Issue #55, May 4, 2011
Three days after the exuberant celebration of victory over Pharaoh’s army, Moses faces a huge leadership challenge. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” (Exodus 15:24) A few weeks later, more challenges: In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. (Ex. 16:2) A short time later they again grumble about the lack of water. (Ex.17) It was hot, they were tired and hungry, and they expressed their discontentment by grumbling, claiming that Moses and Aaron brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death. (Ex.16:3) What can we learn from Moses about how servant leaders respond when followers are discontent?
Servant leaders cry out to God when facing discontent!
Moses’ first response when people complained was to cry out to God. (Ex. 15:25, 17:4) Servant leaders do not lead alone and do not need to depend on their own resources or wisdom to navigate the challenges of leadership. Thank God we have an ever present leadership coach!
Servant leaders anticipate discontent.
Moses had already been in the desert for 40 years. He knew that it was a harsh environment and that there would be times of thirst and hunger. Furthermore, he understood that followers typically think primarily of their own needs and desires. When difficulties come, their lack of faith is expressed in grumbling. Moses’ followers must have expected to go straight from slavery to a land flowing with milk and honey, but he anticipated a time in the harsh desert.
Servant leaders separate their leadership from the discontent.
The crowd clearly directed their complaints at Moses, but he didn’t take it personally. As a servant leader Moses recognized that the vision was not his and neither were the complaints! He reminds the people, You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord. (Ex.16:8) Leaders need a certain amount of ‘self detachment’ from their role and realize that followers may have issues that have nothing to do with their leadership. Certainly there are times when the discontent of followers is a result of our poor leadership. Then we should ask God to reveal that and change our leadership. But in this case, Moses was not at fault. He was able to separate his leadership role from his own identity and was therefore able to react calmly to the complaints of the crowd. He did not defend his position or authority as leaders are tempted to do when attacked. He did get angry at the disobedience of the followers, but he did not seem to direct his anger at their grumbling, just their disobedience to God’s instructions. (Ex. 6:20)
Servant leaders combat discontent by recasting vision.
As soon as God provided water, through Moses He made a new promise to the people. (Ex.15:26) After providing manna He revealed His glory. (Ex.16:10) Moses realized that the complaints were not a food and water issue, they were a vision issue. When people complain about their salary or working conditions, it may well be that they have lost the vision. Servant leaders will not refuse to address the physical needs but seek to turn people’s attention back to the vision. They help followers interpret the current situation in light of the end goal and call followers to endure present hardships for the sake of future success.
This discontent, as we will see later in our study, would give birth to direct criticism and finally open rebellion. But for now, Moses safely navigated the turbulent waters of discontent and gives us hope that we can also make it through.
The background reading for this issue is: Exodus 15:22-17:15
For further reflection and discussion:
- Have I cried out to God when facing discontent, or do I seek to resolve issues in my own strength?
- How have I dealt with discontent in my organization? Have I taken it personally or am I able to remain detached from the attacks?
- In what ways have my followers expressed discontent in the past six months? Are any of their complaints legitimate leadership issues which I need to address? Who can help me know which ones are leadership issues and which are simply issues of discontent?
- Have I recast the vision for my grumbling followers? Is it clear in my mind that God will take me through the current situation to accomplish His vision?