Moses followed a clear instruction from God to strike the rock (Exodus 17:6) to bring water to the thirsty Israelites. A direct, actionable command in a crisis. Later God changed the instruction to speak to the rock instead (Numbers 20:7-12). However, Moses, relying on past habit, struck the rock again, which displeased God and cost him the privilege of leading his people into the promised land.
Lessons for Operational Leaders
Do Not Let Past Successes Dictate Present Actions
Moses' initial success came by following a clear direction. When the situation evolved, his failure to adapt and trust in the new instruction led to lost opportunity. In dynamic business environments like those in Nigeria or West Africa facing frequent policy shifts, power inconsistencies, and market volatility, leaders must avoid rigidly adhering to "how things were done before." Flexibility and willingness to learn new approaches drive sustainability.
Leadership Requires Trust in New Processes
Moses' mistake was not just action but a lack of trust in the new method. Operational leaders must have confidence in new strategies, tools, or shifts in approach, even if uncertain at the start. For example, embracing digital maintenance schedules or lean supply chain practices instead of relying solely on legacy manual systems can yield long-term gains.
Small Actions Have Big Consequences
Moses' striking rather than speaking was a symbolic but costly misstep, showing how in leadership, even subtle deviations or emotional reactions can affect team morale, trust, and future success. Every operational decision from supplier negotiations to plant scheduling must anticipate its broader impact on cash flow, working capital, and profit margins.
Practical Reflection for Operational Leaders
Where in your operations do you risk repeating past habits instead of adapting to new directives? Are you trusting new technologies, processes, or leadership signals enough to unlock growth?
Contact us to develop adaptive leadership capabilities in your organization.
