“In Parshat Bamidbar, God wants to take a census and says to Moshe, ” and with you shall be one man from each tribe; a man who is a leader.” Every tribe only had one leader. There were plenty people qualified to manage others, however there was just one to lead them amongst the group. What is the difference between someone managing others as opposed to leading others?

The first thing is to understand the reason a leader is so rare is because leaders don’t come from just saying you want to lead. In order to be a leader, you must have followers behind you. Someone can be the best at whatever he does, however if no one realizes this, he won’t ever become anything great- he won’t even become a leader at all! If people don’t follow, then they are simply being managed instead.

This distinction, can make a tremendous impact in what we do in day to day life once we fully understand it. In some way or other, all of us want to change the world and make a difference. However to think we can do it single handedly is foolish. We must realize the fact that we need a team effort in order to get things done. To accomplish true and lasting change requires the will and desire of others to fulfill and larger mission.

The key to getting others to follow is to show your true committment and enthusiasm to that which you are doing. After you will naturally radiate enormous enthusiasm. And with the energy and plan for success, flocks will come to your cause. But you must never forget the mission. In whatever thing you are doing, you mist set your eyes straight to the goal and never let go. This, in addition to the wisdom to know that building comes with others help and not making it about your personal ego was the key for the leaders that led Bnei Yisrael to the Promised Land. They lead, but they knew they needed the help of their followers and couldn’t do everything themselves.

We can learn from them. Stand up and lead! You might gain followers quickly and fulfill your mission. Perhaps you too can lead your nation to the Promised Land one day too.” -Reuvie Goodwin