Shepherd Leadership Lessons: Joseph’s Way and His Insights The story has it that Joseph became a shepherd early in life. He took care of the flock with his siblings. During that period, he brought bad reports to his father about what his brothers were doing. Added to the ire that he attracted to himself from that report, he dreamed that his family members bowed to him. That exacerbated the already sour relationship between Joseph and his family members. Joseph’s care for his siblings was also expressed in the manner that he searched for them from the vale of Hebron to Dothan. At Dothan, the siblings conspired against him and dumped him into a pit. Further, they sold him to the Ishmaelites, who brought him into Egypt and again sold him to Potiphar. Joseph’s presence in Potiphar’s house brought prosperity to Potiphar. Nevertheless, Potiphar’s wife made up a false rape accusation against Joseph. As a result, he was imprisoned. However, in prison, he occupied yet another leadership position. The keeper of the prisoners mandated that Joseph take responsibility for his fellow prisoners. He became noticed and had the opportunity to interpret the dreams of the butler and baker of Pharaoh. Having an insight of a better opportunity, Joseph specifically demanded to be mentioned to Pharaoh when the butler was restored to office. Initially the butler forgot, but he later remembered Joseph when Pharaoh had his dreams and needed them interpreted. The interpretation of the dreams of Pharaoh created the opportunity for Joseph to be appointed a prime minister of Egypt. Pharaoh acknowledged Joseph’s advice on peace, discretion, wisdom, and understanding. Genesis 41:16 and 41:33 record, “And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.’” Resulting from this advice, Pharaoh involved Joseph in the leadership of Egypt, where he had the authority to implement decisions and beyond. Pharaoh also provided kingly backing and empowerment. The elevation and empowerment agreed with the standpoint of Proverbs 18:16, which states, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Shepherd leaders are identified by their divine and natural endowments. The incidents in Joseph’s life provide some leadership insights. For instance, we see trust, development orientation, prosperity inclination, blackmail, sacrifice, favor, distinctiveness, relationship, consultation, elevation, implementation orientation, hunger for information, enlightened self-interest, and responsibility.
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 15:00:00 +0000