Delegation

Exodus 18:13-27
cf: Numbers 11:16-30

Sometimes, I want things done my way. I admit it, I'm a control freak at times. The danger that I have to watch out for is that of becoming a micromanager. You know those people--the ones that have to do everything themselves. Or even worse, the ones that ask/tell you to do something but then describe exactly how you are to do it. Sometimes, supervisors are micromanagers because they feel like they are the only ones competent to do what needs to be done. Other times, supervisors are micromanagers because they don't know any other way. I think that was the case for Moses as he led the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 18, Moses and the Israelites meet up with Jethro and the rest of Moses' family. Jethro is excited about all that God has done for His people. But as he watches Moses lead the people, Jethro is less than thrilled with Moses' leadership style. Beginning in verse 14, Jethro says, "Why do you alone sit as judge...what you are doing is not good." Jethro encourages Moses to delegate smaller matter to a hierarchy of sub-judges and only take the critical issues on himself. As you are supervising others, consider such a model. Train people in what they need to know, and then delegate authority to them. It will decrease your own workload. Additionally, research tends to indicate that it will make your organization better as well.

Moses learned the lesson well. Numbers 11:16 describes Moses delegating to 70 elders.