“Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.” (Exodus 18: 24-25 New Living Translation)
Yesterday I said that we would look at delegation, a sequel to “Two Sides Of Advice.” Moses’ actions after receiving good advice from his father-in-law shows us a few things about the art of delegating. Moses gave some thought to who he would delegate some of his duties to, “capable men.” There capable men were different in that they were from all over Israel. This is worth pointing out because it shows that Moses did not rush to delegate to just anybody or those nearby out of convenience. Picking individuals that the people could identify with was a good choice. Moses determined their assignments. He made good choices to because it appears that these men, chosen to deal with other people, a daunting task at times, were available, accessible, and approachable. Moses defined an imaginary line expressing where their empowerment ended and when they were to bring things to him. He made it clear where their delegated duties started and where they stopped. The text above says, “They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.”
Not included in the passage above are a few more things about the art of delegating. For instance, one must follow-up on how the delegated duties are being carried out from time to time. Don’t follow-up to the point that you might as will not have delegated the work. Just check in every now and then, keeping the lines of communication open. Those who you have delegated to will appreciate you for doing so. And, their self-esteem will be bolstered, perceiving that you indeed trust them. Also, make sure that you are available, accessible, and approachable; ready to provide them with wise counsel as needed, including leading them to do things correctly when required to do so. Keep the “open door” open. Finally, thank God for those individuals you can delegate to, either on the job or in the church; in your ministry, and in your family. I’m thankful for each person in the church who serves and takes care of so many matters that I can attend to the ministry of the word, in teaching, preaching, and writing. If you are reading this and you are one of those leaders, “Thank you!”
In case someone reads this meditation and says, “This will not help me right now,” then my good advice from one of the “two sides of advice,” is that you go over it again, store it away for the day that it will come in handy, useful. Have a good Friday! Be blessed!
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. “ (2 Timothy 2:2 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King