Learning From the Moses/Joshua Transition

The period of leadership transition is one of the most dangerous times for any group or organization.  Even when everything is done right there are no guarantees for the future.  So many variables exists, from the future faithfulness of the new leader to the cooperation of those called to follow the new leadership, success is just not a given.  The world is watching that scenario play out right now with Apple and the death of Steve Jobs.  However, while there are no certainties, there are things from the successful transition of Moses to Joshua that we can learn.  

Most failures in transition seem to involve time.  In essence time is rushed.  It usually involves a lack of foresight.  You would think that any leader or leadership team would continually be looking faithfully into the future because it is the future into which we are called to lead.  Yet, most leaders only look into the future so long as it involves them and their part in the future.  It is difficult for leaders to see their group or organization going beyond them.  If a senior leader cannot see the success of their organization beyond them, they will leave the group ill prepared for the future.  The problem is that the thought of some future transition is painful.  Therefore, they bury their head in the sand and pretend the inevitable won't happen.  It always does in every endeavor.  Back to time.  Timing is rushed because the senior leader refuses to face the future transition until age, health or burnout forces the issue.  Then, far too late, transition must occur.  This process is then rushed and mistakes are made.  In a perfect world good leaders are selfless and are always building their organization to succeed without them and beyond them.  They are preparing others all along the way.

Moses trained Joshua for years.  It is difficult when you read the life and ministry of Moses not to see Joshua present.  At every turn Joshua was there serving and assisting Moses.  When you start reading in Joshua 1 the transition seems so flawless.  You might think that if you haven't read the life of Moses first.  There are so many examples in Scripture.  The reason it was easier for Joshua to face water to be crossed by a miracle of walking through on dry land is because he had seen it before. He had seen every aspect of leadership modeled before him and it was an invaluable asset.     

I have made the mistake in the past of keeping talented people landlocked in a particular job too long because they were doing such a good job.  If these people turn out to be your successor, you have damaged them and the group.  There are ways to allow people to function in a particular area of service while still involving them in the bigger picture.  This is critical for their expansion and the future of the group. 

If you are a senior leader, take time to lift your head above the fray and always be on the lookout for potential leaders and spend time preparing them by including them in the larger scheme of things.  The day will come when you will be glad you did!