In our last look at Moses, we saw how he listened to his father-in-law Jethro and recognized an important truth: the work could not rest on his shoulders alone. Direction, leadership, and care for God’s people had to be shared. That lesson still speaks clearly today—no leader can do it all alone.
As Israel continued its journey through the wilderness, Moses learned another crucial lesson: every person has something valuable to contribute, and everyone matters.
When God instructed His people to build the tabernacle, the task was enormous and highly detailed. Yet Moses approached it with the understanding that such a work would require the collective effort of the entire community—each person contributing their unique skills.
Scripture highlights this beautifully:
Exodus 31: 1-5 “Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded…”
—Exodus 35:10
The people didn’t all do the same work—but together, they accomplished God’s work. Each person used their God-given abilities to contribute to something far greater than themselves.
The Leadership Challenge Today
The tasks before today’s leaders are just as complex. Across organizations, churches, and teams, we hear the same cry: “We need leaders.”
But the real challenge isn’t just finding leaders—it’s creating the environment where those leaders can thrive. Too often, we fail to organize, equip, and channel the energy of willing people into meaningful, effective action.
People want to make a difference. They want to be part of something that matters. Great leaders recognize this and intentionally invest in others, developing them into capable leaders.
A Framework for Leadership: T.E.A.M.
Gene Wilkes, in Jesus on Leadership, outlines four essential elements of effective leadership. Together, they form the acronym T.E.A.M.
T = Togetherness
Leadership is never a solo endeavor. It begins with shared vision and shared purpose.
Moses helped the people understand that each role mattered—that every contribution was vital to the whole. Likewise, leaders today must ensure their teams feel respected, valued, and needed.
Togetherness builds trust.
Leadership expert John Maxwell, quoting Super Bowl-winning coach Dick Vermeil, put it simply:
“You’ve got to establish trust with your players before you can ever lead them. Players will not follow you completely until they can trust you completely.”
Without trust, there is no true leadership.
E = Empowerment
People must be empowered—not just assigned tasks, but entrusted with responsibility.
Moses didn’t stand over every craftsman shaping wood or carving stone. He gave direction, then allowed people to do their work.
We must do the same.
Effective empowerment includes:
- Providing clear expectations
- Supplying necessary resources
- Granting authority to act
Especially for new leaders, clarity is key. Break tasks down to their essential components. While experienced leaders can handle abstraction, newer ones need concrete, actionable steps.
A = Accountability
Empowerment without accountability leads to frustration and failure.
Many leaders make the mistake of stepping back completely after delegating, only to watch things unravel. When leaders aren’t held accountable, the cost—in time, energy, and morale—can be significant.
Accountability requires:
- Clear roles and expectations
- Alignment with each person’s strengths and gifts
- Regular follow-up and evaluation
Michael Hyatt reminds us:
“You take responsibility for the outcomes expected of you—both good and bad. You don’t blame others or the environment.”
Accountability isn’t comfortable. It is hard. It hurts. But it’s essential.
President Harry Truman famously had a sign on his desk that read, “The Buck Stops Here.” As leaders, we must model that mindset—and aim to develop it in our teams as well.
Because if trust is inconsistent, it’s ineffective. If people can’t trust you all the time, they won’t trust you any time.
M = Mentoring
Leadership is never just about today—it’s about preparing the next generation.
Mentoring is a relational investment. It involves opening your life and experience to others and walking alongside them as they grow.
Effective mentoring includes:
- Teaching and equipping
- Coaching and guiding
- Encouraging and supporting
Those who have developed skills have a responsibility to pass them on. Strong leaders don’t just lead—they multiply leaders.
Final Thoughts
Leadership is an ongoing process. Your people will continually need togetherness, empowerment, accountability, and mentoring.
Zig Ziglar said:
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we need it daily.”
The same is true of leadership. It’s not a one-time effort—it’s a daily commitment.
How We Can Help
Engage Coaching and Consulting offers resources designed to help you build and strengthen your team. Everything we provide is flexible and tailored to your needs.
If you’re ready to develop stronger leaders and a more effective team, let’s connect. Reach out by email, and we can start a conversation about how we can work together. drmikefriesz@sbcglobal.net
