Jesus, CEO

(Part 1 of 2)

In 1995, US management consultant Laurie Beth Jones wrote the book “Jesus, CEO,” where she outlined strategies that Jesus had used to form a ragtag staff of 12 people to aid in the foundation of the extraordinary enterprise that the Christian Church has become. In our polarized world, Jesus’ words and actions are needed more than ever.

Following are salient techniques from the most remarkable leader of all.

Jesus guarded His energy

Leadership requires huge energy. Entertainers and politicians who expend a lot of energy become easy prey to the instant boosts delivered by drugs, alcohol and social media.

Jesus guarded his energy reserves. When a woman who wanted healing touched the hem of his cloak, Jesus immediately felt power go out from Him. When people refused to heed Him, He did not waste time being defensive, but told the apostles to wipe the dust from their feet and avoid casting pearls before swine. When rulers only wanted to entrap Him, He did not waste energy debating with them, not even to save His life before Pilate.

Despite His busy schedule, Jesus took the time to recharge, rest and pray. May we do likewise.

Jesus did not waste time judging others

Judging others, such as gossiping about workmates, canceling folks on social media, or engaging in political tit for tat, is a tremendous waste of energy.

Jesus came not to judge, but to help. He did not judge us; rather, we judge ourselves through our words and deeds. He told us to mind our own business, as in this passage in John 21: Jesus asked Peter three times to feed his sheep, and after Peter assented, Jesus gave him a premonition of the kind of death he would undergo (crucifixion, also). Peter turned around and saw John, and asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus snapped back, “If I want John to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? Just follow me.”

Students tell me that they fear being judged. Teachers judge them only for mandated tasks, I say, but they themselves waste time judging each other. If He were on earth today, Jesus will likely eschew the “like” button. May we do likewise.

Jesus was keenly aware of His resources

Many businesses cannot pay back loans, so wise founders make it a point not to be highly leveraged, or not to be in debt at all.

Not only was Jesus debt-free; He was able to build something greater from available resources, such as feeding the multitudes from a few fish and bread loaves. Another time, when told that they had not yet paid their taxes, Jesus told the apostles to find a fish with a coin in its mouth to pay Caesar (while leaving to God what was God’s). Shortly before Palm Sunday, Jesus directed the disciples where to find a donkey, and to tell the owner that He needed this resource.

We are not divine, and cannot accomplish miraculous multiplication of assets (though good investments, based on the magic of compound interest, can sometimes feel like miracles). But Jesus knew that the things of this world are necessary—and while He was not enslaved to them, He respected and used them for good. May we do likewise.

Jesus boiled it down

When helping families craft their constitution, I advise them to dispense with lofty mission statements and instead come up with a concrete, clear, concise message on what they stand for, believe in and work toward. My eyes also glaze when confronted with corporate jargon where the intent appears more to obfuscate rather than to clarify. Sometimes when I ask lawyers or bankers to simplify the terms before I sign anything, they find it hard to do so,

Contrast our endless bureaucracy with Nike’s brief advertising slogan “Just do it,” after which sales soared.

Many times, the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus about the minutiae of the Jewish regulations. But when asked what the most important law was, Jesus summarized it in one statement: “Love God with all your heart and mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself.”

That’s it. His entire life pointed to a crystal-clear purpose. May we do likewise.

Have a great year ahead.

(To be continued next week)

READ: More ‘All in the Family’

* * *

Queena N. Lee-Chua is on the board of directors of Ateneo’s Family Business Center. Get her book “All in the Family Business” at Lazada or Shopee, or e-book at Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks. Contact the author at [email protected].