If You Want It Done Right, Do It Yourself… Right?

There’s a saying many of us have heard: “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” This idea makes sense to us. We want to do a good job, and it feels easier to just do it all ourselves. As leaders, we can fall into the trap of thinking we have to be involved in every single decision. We try to solve every problem for our family, our team, or our church. We mean well, but we end up becoming a roadblock where everyone has to wait for us. But what if this common saying is actually terrible leadership advice?

The Bible shows us a better way in Exodus 18. Moses was leading the people of Israel after God freed them from Egypt. He was their prophet and their leader. He was also acting as the judge for every single argument the people had. Moses was the perfect example of a man trying to "do it all himself" to make sure it was "done right."

But his father-in-law, Jethro, saw that this was a huge problem. The Bible says, “The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening” (Exodus 18:13). Can you imagine that? According to Exodus 12:37, which states there were "about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children," and also mentioning a "mixed multitude" that went with them, scholars estimate the total population was likely between 2 and 2.5 million people. Moses, one man, was trying to solve the daily problems of a nation that size, all by himself, from morning until evening. The people were tired of waiting, and Moses was getting worn out.

When Jethro saw this, he asked Moses, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” (Exodus 18:14). Moses explained that he was doing God’s work by helping the people. But Jethro’s reply is some of the best leadership advice in the whole Bible. He directly challenged the "do it yourself" mindset, saying, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone” (Exodus 18:17-18).

Jethro’s advice shows us a better way to lead. First, he explained that a leader’s main job is to point people to God. He told Moses, “You shall represent the people before God… and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do” (Exodus 18:19-20). A leader's first duty isn't to solve every small problem. It's to teach people God's rules so they can handle many problems on their own. We are supposed to help people learn God's Word, not just give them all the answers.

Next, Jethro showed that a wise leader learns to delegate. His advice was the exact opposite of "doing it yourself." He said, “Look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens” (Exodus 18:21). This wasn't just about giving work away; it was about trusting other good people to help lead. Notice that these men were chosen for their good character. A biblical leader finds and builds up other leaders.

Finally, this whole system was designed to make sure a leader’s effectiveness is guarded by their ability to concentrate on key priorities. Jethro explained the new plan: “Let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you” (Exodus 18:22). A leader who is stuck dealing with all the small problems will be too tired and busy for the big, important ones. By trusting others with smaller issues, Moses could focus on the most important work that only he could do.

Jethro finished with a promise: “If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace” (Exodus 18:23). When a leader delegates, the leader can sustain his role longer, and the people will be more at peace.

The story ends with Moses humbly taking the advice. He didn't let his pride get in the way. He saw that Jethro was right and put the plan into action.

So, are you trying to do everything yourself? Maybe it’s time to stop following the world's motto and start using God's model. Teach God’s ways, entrust other people to help, and focus on the work that God has given you to do for His glory.

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Mark Hobafcovich, is a Kingdom catalyst, pastor, leader, and author of "Defector: A True Story of Tyranny, Liberty and Purpose" , a memoir chronicling his journey to becoming a disciple of Christ inspiring others to live a purposeful life. 

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