Jesus, in a business context, would prioritize humility and servant leadership, initiating operations by attending to the needs of others, symbolized by foot washing.
In your very first day on the job, you find yourself in an extraordinary situation – the new CEO is none other than the Son of God. Instead of issuing a memo or calling a meeting, he makes a profound statement by washing everyone's feet. This act, described in John 13, is a demonstration of servant leadership, a model of humility and service that sets the tone for real leadership.
Jesus, as a leader and teacher, set a powerful example. He taught his disciples the importance of serving others, even if it meant taking on tasks considered beneath the leader, such as washing feet, a task usually left to servants. His actions were clear – a true leader isn't afraid to get their hands dirty.
Jesus' teachings were always accompanied by actions. He showed us that talking the talk isn't enough; you've got to walk the walk. In Mark 9:35, he famously said, "If anyone wants to be first, they must be the last, and the servant of all." This teaching was brought to life in John 13, where he demonstrated what it meant to be last.
The playing field is leveled when the leader serves. In verse 16, Jesus said, "No servant is greater than his master." Here, we see that the team outranks the leader, and the leader serves the team. This mindset fosters collaboration over control and invites everyone to contribute without fear of ego or arrogance.
Servant leadership offers a blessing. In verse 17, we find a promise: "If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Simply put, if you work to create a better, more collaborative, and more respectful environment, you'll reap the rewards.
Finally, servant leadership is about people over profits. Focusing on the dignity and respect of your employees and customers not only brings about a more harmonious work environment but also generates success in the form of stronger teams, increased morale, and a positive reputation within the community – maybe even attracting attention from high-profile clients and kings.
So, are you ready to emulate Jesus, the ultimate servant leader? Are you prepared to wash feet, figuratively and literally, in your organization? Choose the servant's path, and watch as your team, and your business, flourish.
In the realm of business leadership, emulating Jesus' servant leadership style can bring about significant growth and harmony. By prioritizing the needs of employees and customers over profit margins, one can foster stronger teams, boost morale, and create a positive reputation, potentially even attracting high-profile clients and influence. In the words of Jesus, "If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them," emphasizing the importance of putting servant leadership into practice.
