Who da Boss: Leadership Lessons, Part 1

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY from Microsoft Word. 

Have you ever struggled to get words out of your head and onto the page? Like you have ideas, they connect, and you know it is significant, but you just can’t quite tie all the pieces together? That is where I am right now, the loose ends just out of grasp! 

It is interesting. While reading through the Gospels, looking specifically for insights into leadership from the life of Jesus, I have also been interviewing different leaders in the business world. From CEOs of major organizations to filmmakers, bankers, real estate brokers, and someone who fabricates "hook and loop specialty fasteners,” these have been rich, amazing conversations. While their experiences are as different as their stories, a few concepts have come out consistently in the interviews. 

One key that has been mentioned by every single leader I’ve spoken to is the need to listen. Another key principle that has been mentioned again and again and again is the need to communicate clearly, “shoot straight,” or be direct. Though not completely developed in my mind, the basic idea seems to be that when a leader communicates clearly what is expected, what will be done when expectations are not met, and provides assurance of honest, straight-forward conversation, it helps people feel confident and secure. When people feel confident and secure, they engage in life differently. When people are driven by fear of getting in trouble, especially when they don’t know why they might get in trouble, the consequences can be debilitating.  

I think it is safe to say that a vast majority of people in 1st Century Israel were afraid of getting in trouble. While the Children of Israel may have had a better framework for understanding difficult circumstances than others, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity were devastating. Bred mostly (I believe) from a fear of such devastation and horror happening again, a level of fear and insecurity had become endemic. Demonstrated by scribes who didn’t teach with authority, those who listened to them were left with a level of uncertainty as well. 

Into that hot mess, Jesus came teaching with authority. I wonder if part of the reason Jesus astonished His listeners (Matthew 7:28, 29) with His authority, as compared to the scribes, was because of how they felt listening to Him. Jesus challenged the status quo and invited His listeners to engage differently with themselves, their neighbors, and their communities. He invited people to trust God rather than to carry stress around for things beyond their control. Did they feel a sense of calm because Jesus could teach the Word without any confusion or hint of uncertainty? Did Jesus’ authority maybe instill a sense of comfort, even security? 

It seems that Jesus teaching with authority is similar to a modern-day leader leading confidently. When a leader leads confidently, they create an environment where people know what to expect, communication is clear, and people are not driven by fear of getting in trouble. That allows for people to take chances and make mistakes, which helps people grow. 

Though Jesus wasn’t teaching business principles, He knows how we work. When we operate according to His design, it is good for everyone.