Finding your next mountain
The key to successful transitions in the family business (Exodus 19:2-6)
Moses has been in a role of rescuing the Israelites. He negotiated with Pharoah, led them out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, through survival in the wilderness, and presided over the battle with Amalek. In my last reflection, we see Moses moving into a role of governing the Israelites, and his father-in-law helps him think about how to lead. Moses is now transitioning to the role of lawgiver, and in that role shift, he comes to Mt. Sinai.
They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” (Exodus 19:2-6)
As the Israelites move through the wilderness, they come to Mt. Sinai. God speaks to Moses from the mountain, setting the stage for his communication of God’s commandments. It is a place where Moses’ role in his community begins to change. The mountain is a symbol of his transition.
A mountain is a wonderful metaphor for generational transitions in a family businesses.1 For a family member to successfully step out of their current leadership role — what we might consider their “first mountain” — they need to find their “second mountain,” a challenge that promises a different kind of climb. The second mountain is something other than running the business, measured by something other than typical asset, production, or financial metrics. It might involve charity or mission work, service on business or industry boards, finding new hobbies, volunteering, traveling, consulting, writing, teaching, speaking, or coaching.
The first mountain is often about achieving and recognizing your business success. The second mountain is about contributing to others while seeking relational and spiritual significance. The transition is seldom easy, and like our biblical story, often happens in the middle of a wilderness experience.
Have you experienced a shift in your role in the family business — or do you need to shift your role in the near future? Do you have clarity about what the second mountain might be for you?