Less than 40 days after the Israelites had their compelling encounter with the Supreme Being, they did something foolish.  They constructed a golden calf, an idol, an affront to that very Supreme Being that got them out of slavery and let them cross a sea- unscathed- while the Egyptian army perished in that self-same sea. What leadership lessons can we learn from this?

First, I should make it clear that this is not a theological discussion.  (I am willing to engage in one with you, but that is not the purpose of this blog.) It really is about leadership.  And, not from/about the Supreme Being- but lessons for Moshe (Moses) and us.

The Israelites were following Moshe- they bought into his mission.  Even as the Israelites realized it was their mission, too- and their salvation, they were still following Moshe.  (Don’t believe me? Consider this.  They did not complain to the Supreme Being when they saw the Egyptians barreling down upon them as they were by the sea.  They complained to Moshe that they were better off in Egypt than dying here by the sea.  Oh, they knew the Supreme Being was involved- but they really only knew Moshe, Aharon (Aaron), and Miriam- that’s who they saw.)

Moshe told the Israelites that he was to receive the law.  That he would ascend the mountain and return in 40 days.  But, he obviously wasn’t clear enough.  He meant that he would return after he spent 40 days ON the mountain.  That did not include the day he was going up to the summit.

So, when 40 days elapsed, Moshe’s followers panicked.  And, he was not around to calm them down, to give them new messages or encouragement.  So, the Israelites figured the mission to which they joined was now impossible to achieve.  They lacked leadership. Apparently leaderless, they grabbed for the concepts that others used.  An idol.  A golden calf. For which they gladly gave their treasures.  So, they would be protected- at least the way the rest of the world (as they knew it) was protected.

Our job as leaders is to clearly communicate the mission.  (Obviously, even if we think it is the world’s greatest mission; after all, there is no better mission than the one of the Supreme Being!)  To clearly communicate the expected results.  But, just as importantly, we must insure that there are others available in the organization, who are in concert with the mission and understand the goals and plans. That includes active (not passive) followers.  So, that if we are not present- for that one instant when doubt sets in- all is not lost.

The only gold we want for our organizations is that pot at the end of the rainbow!

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