The story of Moses is one of the most iconic leadership journeys in history. From leading the Israelites out of slavery to guiding them through the wilderness, Moses demonstrated remarkable leadership skills that remain relevant today. Let's uncover timeless principles that inspire and empower leaders in any context.

Respond to Resolve, Not Emotion

Imagine standing in front of a panicked crowd, with fear and uncertainty etched on every face. This was Moses' reality when the Israelites faced the Red Sea. Yet, instead of reacting emotionally, Moses responded with calm resolve, reassuring the people and focusing on their mission. This ability to remain level-headed in crisis is a hallmark of effective leadership.

Take Responsibility for the Culture You Create

As a leader, you're not just responsible for your own actions; you set the tone for your entire team. Moses understood this, taking charge and calming the situation with his presence. He didn’t join the Israelites to complain when faced with the Red Sea; instead, he calmed the situation. Being aware of our impact on our team's morale and productivity creates a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and success.

Take Your Emotions to God

Leadership will stretch your emotions, but wisdom knows where to take them. When the people begged Moses to return to Egypt, he didn’t lash out or unload his frustration on them. He took it to God. And in that quiet exchange, he received directions. That’s the power of restraint and divine guidance: it turns emotional chaos into a purposeful response.

Maximize What You Have

It is easy to focus on what we don’t have, forgetting the power of what is already in our hands. Moses didn’t wait for more qualifications. He used what he had, and God multiplied it. Stop saying, “I’m not wise enough,” or “I can’t do this.” Don’t disqualify yourself. I once thought I couldn’t write a book—but I invested, I learned, and Life in the Wild was born. When we steward what’s in us, even the impossible starts to bend.

Invest in Yourself

Leadership development requires intentional investment in oneself. By acquiring new skills, seeking mentorship, and working hard, we can grow into the leaders we're meant to be. Investing in yourself may take a long time. I didn’t learn how to write a book in a day. I learned to give myself time. I was patient so I could achieve what I wanted for myself. Moses' journey is a testament to the power of self-improvement and lifelong learning.

Don’t blame people, take responsibility!

True leaders don’t play the blame game—they take ownership. Moses stood before the people, not to point fingers, but to take responsibility and seek God’s direction. He didn’t let pressure from the crowd dictate his actions; he chose what was right over what was popular. When we lead with that kind of integrity, we build a culture where accountability thrives, and manipulation loses its grip.

Empower Your Team

An empowered team lightens your load and multiplies impact. Moses understood this when he delegated tasks and trusted others to lead. Give your team room to try, to mess up, and to learn. Let them fail forward. Correct, guide, and teach, because growth comes through experience. The first mistake usually isn’t repeated when it’s been owned and learned from. That’s how leaders are made.

Be the best example of your cultural values

I scheduled a 7:00 AM meeting and showed up right on time, but my team trickled in five or thirty minutes late. For the next meeting, I changed my approach. I arrived an hour early, called my team, and let them know I was already there. Guess what? They showed up early, too.
As creative leaders, we set the tone.

Our actions speak louder than our words. Moses lived this, leading with integrity, humility, and compassion. When we model what we expect, we shape the culture we want to see.

Encourage your followers

Showing up early was my way of saying, “We can do better.” As leaders, we must inspire growth, not just demand it. Moses understood this principle. Despite the constant complaints, he never gave up on his people. He kept pushing them forward, step by step. To lead well, you need patience, the kind that walks with your team, not ahead of them.

Finally, Be honest and clear

Many leaders shy away from the truth, worried that honesty might drive people away. “If I tell them this, they’ll stop trusting me,” they think. So they sugarcoat, or worse, they lie. Real leadership doesn’t hide behind comfort. As a leader, clarity and honesty are your foundation. Trust takes time to build. Why not build it with truth? Grow slow if you must, but grow with integrity.

Timeless Principles for Creative Leaders