John Stanko

“You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don’t reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies" - Exodus 5:7-9.

The Pharaoh of Moses' era was the quintessential tyrant whose autocratic ways impacted and devastated his country to such an extent that it never recovered its greatness or stature. He epitomizes the command-and-control leadership style that characterized the Industrial Revolution and is still in vogue today. The 'boss' sits at the top and evaluates the capabilities, motivation, and results of the workers. When the 'boss' is not happy, then the 'boss' cracks the whip to get more of what the 'boss' wants or needs. If the people suffer in the process, the 'boss' does not care and sees the workers as replaceable and expendable parts of production. Contrast the boss with the servant leader, who exercises listening, persuasion, and service not only to get production but also to build up the people.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to determine which leadership style you prefer and exercise: 'boss' or servant. Do you use command-and-control or 'boss' techniques when you lead? Do you use servant tactics when they work well but revert to 'boss' mode when your own back is against the wall? What style would your followers say you employ? Do you read and study the servant leadership model, or any model for that matter, to develop your leadership skills and improve your ability to lead?