Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership
Many books have been written about good examples of leadership. The book, Jesus, CEO; Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership by Laurie Beth Jones is well-written, and a highly useful example of the characteristics of biblically-based leadership applicable to our management world today. Her book brings together the hard and soft skills of love, inspiration and good will into any organization's leaders or team leaders.
A preface in the introduction of this book states: "One person trained twelve human beings who went on to so influence the world that time itself is recorded as being before (B.C.) or after (A.D.) his existence.
This person worked with a staff that was totally human and not divine...a staff that in spite of illiteracy, questionable backgrounds, fractious feelings, and momentary cowardice went on to accomplish the tasks he trained them to do. They did this for one main reason - to be with him again.
His leadership style was intended to be put to use by any of us." Much can be learned from Jesus’ visionary leadership style today as much as it was 2000 years ago.
The author, a successful businesswoman, believes that Jesus' management style incorporates the best of masculine and feminine leadership styles, by harnessing spiritual energy, so that both males and females can become empowered leaders. She explains that this can be done by using three categories of strengths: 1] the strength of self-mastery; 2] the strength of action and 3] the strength of relationships.
The chapters are easily read and translate the process by which Jesus performed the above categories of strengths. Some of the chapter titles are self-explanatory and to the point of each chapter.
Self-Mastery
His Statements are What he Becomes
He Kept in Constant Contact with his Boss
He Stuck to his Mission
He Believed in Himself
He Guarded his Energy
He did not Waste Time Judging Others
He had a Passionate Commitment to the Cause
He Worked through his Fears
Strength of Action
He took Action
He had a Plan; He formed a Team
He Broke Ranks; He Came from Left Field and Branched Out
He Trained his Replacements
Strength of Relationships
He Clearly Defined their Work-related Benefits
He Treated them as Equals
He Held them Accountable
He Set an Example for Them
He Looked out for the Little Guys; He Served Them; Defended Them and Gave Them Authority
He Loved Them to the End
This book is described as a must-read for college business courses. It exhibits the core competencies of training and soft skills.
© Marie Coppola Revised October 2019