Joseph was both a leader and a great manager. In him, the Call of God, the Gifting of God, and what he gained in competence integrate to make him a formidable leader. Joseph was seventeen years old when he was sold as a slave. (Genesis 37:2) When he stood before Pharaoh, he was thirty years old, and before that, he had spent two years in prison. (Genesis 41:1,46) In this faith journey, the Lord was with him.
Graduate and postgraduate in management
It was a long time of thirteen years spent in his education, training, skill acquisition, and the shaping of a personality for greater service: the first eleven in Potiphar’s home and the next two in prison.
School of General Management
The progress in learning for Joseph was steady, and he adapted quickly to the environment. He learnt stewardship before leadership.
First, there was his language study. He was familiar with the language spoken at home, perhaps a dialect in that region. Now he had to learn the Egyptian language.
Second, he had to learn the Egyptian culture. The way of doing things, behavior, etiquette, social norms, space, time, speech, posture, attitude and many other day-to-day activities.
Third, he needed to learn ways of doing his work and tasks. Each culture has its unique way of fulfilling daily tasks.
Four, learning to write, take memory notes, take written notes, keep accounts, knowing people, take orders from Potiphar, understand Potiphar’s expectations, recruiting servants, allotting tasks, training workers, supervising and managing all personnel in the household. Except for Potiphar’s wife and the kitchen, all were under his direction.
Five, he had hands-on experience in handling personnel, assets, storehouse, household management, communication, agriculture, cattle, hospitality, security as the captain of the guard, and day-to-day operations.
School of Special Management
The two years were spent specializing in Palace protocol and Empire administration. The fellow inmates in the prison had served in the palace and taught Joseph the dos and don’ts. Also, Joseph got key insights to administer the Empire.
Do I see God’s hand in training and shaping me for fulfilling His call in my life?