One of the many amazing aspects of the Bible is how it contains not just spiritual insight and guidance, but principles for the day-in day-out life on this planet. We find one of these instances in the sixth through eighth chapters of Joshua.
In the sixth and eight chapters of Joshua, Israel is victorious against opposing people groups, Jericho and Ai, respectively. However things don't go so well in chapter 7. In chapter 7 we learn that Achan has disobeyed a directive from God and as a result He removes his hand of protection from the Hebrews as they attack Ai. This results in a rout of the Israelites.
The scripture is very clear about why the nation of Israel was defeated on their first attack of Ai- the sin of Achan. I do not dare dispute the inspired word of God, but within the stories of Jericho and Ai, I found a leadership principle that was ignored by Joshua.
In the account of the attack on Jericho, the author wrote, "Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord." (Joshua 6:12) He accompanies the fighting men and priests in the attack on Jericho. Later in chapter 8, "So Joshua and all the fighting men arose to go up to Ai." (Joshua 8:3) Once again, Joshua is marching with the soldiers. These two accounts differ greatly from the unsuccessful first attack on Ai.
Joshua 7:4, "So about three thousand men went up there from the people." No where is there a mention of Joshua accompanying this contingent of soldiers. At Jericho, Joshua was there. For the successful attack on Ai, Joshua is in the field. However, Joshua would seem to be resting on his laurels and hanging in his tent in chapter 7.
As a leader it is tempting to close the door and catch up on paperwork. There are phone calls to return. Emails to answer. Reports to write. But leadership happens on the floor of the plant, the classrooms, the hallways. As I am watching the Golden State Warriors make NBA history this season, I am reminded of this princple each game. Whether it is Steve Kerr or the opposing coach, the coaches are sitting on the bench with the players. They are gathering in the sweaty huddles. They are not sitting in a VIP box calling in plays on their iPhones.
Leadership is about being present. Leadership is walking beside. Leadership is joining, not telling.
No comments:
Post a Comment