How do you motivate someone who is well-intentioned but too passive? For Deborah, the answer was a single monosyllabic word: Up. Captain Moroni used a similar expression to convey his urgency: "up and doing." In both cases, their words were brief and direct, modeling the decisive action they were calling for.
Jethro and Mosiah on Collaborative Leadership
Jethro counseled Moses to share the burden of leadership, warning him that he was burning himself out. Mosiah explained the same principle to his people: don't expect the leader to do all the work. The bad news is the leader can't do it all; the good news is they don't have to.
The More They Afflicted Them…
Leadership by compulsion trades long-term loyalty for short-term compliance. Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites, and they multiplied. Noah oppressed his people, and they rebelled against him. In contrast, Benjamin earned his people's trust by serving them. Only leadership by persuasion can yield durable results.
Persuasion
God leads by persuasion, not coercion, because His goal is our long-term growth, not immediate compliance. As his disciples, we should lead the same way: sharing truth with clarity and gentleness as we humbly and patiently persuade others to make wise decisions.
Weeping for Zion
An essential characteristic of a Christlike leader is love for those they serve. God explained that He called Joseph Smith to establish His church because of his "weeping for Zion," praying with diligence and with deep desire for the eternal welfare of others.
None Other Work
The Lord told the ancient prophet Joseph that He would command Joseph Smith to do "none other work" than what he had been given to do. We can apply this principle by fulfilling our assignments well and not doing someone else's job for them.
Noah, Babylon, and the Slipperiness of Political Power
King Noah trusted too much in his political power and failed to recognize the real dangers he and his people faced. When his power failed, it was sudden and dramatic. The king of Babylon suffered a similar fate. Worldly power and influence is temporary.
King of the Mountain
Several Jaredite kings learned the hard way that obtaining power by treachery doesn't set you up for long-term success. It is much better to be part of a team that is working toward a common goal and supporting one another along the way.
Ether and the Books of Kings
Ether has a lot in common with the books of 1 & 2 Kings in the Old Testament: In both accounts, we see the effects of a leader's character on their nation. Prophets deliver warnings boldly. They are not afraid to share the truth, even when it's unpopular.
“My Sons”
Helaman called the young men whom he led his "sons." He prioritized building strong relationships with them. President Henry B. Eyring observed that students may learn more from the character of the teacher than from the content of the lessons.