What Can the Book of Leviticus Teach Us About Contemporary Leadership Accountability?

Could there be a lesson in contemporary leadership accountability found in the biblical book of Leviticus??

KNEE JERK ALERT—a big and holy one.?

This is not a religious post; I promise no evangelical subtext exists, so stay with me.?

In the Jewish tradition, we read a Biblical portion every week so that in a year, we complete the five books of Moses (aka the Old Testament, aka the Torah), and then we begin the cycle again.

We recently began reading the book of Leviticus. (It's the third book.) Truth be told, I usually space out in synagogue for a couple of months during these Saturday, Leviticus readings as it's dry. Leviticus is full of dos and don'ts with lots of ritual detail and a massive focus on sacrifices—not my bag.

But then, I chanced across a comment by the late Chief Rabbi of the UK—Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. He was renowned by many, regardless of religion or faith, for his humanity-based philosophies and deep insight into purposeful and important behavior. (Look him up. You won't waste your time, and my KNEE JERK ALERT from above applies here too.)

Sacks pointed out that in Leviticus chapter 4, we are told about the expiatory sacrifices. These sacrifices were to atone for unintentional sins. (Sorry, premeditated sins don't get off this easy, but alas, another story for another day.)

Clearly, there is a psychological aspect to this. It's the notion that you accept accountability for whatever you did—especially as it was unintentional—no excuses allowed here. You fess up and move on, hopefully, a better person because of the admission..

The text describes three classes of people who are obligated to stand up.

1. Us—the people (everyday, ordinary folk).
2. The High Priest (the supreme religious leader back in the day—like the Pope.)
3. The Leaders. These would be the temporal ones like the king (when there was one) and tribal chiefs (aka the CEOs, you get the point).

Yet, as Lord Rabbi Sacks points out, what is fascinating is the way the text describes the manner of sinning for these three categories. The original Hebrew is critical as most English translations don't get it right.

When the author refers to the people and the High Priest, the text begins with the words "If they sin," meaning they get the benefit of the doubt, maybe they won't. But "if they do," the author then advises what they need to do.

The Leaders are a completely different story. In Hebrew, it says, "When they sin"—not if.

Sacks indicates that it's not that leaders are held to a different standard; it's that they operate to a different standard. Leaders, by definition, are in situations where power, proximity to money, charisma, dependence, and on and on can be used and abused. It's the nature of the job—even inadvertently by the best leaders. Without accountability, without acknowledgment, the Dark Side looms (shades of Darth Vader).

The bottom line...

Don't just ponder the lack of leadership so tragically apparent in our business and political world today. Demand accountability. Self-awareness. Humility. (Humility and accountability are linked, but more on that in another post). In other words, a simple acceptance of F'ING UP with a true and sincere desire to make amends. It's time to do better and learn going forward.

As you follow the news anywhere—business or other—apply the filter. Think of Theranos, FTX, and the latest insider trading scandals. Think of the banks, politicians (everywhere in every country) and religious leaders (yes, as leaders, they count), and on and on.?

And for those contemplating leadership roles…

Keep the text in mind. You will sin—inadvertently—it goes with the territory. But if you are self-aware, listen, and take constructive criticism, if you accept and own accountability and move on to become a better person, you will be that much better of a leader.

ACCOUNTABILITY: it's a necessity.?

What do you think? Share your thoughts below.