Yosef's Dream Interpretation: A Lesson in Management

At the end of Parshat Vayeshev, we are introduced to Yosef, not as the dreamer but rather the dream interpreter. The Head Butler and Head Baker were in jail and they both had dreams that upset them (40:6). In reading the dreams in the seventh aliyah, it’s understandable why the Head Baker’s dream was disturbing: birds eating out of wicker baskets full of bread resting on his head. However when we read the Head Butler’s dream, there does not appear to be any reason to be disturbed: in the dream, the butler is serving Paroh once again. This is just one of the many questions that are asked concerning the two dreams, their similarities and differences.

            

The Netziv has an approach to the episode that suggests an understanding. The Head Butler and Head Baker were in jail, but they were not the ones who actually offended Paroh. They were the supervisors, and their employees made mistakes. Paroh directed his anger at the supervisors and had them incarcerated. The Director of Beverage Services accepted responsibility for the actions of his subordinate. His dream reflected his feelings: Although he was the supervisor, he felt directly responsible for the error, as if he himself had been serving. Yosef’s interpretation was that to make up for his mistake he would be demoted for three days. However since he took responsibility for the actions of his department, he would ultimately be reinstated in his executive position.

            

The Director of Baking Services did not take responsibility and felt that his incarceration was unjustified. That’s why even in his dream he does not actually bake the bread. He sees himself as the head, and that’s why the bread was on his head in the dream. Since he could not accept responsibility, he was dismissed by Paroh- from his job and from his life.

            

Many of the headlines from the corporate world involve CEO’s who are nimbly able to take all the credit but shift all the blame. A lesson from the Netziv’s interpretation is that the Jewish way is that whoever is in a position to get credit must be ready and willing to accept the consequences – whatever they may be.