What every leader can learn from Jesus

Ken Gosnell July 1, 2018

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Jesus was a great leader, and leaders would do well to study the leadership principles of Jesus. I believe that there are five essential leadership lessons every leader could learn from Jesus.

Principle #1 - Don't be afraid to invest in a few key people.

It is easy for the leader to think that leading more people means better leadership. That is far from the truth. Jesus was very strategic with whom he spent his time and energy. Jesus did speak to the crowds, but his best and most important teachings were to just 12 disciples. 

If we spend our time with fewer people, we get better results. I believe in investing in people and have implemented this through one-on-one mentoring. 

Recently, I had a person I mentored call and thank me for the investment I made in their life. They remembered phrases, words and thoughts I had long forgotten. They stated that the time I spent with them forever changed their life. A few minutes with a leader can make an eternal difference.  

Principle #2 - Realize that your time will come to an end.

It is easy for the leader to think that they will last forever. The reality is that is not true. Steven Covey famously taught to “begin with the end in mind.” What he did not state was that we would all have an end. No leader lasts forever. 

Jesus in his leadership prepared his followers to continue after he had left. In fact, the organization that Jesus started (the church) went on to see its most significant growth and success after Jesus left this earth. CEO's would be wise to practice the art of leaving long before they leave an organization.  

Principle #3 - Look for good people everywhere.

Jesus found followers in every walk of life. He enlisted fishermen, tax collectors, the outcast of society, women, children, and the aged. 

The best leaders look for the best leaders to join their organization in every walk of life. They never stop recruiting. They have eyes to see people in every situation who might help them take their team to the next level.  I have known leaders who have found some of their best people from different industries that they were a customer.  They observed a person’s work habits and behaviors.  They then trained them in their industry to achieve much success.  You can find the right people in a variety of places if you know precisely for whom you are looking.  

Principle #4 - Take time to be alone.

One of the fascinating facts about Jesus' leadership is the amount of time he went off to be by himself. What is amazing is the reality that he only had three years to teach, heal and train his disciples. Even in the midst of great urgency to get things done, he took the time to be by himself. 

This time alone is beneficial for rest and renewal. It is also helpful in casting vision and determining the next best steps for the organization. The leader that does not take the time to be by themselves will burn out.  

Several years ago I decided to commit to a silent retreat. My three-year-old son was diagnosed with Apraxia—a condition that does not allow you to speak. I wanted to relate to him, and I wanted to silence the voices around me so I could hear the voice of God.

That day of silence was one of the most challenging days of my life, but it was also one of the most rewarding. After eight hours of silence, I felt renewed, refreshed and reconnected to my vision and God.

Leaders lead better when they get alone to find out where they should lead.  

Principle #5 - Live according to key values.

Jesus was a principled-centered leader. He taught and lived by key principles or core values. He embodied values like 1) Go the second mile; 2) Bless those who curse you; 3) Be the light of the world; 4) Build on a solid foundation; and 5) Do not worry. 

If you are going to be a successful leader you have to know the core values that motivate you and keep you on the right track.  

Photo source: istock 

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Ken Gosnell is CEO and Servant Leader of CXP (CEO Experience). CXP is a premier coaching and executive roundtable business that serves Christian CEOs in Washington DC, Maryland and Florida. Ken serves leaders by helping them and their teams to have great experiences that both transform the leader and their organizations to go further faster. Learn More »

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