THE VISIBLE TRAITS OF A GREAT LEADER

 

In all of human history, Joseph stands as one of the greatest leaders of all time. Just like Noah, he was single-handedly used by God to save the entire world. What made Joseph greater than the rest when the need for leadership arose in Egypt?

A GREAT LEADER ADMITS HIS INABILITY AND GOD'S ABILITY

¹⁵ Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said about you that you can hear a dream and interpret it.” ¹⁶ “I am not able to,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Ge 41:15–16)

Pharaoh looked to Joseph for the interpretation of his dream. Joseph could have taken the glory unto himself, but instead he instantly and fully deflected the attention to God. He admitted his inability and God’s ability.

Humble leaders will always admit their weakness when needed. But they will quickly and confidently rely upon the greatness of God.

GREAT LEADERS RESPOND IN FAITH

Joseph didn’t merely admit his inability and announce the problem; he confidently confessed his faith in God’s sufficient ability. “God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (vs. 16)

Our great task as leaders is to lead people to trust God and follow Him. Anything less is a leadership failure. Great leaders help others believe in God.

GREAT LEADERS ARE PRO-ACTIVE WITH PLANS

³³ “So now, let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. ³⁴ Let Pharaoh do this: Let him appoint overseers over the land and take a fifth of the harvest of the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. (Ge 41:33–34)

Joseph didn’t merely show Pharaoh what God was going to do during the famine. He immediately offered a wise plan to take care of the problem. This plan, as everything else in Joseph’s life, was obviously God-initiated. And God’s plans work.

Good leaders are always looking to the Lord for wise, practical solutions, and they are aggressive in stepping forward with practical, successful leadership ideas.

GREAT LEADERS LEAD IN WAYS THAT GLORIFY GOD

Can we find anyone like this, a man who has God’s spirit in him?” ³⁹ So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. ⁴⁰ You will be over my house, and all my people will obey your commands.^, Only I, as king, will be greater than you.” (Ge 41:38–40)

Joseph’s dependence upon God was so real and visible that Pharaoh instantly began to speak God’s language. If we are leading rightly, others around us will know without question that God is in the equation. And, as God answers, He will be glorified, not the leader.