Issue #59, June 29, 2011
Moses led the people out of Egypt, received God’s commandments on the mountain, and was now ready for action! The first matter needing attention was to build a tabernacle, a place of worship for the new nation. Moses had learned from Jethro that he could not do all the work alone and this time doesn’t even try! He immediately calls others to help and models for all servant leaders six steps to build an effective team.
Select the right members.
(Ex 35:30-35) Moses chose two persons, Bezalel and Oholiab, to lead the team that would construct the tabernacle. Finding the right persons is critical to the success of a team and servant leaders would do well to use the same criteria that Moses used. First, he recognized their character. Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God. Secondly, he chose men with skill, ability and knowledge. Servant leaders look for and expect competence on their team. Finally, he chose men who could teach others. This reflected their leadership capacity. He needed more than workers, he needed leaders.
It is instructive to consider what criteria Moses did not use. He did not choose based on family relationships or tribal affiliation. He did not choose based on demonstrated loyalty to his leadership or give positions as a reward. Servant leaders keep their selection process focused on the right issues: character, competence and capacity.
Recognize them publically.
(Ex 35:30) Moses introduced the team to the nation. Servant leaders ensure that everyone knows what is happening. The team needs to know their responsibilities and accountability, but the larger group also needs to understand the work of the team.
Give them the needed resources.
(Ex 36:3)They received from Moses all the offerings. Moses provided the team with the physical resources they needed. Servant leaders anticipate the needs of the team and ensure that they have what is required for success. This may be physical needs or it may be less tangible needs such as further training or encouragement.
Help them solve problems.
(Ex 36:3-7) Soon after the work began the team encountered a rather unusual problem, the people were bringing too many gifts! Moses dealt with it immediately because it was an issue that caused the work to stop. Servant leaders don’t interfere with the work, but serve their team by recognizes when obstacles need to be removed. They act quickly to release the team to continue working. As soon as this issue was resolved the team continued working and produce incredible results that take four chapters to report. (Ex 36:8 -39:31)
Inspect their work.
(Ex 39:43) Moses recognized that delegation and encouragement do not negate the need for inspection. He released them to do the job and didn’t interfere with the process. Servant leaders hold followers to a high level of accountability and expect results from their teams. They do not look critically but they do look carefully.
Bless their accomplishments.
(Ex 39:43) Moses blessed them. Three simple but profound words describe Moses’ final act with this team. Servant leaders find ways to bless their teams. It may be a simple word of encouragement, public affirmation, a financial reward, time with the leader, greater opportunities for service, or other ways. Servant leaders don’t call attention to their own accomplishments, but bless the teams who work with them.
The background reading for this issue is: Exodus 35-40
For further reflection and discussion:
- Do I have the right people on my team(s)? What criteria do I use to select team members?
- How do I assess the character of my team members?
- In my context, what wrong criteria for choosing team members are common?
- Do I ‘inspect’ the work of my team in ways that clearly call them to accountability?
- Have I publically recognized the role and responsibility of my team?
- What are the resources my team requires? Have I done all I can to ensure that they have these resources?
- What problems does my team face? Which problems should be mine to handle and which ones should I encourage them to solve on their own? Have I acted quickly to remove obstacles for my team to do their work?
- Do I inspect the work of my team often enough? Too often? Do they know clearly what I am looking for and what I expect?
- In what ways can I bless my team? What will motivate them towards continued service?