Learning From Parshat VAEIRA

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 Rashi comments that the Almighty commanded Moshe and Aharon to lead them gently.  They were told to have patience in dealing with the Israelites.  This, writes the Shaloh, is a lesson for any person in a position of leadership.  Whenever you are in a position of authority, be very careful not to get angry at the people you are dealing with.  Watch out that you do not scream and shout.  The reward for a leader who has this patience is very great. (Shnai Luchot Habrit, Vaeira)

There are two possible attitudes for a person in a position of leadership.  One is personal power.  The person seeks leadership for his own ego.  He demands that people listen to him because of his selfish vanity.  Such a leader will become angry when people do not follow his orders: “How dare they disobey me.”  His entire focus is on his own success.  The only reason he cares about other people is because that is how he will be successful.  The people he deals with are not his goal, but just a means to an end.  The end being his own self-aggrandizement and power.  Such a leader will get angry easily.  

But the Torah’s ideal of leadership is just the opposite.  The entire goal of leadership is to help as many people as you can.  The focus is on the benefit of the people you are dealing with.  Such a leader’s focus is on being of service to others.  When they are suffering, he realizes that they are likely to be moody and complaining.  The more difficult they are to deal with, the greater the need for patience and tolerance.  That was the Almighty’s command to the first leaders of the Jewish people.  This is the model for all future leaders.  Regardless of whether you have authority over a large amount of people or just a small group such as a class or your own children, this lesson applies to you.  Every difficult encounter is a tool for growing in the trait of patience.  

                                                                       Extracts from "Growth through Torah" by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin