Thirteen Traits in Thirteen Years: A Leadership Journey from Shepherd to Prime Minister

December 3, 2025

Thirteen Traits in Thirteen Years: A Leadership Journey from Shepherd to Prime Minister

Richard T. Hawk | 2017

Abstract

Joseph’s ascension from Canaanite shepherd to Egyptian Prime Minister, second in power only to Pharaoh, was an arduous journey fraught with separation, heartbreak, accusations, and setbacks. Along the way, the favor of God was sovereignly displayed in Joseph’s life, resulting in the saving of Jacob’s family, the Israelite people, and all the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, from a seven-year famine.Joseph’s tenacious faith kept him tethered to his God and along the way Joseph grew in his leadership capacity, being equipped to accomplish his God-sized purpose. Emerging on the scene as a seventeen-year old shepherd boy and developing into a thirty-year old government official, he was exposed to every misfortune in between. Joseph embraced thirteen leadership traits in thirteen years that resulted in his grand achievement and noble success. Not contented to relegate that accomplishment to one person some four thousand years ago, this author argues that modern-day leaders can trust God to unfold His purpose and plan in their life, and through faith and obedience, they can realize their own life of significance.

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