Many don’t agree with Him, still, countless more cherish His Leadership Philosophies. His my all-time great. Business empires, lasting friendships, strong marriages and families have all been build on His Principles.
For a moment, let’s put aside all of the spiritual mumbo-jumbo and consider a brief Bio of His unprecedented leadership qualities:
“He never wrote a book, and yet all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him.
He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined.
He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students.
He never marshalled an army, nor drafted a soldier, nor fired a gun; and yet no leader ever had more volunteers who have, under His orders, made more rebels stack arms and surrender without a shot fired.
He never practised psychiatry, and yet He healed more broken hearts than all the doctors far and near. Once every week the wheels of commerce would cease their turning and multitudes found their way to worshipping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him.
The names of the past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have come and gone.
The names of the past scientists, philosophers, and theologians have come and gone; but the name of this Man abounds more and more.
Though time has spread nineteen hundred years between the people of this generation and the scene of His crucifixion, yet He still lives…”
Not sure if I know another who sits in this league?
TIME magazine hailed this about Him:
“Three billion Christians can’t all be wrong. I mean, they could be, but still, if three billion people follow your teachings 2,000 years after…, that’s pretty influential.”
Who am I talking about? His name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
He is the founder of the world’s oldest, largest and most sustained organisation (the church), one can’t deny the fact we can learn a few leadership lessons without any doubt from Jesus.
Four Timeless Lessons From the Life of Jesus Christ:
#1. He Led from the Heart
–Great Leaders Lead From the InsideOut
Instead of the usual top-down approach to leadership, (positional leadership), Jesus led from the inside up.
Jesus never centred on title or position but rather on the personal matters of character and integrity.
Without integrity, no one will follow you and if no one is following you, you are not leading.
We are passing through an era where the measurement systems of our corporate environment tend to be more competency-based than character based. Where a person’s character flaws can be overlooked because they are so good at the skills of their job.
The destruction caused by lack of character is always greater than the competency provided.
You can be the most qualified worker, but without good character, you’ll never become a great leader of influence. Your leadership skills will only take you as far as your character will maintain you.
Leadership is truly an inside job,
…Jesus had a pure motivation of heart to lead – sustained by unfailing character. For instance, Jesus held strong convictions and values while still showing tremendous compassion to others who did not share these same convictions.
Great leaders balance conviction with compassion, kindness with patience. These leadership virtues are heart issues.
The more you work on your heart and your character, the more others will want to follow you.
“If you want to do more you first have to be more.”
#2. He was a Great Storyteller
– Great Leaders are Great Communicators
Jesus’ stories have certainly withstood the test of time.
His preferred storytelling style was the parable. Stories are richer, more powerful and longer-lasting than instructions.
Look at your own life for stories that have relevant messages for your team… we all have them.
Learn to harness “your stories” into powerful coaching tools.
Your purpose is to move more people to do great things. Your story can achieve this!
It’s your philosophical heartbeat to inspire people to act and behave in a way which will enrich their lives and those of people around them both personally and at work.
#3. He was a Great Servant
– Great Leaders are Servant Leaders
The same way Bill Gates revolutionised computers, Jesus Christ revolutionised leadership through the concept of servanthood.
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples even during his most trying time.
If you have a leader who concentrates on performance planning, day-to-day coaching, provides vision as well as helps you to achieve, and as a team, you understand the expectations and desired outcomes – you have a servant leader!
Celebrate such a leader; they are rare gems!
The ultimate responsibility of the servant leader is the enduring growth of personal development that is to be invested in the lives of those who follow.
Leadership is about others, not you!
An ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi said,
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
#4. He had both Passion and Compassion – Great Leaders Balance Passion with Compassion
Jesus was a Man of admirable passion (conviction) for purpose.
At the same time, He was a leader that showed tremendous compassion to others who did not share His passion or convictions.
A convicted leader knows what he believes. A compassionate leader knows that people need to feel loved and are worthy of being heard.
Likewise, today’s great leaders are clear about their values and expectations while being sensitive to the ‘person’ behind the desk or steering wheel or till point.
He knows he is dealing with people who have feelings, needs and dreams; who are not robots.
