Moses is arguably one of the greatest leaders of all time. He was called to accomplish something bigger than himself. When he had to confront the most powerful king of his day, he stood his ground and would not let his mission be thwarted. He led millions of Israelites out of Egypt and out of slavery. He successfully passed on the mantle of leadership to his successor, Joshua. And he did all of this in the midst of difficult trials and complaining followers. I know you’re familiar with his ten commandments, but are you familiar with his ten leadership commandments?

In his book, The Top Ten Leadership Commandments, Hans Finzel explores the successes and hardships of Moses’ leadership. In this book, Dr. Finzel lays out ten leadership principles from the life of Moses that can revolutionize how you lead your business or ministry. These principles are simple enough to grasp but, like Moses, they will take a lifetime to practice.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #1: THOU SHALT CLING TO THE VISION

Big Idea: Where there is no vision, the people don’t follow. It is as simple as that. Vision for a better future, conveyed with genuine passion, is the great motivator.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #2: THOU SHALT NOT SERVE THINE OWN EGO

Big Idea: Reluctance is a common trait of great leadership. It is the foundation for humble leadership.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #3: THOU SHALT PRACTICE SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Big Idea: A servant leader cares more about the good of the organization and its people than his or her own enrichment. Servant leaders are team focused, not self-centered.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #4: THOU SHALT BE OPPOSED, RESISTED, AND MISUNDERSTOOD

Big Idea: Great leaders face great opposition. The bigger the vision, the more some people will resist it. Expect opposition, and learn how to deal with it when it comes.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #5: THOU SHALT HAVE A LIFE

Big Idea: Don’t let work trump family. Because of the intense demands on leaders, it is tempting to get out of balance in our personal lives. Many leaders fail in their professional lives because they lose control of their personal lives.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #6: THOU SHALT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Big Idea: Character always trumps gifting in leadership. And character is made up of many small acts of integrity. Effective leaders have to pay attention to the small stuff even if they are big-picture thinkers.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #7: THOU SHALT SPEND TIME IN THE TENT

Big Idea: Leaders in ministry cannot succeed in the realms of the spirit without the “God factor.” Our relationship with Him affects every aspect of our leadership. Time with God translates into power for His cause.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #8: THOU SHALT LEAD TO LEAVE

Big Idea: Leadership success without successors is failure. We should lead not by hanging on to our positions of authority till the bitter end—but by mentoring future leaders so we leave with grace and open hands.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #9: THOU SHALT NEVER GIVE UP

Big Idea: There are many times we want to quit as leaders. There is not a leader alive who will not face deep waters of loneliness and discouragement.

LEADERSHIP COMMANDMENT #10: THOU SHALT KEEP THINE EYES ON THE PRIZE

Big Idea: Motivation to lead should come from a calling higher than just serving people or making a living. The drive to keep going comes when we serve our values, our God, and our passion, vision, and calling.