The decisive moment for Moses as a change leader came before he returned to Egypt – before he ever actually led anyone. God called and equipped Moses to be a change leader in the “burning bush” experience on the Mountain of God. What can we learn from the things that God gave Moses on that mountain?
There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. — Exodus 3:2
God spoke to Moses through a “burning bush” and called him to be a change leader. Before Moses ever led anyone God gave him the tools he needed for the job.
The Five Essential Tools for Change Leaders
1. Experience
It’s easy to forget that Moses was eighty years old when he arrived in Egypt to lead the people out of slavery. Moses spent the first forty years of his life getting a first-class education in the Egyptian ways. He spent the next forty years in the wilderness region of Midian, shepherding sheep, and learning the ways of God. Finally, he was ready to be a change leader.
Moses was able to lead the people through massive changes because he had finally arrived at a strong sense of who he was. He had a deep understanding of his weaknesses, as well as his strengths. More importantly, he had a stronger empathy for, and understanding of the people he was called to lead. His unique breadth of life experience served as a proving ground for the one greatest work of his life.
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” — Helen Keller
Life experience is critical for the change leader.
2. Vision
God gave Moses a vision of what He could do through Moses. Moses had already revealed that he had the heart to empathize with the suffering of his people (Ex.2:11). Moses had a clear understanding of the need for change. God would then give him the eyes to see the way to the change.
Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” — George Washington Carver
The change leader needs a vision for both the need for change and the pathway to the needed change.
3. A Plan
Once Moses understood the vision, he called for a plan. How will this be accomplished? How is it possible? Getting the people out of Egypt seemed an impossible task.
Moses told God, “Pharaoh will never let go of them. Pharaoh will never listen to me.” Moses was saying, “What’s the plan that’s going to work?” Moses didn’t know every detail of the plan, but he had a clear understanding of how to get started.
Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth.” — Mike Tyson
The change leader needs a plan for how to proceed with the change. Every situation demands a different plan. No two change-challenges are the same. The change leader needs to have a sense of how to get started. She doesn’t have to have every detail of the plan – the odds are the plan will change as obstacles arise, and circumstances change – however, the change leader should have an understanding of the basic tasks necessary for change.
4. A Coalition
Moses’ first response to God’s plan was, “I can’t do this. I don’t have the skills needed” (Ex. 3:11). Moses wasn’t actually saying, “I can’t do this” – he was saying, “I can’t do this alone.” And God’s answer was to give him a supporting coalition. He sent him his brother Aaron, to encourage him and be a spokesperson for Moses (Ex. 4:14). Later he would send him Joshua as an assistant (Ex. 17:9; 24:13). Moses’ sister Miriam would play a prophetic role (Ex. 15:20).
You win by working hard, making tough decisions and building coalitions.” — John Engler
Moses had a coalition. He couldn’t do it alone.
5. Courage
We tend to think of Moses as a beloved and revered figure. And he is, indeed, one of the most revered figures in Hebrew history. Three thousand years after his death, his life and legacy are still celebrated. However, he was not as beloved and revered during his lifetime. It is only with the 20/20 vision of hindsight that Moses is beloved.
During his lifetime Moses was respected, but not especially beloved or even liked. The people were constantly complaining to him and about him (Ex. 15:24). His leadership was questioned (Ex. 17:3). Even his own brother and sister turned against him and questioned his judgment (Num. 12:1). And he was never able to convince the people to conquer the land God had promised to give to them.
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
It takes great courage to be a change leader. A person who desperately needs to be loved or liked by everyone can never be a change leader.
The change leader needs a small group of people who love and support him. But beyond that, he must be immune to the need for love and acceptance. When it comes to the love of the people – the change leader can take it or leave it. He demands respect, not love. And that takes great courage.
There they are — the five essential tools for any change leader. Has God called you to lead people through transitions? How had he equipped you for the task? What tools has he given you for success?
