Servant Leadership
Thursday of the Fourth Week in Lent ~ 2/23/23
In my degree for Organizational Management, I was led to the book: “Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership”, by Laurie Beth Jones. I should have that book on my bookshelf here at work, but alas, it is one of many still in storage. I remember one of the first lines in the book, referring to Jesus’ leadership style: ‘He took a ragtag band of misfits and turned them into thriving leaders’.
During the course of study, we examined the different leadership and corporate styles, such as, hierarchical versus flat leadership styles. Hierarchical leadership is most common, with a “one-leader-at-the-top” trickling down to many-at-the-bottom. This is the typical CEO/President/Owner model. A flat hierarchy is one where everyone’s voices matter and no one is ranked above or more important than another. This model is beginning to catch on in some corporations, but sadly, not enough!
St. Clare told her sisters “. . . to strive to exceed the others more by her virtues and holy life than by her office, so that, stimulated by her example, they obey her no so much because of her office as because of love.”
As I recall various accounts of Jesus’ life in the New Testament, I do not see any record of His academic achievements, nor of any management training seminars, nor of any leadership training, other than through the Temple and His Father in Heaven. He was a shepherd, a loyal Son to His Heavenly Father, an obedient son to His earthly parents, an esteemed friend and leader to His apostles, disciples and followers and a teacher who was feared by the local authorities. He led by seeing the strengths in those He chose to carry on His work, encouraging and championing them. He was approachable and compassionate. He was trusted. All necessary qualities for a good leader.
But the most important model was that of a servant leader, and the quality most profoundly demonstrated was humility. This was modeled at the Last Supper, just before He was to be crucified. “If, I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13:14-15)
Even in the face of knowing His betrayer, Jesus still washed the feet of Judas. Even knowing that Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crowed, Jesus still washed his feet. He let them learn there were consequences to their actions, but He still loved them, unconditionally. If we are called to be leaders – whether in our families, at our place of work, or in our communities, it would be helpful to step back and recall the leadership style of Jesus through love and compassion.
The prayer for this evening is: “Lord, you did not lead by intimidation and fear but by loving service. Teach me that the most effective means of leadership can be found in laying down my life and becoming the servant of others. May I become the kind of leader who leads others to you.” Amen.
As Jesus led his followers to His Father in Heaven, may we emulate His example.
During the next week, try to be mindful of the way(s) we lead others – our spouse, or children, or friends, or those at work or play. Where / How are we leading them?
Examine ways in which we could be more like Jesus.
May you continue to be blessed along your Lenten Journey.