516: Pharaoh Was a Servant-Leader, Part 2

I would guess that you never considered a Pharaoh to be a servant-leader from whom you could learn leadership lessons?  That is exactly what I am proposing as we study the leadership style of Joseph's Pharaoh as described in Genesis 37-50.  If you missed Part One last week, you can catch up here.  After that, let's take a look at the next five lessons to learn from the life of this amazing leader.  Then, there will be five more lessons next week, so pay close attention (I know I originally said there were ten, but I was wrong - there are fifteen lessons.) There may be a quiz after that.

FIVE MORE LESSONS

6. Pharaoh recognized talent, gifting and “special ability.” In Genesis 47, Joseph brought five of his brothers to meet Pharaoh. When Pharaoh asked them what they did, they responded that they were shepherds. Pharaoh then made a revealing statement: “If any of them have special ability, put them over my own flocks” (Genesis 47:6). He didn’t give Joseph’s brothers a job because they needed one or because they were Joseph’s brothers. He only wanted those with “special ability” to serve on his leadership team.

Pharaoh knew that world-class results come from employing world-class leaders and managers. Pharaoh had the good sense to hire Joseph but he also restored the right man in his cupbearer, for he was the one who eventually led Pharaoh to Joseph. Hopefully someone on your team can recognize talent. It doesn’t have to be the lead person. When you find someone with that ability, listen to that person. They will save you much aggravation and the pain of a bad hire. And don’t ever hire anyone only because they need a job or are related to you or someone already on staff.

7. Pharaoh promoted youth. Joseph was only 30 years old when he entered Pharaoh’s court. Don’t be prejudiced against youth. If you find someone who is talented, hire that person, regardless of their age. Youth can lack experience, but they do have energy and they don’t know enough to prevent them from doing saying what everyone has said is impossible.

8. Pharaoh hired someone with a shady past and no previous experience. Up to this point, Joseph only had leadership experience in Potiphar’s house and the prison. He also had an accusation of sexual harassment hanging over him from Potiphar. Pharaoh looked past that, however, to the needs that only Joseph could address. Almost anyone with talent will have some negatives; you can’t find perfect hires. So stop trying and instead find and work with the best talent you can discover.

9. Pharaoh gave authority and established boundaries. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of everything except “the throne.” He put Joseph in charge of operations to store food for the famine and then to distribute food in the famine. Joseph’s job description and expectations were clear; there was no ambiguity. While Joseph’s hiring was a quick one, his job description was clear and well thought out.

10. Pharaoh was secure in his leadership and had Joseph with him “in the chariot.” Pharaoh had Joseph ride in the chariot as “second-in-command.” I have a picture in my mind that Pharaoh was in the same chariot or at least close by. When people honored Joseph, Pharaoh was secure enough that he wasn’t threatened by Joseph’s wisdom, power or position. Pharaoh was secure in his own leadership. He was taking a chance by putting this newcomer in charge, but Pharaoh still shared his power and prestige with this man recently released from prison. 

There you have it - the middle five lessons from Pharaoh's leadership style.  Tune in next week for the last five lessons.  More importantly, work to apply what you have read last week and this, for the need for servant-leaders who can lead and manage like this Pharaoh has never been greater.  Have a great week!

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    Read the last nine entries on servant-leadership here.

Comments

[Mrs Pauline Small]

Your Monday Memo just gets better and better. I have been following you over the years and have put many of the things you have written into practise.
The monday memo picks up from the Sunday message and carries me through the week and beyond. Thank you
Pauline Small (nee Moore)

[Emelda Mulenga]

I have always associated Pharaoh with slavery for the Israelites. I have never looked at the good side of him. This memo has given me insight.