There are two primary methods of communication that business
executives like to utilize: The transmission method and the exchange method.
Traditionally leaders would use the transmission method of communication, where
they speak to the audience and expect everyone to listen. This is the method
used when a CEO lectures his/her employees, possibly making use of a slide
projector or a video to convey information that the audience must ingest as
presented. In recent years institutes that specialize in leadership training
have found that the transmission method of communication is usually a failure.
Today,
the preferred method of communication is generally through exchange, where
instead of a leader speaking to the people, he or she speaks with the people.
Conversations and brainstorming sessions are far more effective than lectures.
The
generation gap between those who left Egypt and those now ready to enter Israel
expressed itself in each one’s preferred method of communication.
The
people who left Egypt had been slaves. They were used to other people making
decisions for them and being told what to do. It is not surprising that they
obediently followed G-d’s commands and Moshe’s leadership. When offered the
Torah they say “Naaseh V’nishma” - We will do and (only after) we will
understand.” When it came time to build the Mishkan the Torah tells us over and
over again in Parshat Pekudei that the people did “as G-d had commanded Moshe”.
Those
who experienced the Exodus had their shortcomings. They complained a lot. They
had trust issues - they found it difficult to trust what Hashem and Moshe said.
And they did a poor job improvising when thrown a curve ball - as the sin of
the golden calf demonstrated. But they excelled in obedience. Their preferred
method of communication was transmission. Tell them what to do and they would
do it. That is why when the people complain for water, they turn to Moshe and
say,
“Tnu Lanu Mayim -
give us water.”
They are completely dependent on Moshe as leader. Since they
listen to everything Moshe says, they expect him to also provide for their
needs.
The
next generation of Bnai Yisrael is more interested in an exchange method of
communication. No longer do they depend exclusively on Moshe. For instance,
they send spies to make sure that the Land is conquerable, even against Moshe’s
advice. Moshe’s leadership is challenged by Korach and his followers and then
by the entire nation. When they are thirsty this generation does not ask Moshe
to give them water. Rather the Torah tells us “Vayikahalu”- the Jews
gather. They invite Moshe to a meeting at which they present their claims and
want answers. They demand to be part of the process. No longer will they be
dictated to. This is the generation who, upon entry to Eretz Yisrael, will be
asked to partner with Hashem in the conquest and then settling the land. They
are active participants in their destiny and want to be treated as such.
Moshe
was chosen as leader because of his ability to tend to his flock. He knew how
to take care of helpless sheep that needed to be told what to do. But no sheep
ever second guess their shepherd. No sheep ever ask to be included in the
decision making of where to graze. This was a task that Moshe was not prepared
nor necessarily suited for. Each generation needs leadership appropriate for
its unique personality and historical period. It is therefore not surprising
that just as the new generation is ready to enter the land, Miriam, Aharon and
finally Moshe exit the scene.
Since
those first two generations, the situation has become more complex and nuanced.
Today, we need both methods of communication. Teachers, parents, employers -
each of us as leaders need to strike a challenging balance: to give direction
while allowing for a sense of independence; to encourage feedback and
brainstorming at times, while laying down the law at others; to promote
dialogue while instilling principles.
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