In the bible, we learn that Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses. Shortly before the story of the Ten Commandments in Exodus, Jethro cautions Moses that he cannot be the permanent judge to hundreds of thousands of wandering people. The solution would be to appoint a council of seventy wise elders.

There is an old Jewish joke – if there are two Jews in a room, you will receive three opinions. Yup, Moses had to put up with a cantankerous lot, never ready to take criticism.

So, how did Jethro manage to ensure that his suggestion was accepted? Why was Moses so appreciative that he asked the old man to stay with the wandering tribes?

Teh truth is that Jethro came with several core qualities:

• He was recognised as a judge, a Midianite priest.
• He was an outsider. Thus he had no ‘axe to grind’. He was not out to prove a point.
• He was experienced

In addition, it was worth noting how Jethro conveyed his message. He explained and cajoled rather than dictated and demanded. Modern studies show that under such circumstances, people are more likely to retain the instructions and to take on new responsibility.

That said, a successful coaching pattern also demands something from the client. As Moses demonstrated, you need an open-mind, one that is prepared to accept and embrace change.

While Joseph is often considered the world’s first accountant or economist, Jethro blazed a trail for modern-day coaches or mentors. And thousands of years later, we are still trying to comprehend fully the simple and practical lessons of millenia gone by.