Dear Leader,
I trust this finds you in pursuit of greatness.
As a student of leadership, I have learned that some of the most profound lessons are not found in boardrooms or classrooms, but in timeless stories that have shaped human history. Recently, I encountered one such lesson while reading the Book of Exodus.
For context, Exodus is the biblical account of the liberation of the Israelites from centuries of slavery in Egypt. Under the leadership of Moses and through divine intervention, a nation was formed, freed, guided, and prepared for destiny. Beyond the miracles and drama lies a powerful leadership framework that remains relevant today.
In Exodus 13:21, the Bible records:
“The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light.”
This single verse captures two core responsibilities of leadership; responsibilities every young leader must understand and embody.
First: Lead the Way
Leadership begins with movement. The pillar of cloud went before the people. This teaches us that leaders do not merely give instructions; they go ahead. Leaders must be the first to explore unfamiliar territory, confront uncertainty, and model the behaviors they expect from others.
To lead the way means to be the first to learn, the first to adapt, the first to take responsibility. Leadership is pathfinding. It is modelling. People trust leaders who are willing to step into the unknown ahead of them, not those who shout directions from behind.
Second: Give Them Light
At night, when visibility was poor and fear could easily set in, the pillar of fire provided light. Light here represents clarity, direction, and solutions. It reassures people that although the journey may be difficult, someone sees the path ahead.
Followers stay committed to leaders who can make sense of complexity, who can offer perspective in confusion, and who can provide hope during dark moments. Leaders give light because they have taken time to understand the way – through learning, reflection, discipline, and experience.
This is a critical truth: people will follow you for as long as they believe you can give them light.
Many aspire to leadership positions, but leadership is not a title. It is a responsibility. If you desire to lead, ask yourself:
- Am I willing to go ahead, even when the path is unclear?
- Am I developing myself enough to provide guidance to others?
- Can those who follow me see more clearly because of my leadership?
As young leaders, our task is not only to arrive at our destination, but to ensure that those entrusted to us are not lost along the way.
May you have the courage to lead the way, and the wisdom to give light.
I’m rooting for you,
The Great Owete