Timeless Lessons About Leadership from the Midrash

Abstract

This paper examines two ancient Midrashim and shows that many important messages about leadership are embedded in them. The first Midrash describes the critical personality trait Moses possessed that made him uniquely suitable to be a leader of the Israelites — compassion. The second Midrash appears heretical since it has Moses correcting God. Indeed, God even openly admits, "You have taught me something." The primary lessons are that leaders must be compassionate, humble, willing to listen to advice, eager to make changes when necessary, and admit to mistakes.