CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Joshua Next in Line - Successful Successors
For many businesspeople, the business represents their life’s work and when they want to retire they would like to see it continue. Nearing his death, Moses realized he would have to appoint a worthy successor, someone who could continue where he had left off, someone who would be able to continue with the ‘vision’. His own sons did not make the grade, his brother, Aaron was dead, so he needed to look elsewhere for someone to continue the work. That someone was Joshua, the son of Nun.
Like the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, businesses are an extension of the one who started them, and in most cases, the desire of the originator is that his own children would take over and continue where he left off. The problems arise when those children do not have the same vision or desire, and want to pursue their own interests. Then it is time to ask some serious questions? Is the business worth it? Is there a reason to continue and if so who will be the ideal candidate to takeover?
In Biblical times, it was the norm for the eldest son to succeed the father, but on numerous occasions, God sought out the best man for the job, not the best family member.
Moses knew it was vital that the work God started through him continue, and his own children were not up to the task. Looking outside his own household he found Joshua willing and able.
Joshua began his training from an early age and for 40 years he supported Moses, and led the army. He was one of the original spies to see Canaan for the first time and one of only two who approved immediate occupation of the Promised Land.
Allied to Moses, with the same vision, experienced in the art of war, he was the ideal successor to Moses, to continue where Moses let off. Moses had established the Israelites as a nation; it was for Joshua to establish them in Canaan.
At the death of Joshua, it was not his sons, but Caleb, his onetime espionage partner, who was chosen to lead the people.
Eli, chief priest in the temple, had two sons, also in training and employed in temple duties, but God saw that they were unfit to follow in their father’s footsteps, so He chose Samuel.
On the surface, King Saul, had a very able son in Jonathan, but God had Samuel anoint an unknown shepherd boy, David, to follow Saul as king.
So many businesses fail as a result of mistaken employment possibilities, people placed in positions they are not capable of filling, or given promotions when they are incapable of doing the work. Sometimes, they do not even desire the position, but as a result of family expectations and traditions, they take up office, only for the business to collapse or retreat.
Solomon wisely noted:
There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error which proceedeth from the ruler:
Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.
(Eccl.10:5-7)
When it comes to successions, it is vital to appoint someone who at least shares the vision, who has the passion and drive to see the business succeed.
Moses, when God wanted to destroy the Israelites, was more than willing to die in their stead, because his vision was to see them, one nation united under one God, in their own homeland.
Isaac, had two sons, Esau and Jacob, God had placed in Abraham and Isaac a vision of a nation formed out of them that would dwell in the land they occupied. The thought was that son would succeed father till the vision succeeded. The rule of the day was that the eldest son should take over from the father, but God saw more than just the norm and allowed Jacob to deceive Isaac, because Esau had married foreign women and thus become ineligible.
If the business is being run for one purpose only, that being to make money, with no beneficial purpose, no thought to people, no thought to improvement or well-being, it might be best to sell it, rather than allow it to further taint the landscape. What value is there in having a fool at the helm, as happened in Israel when kings not dedicated to the vision of one nation under one God, succeeded to the throne? They lost their purpose, their vision, their unity and God removed the nation driving them into slavery, that they might regain their purpose, their sight.
Succession is not only for family and business, but ideals and vision, and the right people have to be found to further those ideals and they have to be appointed at the right time so that they can learn while the owner is still able to help.
Succession is important to survival, and needs to be handled as soon as possible so that the reins do not become slack. Succession ensures longevity and continuance; it is what keeps our society stable. Even in politics and government, the most critical and vulnerable moments in a country’s history are the moments of transition, from one government to another, one ruler to another. Care has to be taken that one’s successor is familiar with the business. Often, the owner of the business tends to hang on too long, creating a vacuum, in which uncertainty takes hold.
This happened with David who delayed the naming of his successor, a position he had promised to Solomon, son of Bathsheba. When it became obvious that David was dying, Adonijah stepped in and proclaimed himself king, destabilizing the monarchy, undermining security and creating an enemy within the palace. (1Kings 1)
Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob, dreamt of power, of having sway over his brothers and father, it almost cost him his life. Who was this fanciful upstart who thought to tell them? Even though he was Jacob’s favorite, he had not yet earned their respect. Respect comes not through fancy clothes and dreams, it comes through work, and work is what business is all about.
It would take years for Joseph to prove himself, not only to his father and his brothers, but also to himself.
Succession is an inheritance and should be given to the most deserving. You will not squander your hard earned money on someone you know will waste it. You take care to ensure that the money will be managed well. Do the same with your business. It is your legacy.