Looking for Moses - Perspectives on Leadership

As we near the beginning of Passover I can't help but think about Moses.  He is a hero to the Jewish people because he led us out of slavery.  To me, though, he is a hero because not only did he lead the Jewish people and take on Pharaoh, but he did it with a horrible stutter.  Can you imagine what it took to overcome his insecurity to tackle such a task!?

I would love to have Moses on my board- although we'd have to have a special place to put that staff.   Why?  Let me explain.

1)  Humility- Moses never assumed he knew everything and continually struggled to do the right thing.  He consulted with others in addition to God.  He analyzed and strategized.

2) Questioning- He asked questions.  If something didn't make sense, he sought out answers- including the biggest one of all- "You want me to do WHAT???"  There is no such thing as a stupid question. Truly.  

3) Compromise- He looked at every side of the question.  He approached Pharaoh with an open hand and tried to negotiate.  It wasn't my way or the highway from the get go.

4) Buy-in- Moses actually was one of the original community organizers.  He understood that you have to get everyone bought in to a common goal.  When he first returned after his self-imposed exile the Hebrews didn't trust him or believe that he'd had a change of heart.  It took a long time for him to gain the trust he sought.

5) Partnership- Moses understood that working together, respecting each other in an interdependent relationship was the way to go.   That trek for 40 years in the desert didn't happen without a lot of hand holding and support for one another.
(And why didn't he just ask for directions?)

6) Courage- Good Grief!  Can you imagine the courage it took for Moses to believe that he could change the Jewish world?  I love it when Board members speak up (respectfully) to ask hard questions, those I may have not thought of.  And how wonderful when a Board members suggests something to make sure we have all of our bases covered and/or to make sure that I'm protected.

7) Compassion- Moses was very human.  He made mistakes, he wasn't perfect.  He never made it to the Promised Land (I'm still annoyed with the Big Guy over that one). He got it though, he felt the pain of others and therefore treated others with respect.   

8) Dedication- Of course the biggest one that we share is our love for the Jewish people.  Community continuity is not an exact science.  It isn't black or white.  Being present, asking questions, volunteering, smiling and laughing is what it is all about.  It is saying "Hineyni," I am here to do my part to the very best of my ability.

May your Passover be blessed with family, friends, yummy food and reflection about the amazing  journey of the Jewish people.

Chag Sameach-

Tracy

With apologies to God and our forefathers if I messed up any of the story!