WHEN MENTEES WIN: The Test of True Leadership

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“So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” — Exodus 17:13 (NKJV)

Introduction

Leadership is not fully tested in moments of personal achievement, but in how one responds to the achievements of others—especially those they have trained. Exodus 17:13 subtly introduces a potential tension often found in mentor-mentee dynamics: What happens when the student begins to succeed?

Joshua defeated Amalek, but it was Moses who had given the command. Yet, Scripture records Joshua’s name in association with the victory. This singular verse holds deep insight into the hearts of leaders and the health of leadership relationships.

1. The Insecurity That Success Can Awaken

When a leader sees their mentee gaining visibility, receiving praise, or achieving tangible results, it can stir insecurities if the heart is not anchored in humility and vision. This was the flaw of King Saul:

“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” — 1 Samuel 18:7

Rather than celebrating David’s success as a national victory—and as a win under his kingship—Saul saw it as a personal threat. The celebration of David’s accomplishment became Saul’s downfall. Envy turned him from king to killer.

In contrast, Moses remained secure. Though Moses is the author of the book of Exodus, he didn’t interrupt the record to insist, “It was my hands lifted up that brought victory!” He attributed the victory to Joshua. But insecure leaders would have sidelined Joshua’s name. True leaders don’t compete with those they train—they complete them.

2. The Mark of a Secure Leader

Moses’ lack of insecurity in Exodus 17:13 reveals a mature and secure leader. His goal was Israel’s success, not his own applause. He didn’t mind that Joshua was mentioned as the victor because the victory was the fruit of teamwork, trust, and delegation.

Leadership expert Patrick Lencioni in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, notes that the absence of ego is key to collective success. Leaders who are humble and emotionally secure build healthier teams and more resilient successors.

3. True Mentorship Aims at Independence, Not Perpetual Dependence

If a mentee cannot succeed without the mentor, then the mentorship has failed. The goal of every leader should be the empowerment of others to stand strong and succeed even in their absence.

Jesus demonstrated this brilliantly. When His disciples came back with joyful testimonies, He didn’t downplay their impact. Instead, He affirmed it and used it to deepen their understanding of eternal perspective (Luke 10:17–20).

Jesus didn’t say, “You succeeded only because I gave you authority.” Rather, He celebrated their fruitfulness, then gently reminded them of the greater joy: “Rejoice not that the spirits are subject to you, but that your names are written in heaven.”

4. The Success of Mentees Is the Legacy of Mentors

The true legacy of Moses was not just in parting the Red Sea or receiving the law—it was also in mentoring Joshua, who would eventually lead Israel into the Promised Land.

“The greatest use of leadership is to develop others to lead.” — John C. Maxwell

The victories of those under you are extensions of your investment, not threats to your identity. Mentors must develop the emotional and spiritual maturity to applaud when their protégés rise. This is the spirit of multiplication, not competition.

5. Guarding Against the Spirit of Saul

Saul was anointed, but insecure. His jealousy of David was not rooted in David’s wrongdoing, but in Saul’s fear of replacement. His heart was not aligned with God’s mission—it was tethered to his personal position.

Mentors today must be vigilant against the spirit of Saul:

1. When we feel forgotten while our mentees are praised.
2. When we sabotage or delay others’ progress out of fear of being outshined.
3. When we measure our success by visibility rather than impact.

Let us be reminded: If your mentee wins, you win. The war is not between mentor and mentee, but against Amalek.

6. Cultivating a Celebratory Culture Among Leaders

Healthy leadership communities are marked by celebration, not suspicion. When mentees win, mentors should:

• Publicly affirm their efforts.
• Use the opportunity to elevate them further.
• Celebrate quietly before God for the fruit of their labor.

Jesus said, “Greater works than these shall you do…” (John 14:12). That is the cry of a leader unafraid of being surpassed.

Conclusion: The Victory Belongs to All

In Exodus 17, the battle was won by Joshua’s sword, Moses’ raised hands, Aaron and Hur’s support, and God’s power. It was a shared victory, but Joshua’s name was on the line.

That did not break Moses. It proved him.

True leaders are not afraid when the light shines on their mentees. They built the stage, handed over the microphone, and sit back with joy as their investment produces impact.

If you’re a mentor—let them win.

If you’re a mentee—win with humility.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

• Celebrate the victories of those you train.
• Resist the urge to control the narrative or take back the spotlight.
• Remember: Your legacy is best seen in their fruit, not your fame.
• Mentor with the end in mind—the mentee becoming better than you.