Leadership (Part 1)

There have been some great leaders in the past that have taught us lessons and importance of human rights, humility, and happiness. Leaders inspire us- that’s just what they do naturally- so that each individual can utilize his/her gifts to the full potential. Leaders are all about bringing the best out of people.

I have been reading a book lately- the Bible, in particular the book of Genesis, on a character named Joseph. I find his story absolutely fascinating, and just shed incredible light on me regarding leadership. So here is a brief rundown of Joseph’s life.

1. Joseph the Reckless Dreamer – Genesis chapter 37
   Joseph, who was 17 at the time – was the second youngest in a family of 12 – told his older brothers about a dream that he had that insinuated that one day Joseph would rule over his brothers:

   “Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf” – 37:7

   Young budding leaders may show signs of recklessness and pride. Who in their right minds would tell his older brothers, who were his seniors and guidance, that one day they would be subjects under him?

   Leaders dream. Dreams are good. But it’s all about articulating your dreams and aspirations under a proper timing and manner. And as the story unfolds, Joseph’s dreams do indeed come true, but at the time of his revelation, he was too immature to articulate his dreams wisely.

   Leaders: Dream, and articulate your dreams and visions with wisdom and respect.

2. Joseph the Faithful Steward – Genesis chapter 39
   Joseph’s brothers hated him because of his arrogance and the apparent favoritism shown by their father, and they ended up capturing him one day and selling him off to Egypt – what a messed up family that was!

   He ended up as a servant in the house of a man of status in Egypt, and he faithfully served his master. Moreover, he was great at what he did, and his master recognized him for his gifts:

   “So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him (the master), and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had…so he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate” – 39:4,6

   Joseph, despite being betrayed by his family members, living in a completely foreign land speaking a foreign language, still manages to keep his spirits up, to be faithful, and to do his tasks diligently and with great success.

   Leaders strive in the midst of turmoil. Perhaps the outlook of things look unpromising at the moment, but leaders always make good use of the positions they are in. They will do what is necessary, one small task at a time, so that they gain trust starting from the little that they do.

   Leaders: excel at small tasks, and be faithful and patient through the mundanes and the routines.

3. Joseph the Hopeful Prisoner – Genesis chapter 39
   Just when things are sort of looking up for Joseph, his good looks and charm catches the attention of his master’s wife, and she tries to sleep with him. Presuming he is in his early 20s by now, temptations of lust and power loom over every person at this age. But Joseph didn’t give in- he was faithful to his current job position, and faithful to his master. However unfortunate things turned out, Joseph stood his ground and did not waver in his resolve a bit. That’s total man-points right there. Mad props to ya bro, high five that.

   So the wife tricked her husband into thinking that Joseph slept with her – which he didn’t – and the master threw Joseph in jail. But even in jail, Joseph had success:

   “And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.”

   To be in your 20s and be wrongly accused and put in prison- that could be a dagger to your confidence. But Joseph stayed hopeful. He continued to excel in what he knows best: leadership and management, and God blessed him for that.

   Leaders: stay hopeful, even when things aren’t going your way. People will not only follow leaders with visions, but leaders who will stick through with them through the thick and thin.

4. Joseph the Accomplished Leader – Genesis chapter 41
   Things come round circle at the turning point of Joseph’s life: before he was a reckless teenager who dreams and fantasizes about future things; now we come to a point in the story where he becomes an articulate, matured and experienced leader in interpreting dreams that would affect the survival of a country.

   Read the entire chapter and you will find that Joseph has been given the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase his gifts and talents- in front of the ruler of the entire country of Egypt, which in due respect is one of the most powerful civilizations in that historical period. In his patience and preparation, Joseph has been groomed in character and professionalism, such that when he does approach the throne of Pharaoh, he is able to meticulously unfold and answer every question that Pharaoh has. Pharaoh in turn is pleased with the wisdom of Joseph, and he puts him second in command and in charge of everything in Egypt.

   As a result of Joseph’s leadership qualities, of his faithfulness amidst turmoil, chaos, and change in his life, he was exalted to a position in which his skills can be amplified and utilized, and in return affect the course of a civilization. Moreover, his dreams that he had when he was 17 came to fruition in the most miraculous of ways, and in the end, the reconciliation with his brothers was a beautiful and uplifting ending.

   Leaders: know you are bound for greatness. Know that better and greater things are ahead, so KEEP HUMBLE, and conduct your seemingly menial tasks with diligence, haste, and effectiveness.

Being a great leader takes time and patience. Some people are put in a position to excel at an earlier stage in life, and it is completely ok- we all have gifts, talents, and strengths that some may take longer than others to realize. But it is important to start realizing them, to put life in perspective and continuously reflect on how to be a better person. Joseph probably realized what a dick he was speaking out of place in front of his older brothers. It was evident in the progression of his story that he matured physically, mentally, psychologically, professionally, and wisely.

The Bible states that Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Somehow I’d like to think that something big and exciting will be happening to me in the next couple years. Dreamers gonna dream dream dream…

These are the views and opinions of the author, unaffiliated with any organizations. He would like to encourage you as a reader to interact with the text by making a comment, or by writing to him directly @ jonathancytong@gmail.com