When it comes to identifying an area of the Torah from which we can learn both the challenges and successes of leadership - there is no better place than the first few parshiyot of Sefer Shemot. Moshe Rebbeinu maintains a very healthy dialogue with Hashem in these parshiyot. Hashem has chosen Moshe as a leader for the Jewish people, but Moshe continuously pushes back on Hashem. Rashi, in fact, mentions that Hashem spent 7 days urging Moshe to take the task! A closer look at Moshe's objections shows an evolution from feelings of unworthiness, or humility, into a specific characteristic or skill that Moshe believes a leader must possess. To be a smooth, confident communicator.
See the progression below:
"Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and that I should take the Children of Israel out of Egypt?" (Shemot 3:10)
"But they will not believe me and they will not heed my voice" (Shemot 4:1)
Please, my Lord, I am not a man of words... for I am heavy of speech" (Shemot 4:10)
"Behold, the Children of Israel have not listened to me, so how will Pharoah, king of Egypt, listen to me? I have sealed lips!" (Shemot 6:12)
Moshe is insistent that he is not qualified for the position.
The Ramban points out that Moshe contends that he's been tongue tied since his youth. It would therefore seem logical for Hashem, while performing these widely witnessed supernatural events and miracles, to simply cure this challenge and give Moshe the eloquence needed to feel up to the task. But this did not happen! The Ramban and other Mefarshim offer various reasons as to why Hashem did not perform this miracle for Moshe. They include Moshe not praying for this to occur or that Hashem wanted to demonstrate an even greater miracle by having Yitziat Mitzrayim take place through a less than perfect emissary.
However, I believe there is an underlying theme here from which we can learn a very relevant and valuable lesson.
Moshe exhibits a unique characteristic that is essential to anyone in a leadership position. The ability to be self-aware of one's strengths and weaknesses. It's one thing to be humble. Humility is essential; especially in areas where one excels. It's another thing to be honest enough with oneself to admit one's own shortcomings. To take it one step further- a person exhibits a great deal of insight and self-awareness when they can articulate to others those challenge areas that they've identified. It also shows a great deal of maturity.
We all have these "challenge areas". Patience is something that business professionals will consistently identify as an area they need to work on. For others it's working with a team or giving coaching advice at critical moments when important decisions need to be made.
Summer camp counselors have it the worst! They can't punch in at 8am and punch out at 6pm. They are responsible to live with the campers 24 hours a day. They will contend with the social dynamics that they help create from the moment the kids arrive. This is a high stakes situation that doesn't see closure until the buses leave on the last day!
We are working to develop a comfortable coaching culture, where our staff feels both supported and able to rely on each other to navigate through the summer. We can train and learn everything there is to know about how to lead, set rules and effectively manage a bunk of excited campers. However, real preparation involves identifying our strengths and weaknesses and then finding a way to communicate them. We will encourage our staff to reach out for help as well as offer assistance to fellow staff members. Our success this summer will depend on our ability to leverage our collective strengths and experience.
We look forward to a summer of development and growth and hope to exceed our expectations!
