Jesus, CEO
(Last of two parts)
Last week we discussed four strategies of Jesus, from Laurie Beth Jones’s classic book “Jesus, CEO” that can motivate us in our work and relationships.
We round these up with four more.
Jesus formed a team
Many business founders are stereotyped as individualists — they work and make decisions alone. While there is truth to this (many founders resist letting go of their creation), no enterprise will make it to the next generation if it is based solely on one person. Smooth succession is the biggest problem of family businesses.
Even if He is God, Jesus knew He could not go it alone. At the start of His work, He immediately called people to follow Him, and the first ones— the fisher of men Peter, James, John, Andrew—formed the crux of His inner team.
Even the most contrarian tycoons of our time—Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos— could not work alone. They relied on partners and teams. So did Jesus. May we do likewise.
Jesus trained His replacements
Insecure leaders hoard knowledge for themselves, while others may simply be too busy to train promising people. But without mentorship, no institution can thrive.
I am fortunate to be a teacher, since our role de facto is to mentor young people. When I think back on my career, my happiest moments were actually when students achieved their dreams: Martin Villanueva, whose science essay in my writing class garnered him a Palanca, and now is chair of our Fine Arts department; Raquel Lucas, whose psychology thesis on altruism I advised, which became our joint book where she was main author; Hyacinth Bendana, who rose to the challenge of higher-level math in my freshman class, and overcame her anxieties to graduate valedictorian and serve the country; and many more I have mentioned in seminars and columns. They are the future of our nation, and I am honored to have molded them in some way.
After forming a team, Jesus taught, trained and empowered them, and most of all, led them by the sterling example of His own self. May we do likewise.
Jesus served His people
True leaders serve; false ones aggrandize themselves. Many faiths tell their followers to please God through countless rites, while Christianity depicts God humbling Himself to serve humans.
“This man who [is] … God … walked up to people and asked, ‘How can I help you?’” writes Jones. “If they wanted to see, he opened their eyes. If they wanted to walk, he let them walk. If they wanted a daughter brought back to life, he brought their daughter back to life. If they wanted wine, he gave them wine. If they wanted bread, he gave them bread. Even when they wanted him dead, he died. He did all of these things without a fight, all because he was coming from one power: love. To love is to serve. And God is love.”
After His resurrection, Jones notes that Jesus did not call the media, but instead waited for the disciples on the shore and made them a meal. Jesus acted out the essence of leadership, which is service. May we do likewise.
Jesus did the difficult things
Professionals, be it in business, health, law, etc. do the required things even if they dislike doing so. But many do things to gain popularity, kowtowing to those in power, or posting to garner a gazillion likes. How many professionals have the tenacity and courage to take on the hard tasks?
Jesus never shied away from difficulty. Even if He invited everyone to follow Him, He had to be honest with the rich young man who could not divorce himself from his riches. When Mama Mary and other family members tried to interrupt His teaching, He knew His priorities. When the devil tempted Him in the wilderness with worldly power and wealth, He resisted them. When Peter warned Jesus about going to Jerusalem, Jesus nevertheless proceeded to His death, knowing the consequences beforehand yet realizing what had to be done. The same happened in His agony in Gethsemane.
To fulfill His mission, Jesus exhibited grit, tenacity and resolve. May we do likewise.
May this new year bring renewed resolve and hope.
