Delegation

The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening. When Moses' father-in-law saw everything he was doing for them he asked, "Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you from morning to evening?"

Moses replied to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I make a decision between one man and another. I teach them God's statutes and laws."

"What you are doing is not good," Moses' father-in-law said to him, "You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot do it alone. Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and God be with you. You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him. Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. But you should select from all the people able men, God fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you. If you do this, and god so directs you! you will be able to endure! and also all these people will be ble to go home satisfied."

Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. Exodus 18:13-24

Jethro was a good father-in-law and cared for his son-in-law. He was wise and did not arrogantly assert his opinion. I think that because he had proven his character Moses found it easy to listen to his advice.

Moses did not ask for advice but Jethro gave it anyway and fortunately, because of their relationship, Moses had no problem with accepting it. Have you ever been, as I imagine Moses to have been, very tired at the end of the day and along comes your father-in-law who proffers advice without being asked. This can be offensive in certain circumstaces.

 Scripture tells us that Mosez was humble. Humble people have no trouble accepting advice.

Jethro's advice was good. By taking the advice Moses was freeing himself to do what he alone could do and do best. By instituting a leadership structure he was empowering men under him and bringing respect.

I love delegating and watching the one I give the job to flourish in that authority. This brings me joy. I can do most things but am best served if I do what only I can do and delegate the rest.

Lately I am giving tasks to my employees and they are coming alive and running with the tasks given. Energy is created, fun is brought to the mix and a happy atmosphere exists in the office.

I am refusing to rescue, rather pushing back and saying: " you are well able to sort this out." And they are! They are growing.

It is important that we see ourselves as we are, what is our forte, what can be done by others? Remembering it is not what we expect that gets done, but rather what we inspect. I am still there and involved. There is ready feedback, this is what makes the task fun.