The Management Methods of Jesus (Part 4)

This is the final blog in a 4-part of series derived from the book, The Management Methods of Jesus, written by Bob Briner. This book is an excellent resource for Christian entrepreneurs, leaders and managers as the author paints a portrait of how Jesus related to all kinds of people.

Here is the final installment of 12 management methods for our consideration as we strive to follow the example of Jesus, our Master Teacher and Leader:

1. Prune for Productivity. (As managers entrusted with the health of an enterprise, we must constantly cut and prune. John 15:1-2)

2. Don’t Try to Serve Two Masters. (No one is happy. The job is done poorly -- if at all.)

3. Remain Calm in the Storm. (Being calm does not mean being detached. We can be calm and still be fully engaged and actively involved.)

4. Settle Disputes Quickly. (One attribute of an effective executive is the ability to be a peacemaker and a catalyst for reconciliation.)

5. Eat with the Troops. (Meals with those who work with and for us should be a part of our schedule.)

6. Evaluate Constantly. (Make sure that those working with and for us understand both the company’s goals and the methods to reach those goals. Noted business consultant Jack Kinder says, “When you ask right questions -- when you monitor and measure what matters -- performance always improves.”)

7. Share Corporate Love. (Successful managers tell “war stories” over and over as a way of teaching how things are done at their company. Know the legends and parables of your company and use them to build a corporate culture that will result in success.)

8. Take the Narrow Path. (Managers hoping for success should look for ways to set themselves apart in positive ways from those who walk blithely down the broad way.)

9. Serve Families. (When we hire someone, we may not want to accept the fact that we have hired their entire family in the sense that an employee’s performance will only be forthcoming when there are no distracting family problems. We can help build loyalty and productivity by genuinely caring about an employee’s life outside of the company.)

10. Prepare for Tough Times. (The high-flying front-runners without reserves and without a plan for the tough times do not survive.)

11. Stand Up for Our People.  (When we stand up for our people, we are building loyalty and camaraderie while also defending ourselves.)

12. Set Priorities. (A universal number-one priority for all companies should be “serving customers and employees.”)

Here is a bonus management method that we can learn from the life of Jesus as this 4-part series comes to an end: Prepare for Your Successors. Some executives seem to perpetuate the myth that they are immortal and that their presence is permanent. However, Jesus modeled the exact opposite not only during his earthly ministry among the people He served but also by His death, burial and resurrection which allowed those who repent of sin, believe in and confess Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10) to become reconciled with God, thereby making us heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). Success is and should never be solely about us, but rather, success should be factored into the future of others as we prepare them to assume leadership roles in our stead. Intentionally living in this way will ensure that we leave a legacy for generations to come.