Jethro's Management Principles (Part 2)

Continued from Part 1
3. CONSULTATION

Jethro exceeded Moses in his administration and management. But Moses excelled in the things of God and what he was called into. Yet Moses applied his ears to listen. He did not think that this will undermine or diminish his authority in any way.

A. Jethro’s Counsel (V 19, 20)

v19 Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. v20 And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

Jethro and Moses face to face:

- Listen now to my voice (Basic courtesy)
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19
- I will give you counsel.

Moses and God:

- God will be with you: (God must be in it)
- Stand before God for the people. (Lead people to God)
- Bring the difficulties to God. (God will undertake the burden)

Moses and the People:

- Teach them the statutes and the laws.
- Show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.

B. Jethro’s Mobilisation Advice (V 21, 22a)

v21 Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.22 And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge.

Moreover (Emphasis)

Selection based on traits first and abilities

- Traits, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness;
- Ability, place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Apply:
The Work Process and Requirements

- Let them judge the people at all times.
- Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge.

4. EXECUTION (VV 22b, 23)

v22So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.23 If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace."

A. Results of Execution of Jethro's Counsel (v 22b, 23)

- People will bear the burden with you.
- Make sure God commands it (Jethro honors God).
- You will be able to endure, and all these people will also go to their place in peace.

Apply:
Moses listened and did everything that was advised. (v24)

Selection, Training and Organising

Moses select and train able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Moses Capacity Building (Re-engineering)

Moses leadership was at a state of decline due to lack of administrative wisdom. God sent Jethro as the re-engineer and capacity builder.

Capacity builiding is the release from inertia. It requires some outside help in the form of a personality or system that produces momentum for positive development to take place.

This development is internally sustainable by local people after the external push is removed.