
As Moses’ concerns went away, so did his resistance to the vision. Like Moses, all leaders will occasionally face tough challenges. At such times, they need to follow Moses’ lead: assess the situation; take their fears to God; listen for his response; and then obey.
Envisioning a Better Future
In Deuteronomy 6, the people of Israel were poised to move into the promised land. Faced with the potential for strong opposition, Moses knew that people wouldn’t move just for new land. So, he had to communicate a vision for more. Let’s see how he did that:
- The vision was rooted in the followers’ values (v. 1-9). He emphasized that the move was essential to Israel’s identity as God’s people and that it would provide a safe place to raise their families.
- The vision had utopian elements (v. 10-12). An effective vision offers something better than the present situation, something that is worth working to attain.
- The vision required followers’ participation (v. 13-19). When something is perceived as precious and costly, it is respected. Moses knew he couldn’t accomplish this formidable task alone…he needed the people’s engagement.
- The vision had long-term ramifications (v. 1-2, 20-25). A vision must be worth passing on to the next generation.
Engaging Followers
In Exodus 3:7, God said, “I have indeed seen…I have heard…I am concerned.” In his book Developing Corporate Character, Alan Wilkins notes that “developing a shared vision begins with communication—but not the communication of speeches…Although the ability to persuade is important part of transforming leadership, listening appears to be at the core of this process.” Boy, that would have been helpful knowledge for me as a young, aspiring leader… I thought “that vision thing” was all about the speeches or the eloquence of the written word!
To effectively communicate a vision, leaders have to know their followers well enough to know if the vision will meet their needs. After listening carefully, they need to formulate the vision in terms their followers understand. Let’s turn now to Jesus’ example in how he did that.
Learning from Jesus: Casting a Vision
Jesus was so effective at casting a vision that his first followers literally turned their backs on prosperous businesses in order to follow him. How did he do it?
- He had credibility. John’s baptism and God’s testimony bore witness to who Jesus was (Matthew 3:13-17).
- He gave them a vision for something bigger. Jesus also communicated this vision simply, in terms they understood. Jesus said from then on that these fishermen could “catch people”—providing a vivid image with which they could easily identify.
- He promised to prepare them for the task. He would equip them to fulfill the vision.
Most people want to be part of something that will make a difference. They want to “shoot for the stars”. How would people on your team respond to the question, “Why is your job important?” What can you do today to help them see that their role is part of something bigger and better?