leading Innov

1.1 Devotional – Joseph

Getting Started

Change often comes about in crisis. Joseph learned the hard way that to survive, he had to change and innovate. Born into position as the favorite son, he was stripped of his coat and his identity when his jealous brothers threw him into a pit and then sold him into slavery. He experienced a personal crisis in which he had to adapt to survive. Joseph did not let his circumstances get him down as he worked for his master and rose in favor and position. After being falsely accused and thrown into prison, Joseph willingly worked his way up as a trusted prisoner and eventually, interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh. Egypt was about to be in crisis, and Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph that he placed him in charge of Egypt.

Consider how Joseph led Egypt in the harvesting and storage of good crops for seven years in preparation for the famine. At the time Joseph suggested storing the grain and resources, no one else was preparing in that manner. Joseph demonstrated the foresight to prepare for the coming changes. In this example, we see Joseph engaging in innovative behaviors and the change process.

Joseph personally underwent change, so much so, that when his brothers came to Egypt, they did not even recognize him as the younger brother whom they sold into slavery so many years ago. He also went through an internal change as he grew and matured.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Reflect on personal willingness to lead organizational change and innovation.

Background Information

Throughout this course on innovation and organizational change, we are going to consider how people in the Bible, mostly judges, led their people. This week, however, we will consider Joseph and how he grew in his leadership through change and innovation behaviors.   

Access the drop-down below to read or listen to Genesis 41.

Pharaoh's Dreams - Genesis 41

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review the information in the Getting Started section.

3. You may want to refer to your personal Bible for a preferred translation of the story of Joseph in Genesis 41.

4. Write a half-page reflection paper (Word document) that shares what sticks out to you about how Joseph led Egypt through a change process.

a. Consider how he led Egypt through a national and regional crisis. What multicultural concerns might he have faced as he led a country that was different from his own? Also, consider the personal change process he went through internally as he grew and matured.

b. How would you have responded if you were in Joseph’s situation? Include your thoughts/perspectives on your beliefs and motivations regarding change.

c. How might a person’s cul tural background influence their personal beliefs on change and motivations?

5. Reflection papers are to be written in accordance with  APA Guidelines (7th ed.) (new tab)  including format guidelines. Students do not need to include a reference page as this is a reflection assignment.

6. Papers must be logical, well organized, grammatically correct, and have correct spelling and sentence structure.  Write in complete paragraphs.  

a.