Biblical Wealth Wisdom

Transforming Leadership: Embracing Servant Leadership for Success

• Biblical Wealth Wisdom • Episode 13

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What if traditional leadership roles had it all wrong? Imagine transforming your workplace by flipping the script on conventional leadership. Discover the revolutionary concept of servant leadership as we unpack insights from the book "Jesus CEO." We promise you'll uncover how prioritizing team well-being over financial gain can lead to unexpected business successes. We'll guide you through the power of empowering your team with decision-making authority, encouraging innovation, and fostering a culture where everyone thrives.

Join us as we challenge the status quo and redefine what success looks like in today's fast-paced world. Through engaging stories and practical advice, learn how even small changes, like fostering personal connections, can lead to monumental shifts in your company's culture. Our conversation explores the ripple effect of servant-hearted leadership, revealing how a focus on compassion and empowerment can benefit not just the workplace, but personal relationships too. Let this episode inspire you to lead with integrity, ensuring your actions align with your values and reminding you that true leadership is ultimately about people, not just profits.

Speaker 1:

All right, so, ready for a deep dive into something kind of unexpected, we're cracking open a book called the Jesus CEO and, before anyone gets the wrong idea, this isn't about religion or anything like that. It's about digging into these well unconventional places for some nuggets of leadership, wisdom, you know, like practical stuff we can actually use.

Speaker 2:

It's funny how that works right. You find these timeless principles hiding in the most unexpected spots. It's funny how that works right, you find these timeless principles hiding in the most unexpected spots. I mean, who would have thought a figure from ancient history would have something relevant to say about running a modern day company? But this book, it really makes you think twice about that. It argues that the leadership model we see with Jesus has got some surprisingly relevant stuff to say, even in today's fast paced business world.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, and right off the bat they hit you with this whole servant leadership thing, which, I got to be honest, sounds a little weird when you think about it in terms of being a CEO, Like it doesn't exactly scream take charge, does it? So how does this whole I don't know kind of contradictory approach actually work when you're trying to run a company in the real world?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it definitely goes against the grain of what we typically think of when we picture a CEO. Right, it's not about being a pushover or letting everyone walk all over you. It's more about this fundamental shift in perspective. The book describes servant leadership as this understanding that a leader's primary responsibility is to actually serve their team, and I don't just mean manage them, but like actively help them grow and be their best selves.

Speaker 1:

Okay, See, now that's interesting, but I'm still a little skeptical. How does a CEO like serving their employees actually translate into real, tangible results? At the end of the day, businesses need to focus on the business side of things, right.

Speaker 2:

Of course, of course. But here's the thing when you prioritize your team's well-being, when you genuinely care about them, it actually creates this ripple effect. It sets the stage for better business outcomes overall. Think about it when you felt truly supported and appreciated at work, haven't you done your best work? Then it's not about just being nice. It's about creating a sustainable model for success for the individuals on your team and for the company as a whole.

Speaker 1:

So it's less about barking orders from the top and more about creating this sense of partnership, like you're all invested in each other's success.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, you hit the nail on the head. And the book it breaks this whole approach down into seven key principles, drawing this direct line from, believe it or not, the life and teachings of Jesus to these surprisingly practical business strategies.

Speaker 1:

Seven principles straight from ancient history to the modern boardroom. Okay, you've got my attention. Let's dive into these. Starting with principle number one. What's the first step on this leadership journey?

Speaker 2:

Principle number one is all about leading with compassion. The book uses the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 to illustrate this. Now, I'm not saying you need to whip up a feast for thousands of employees, but the underlying message is powerful. It's saying that a compassionate leader, they genuinely care about the well-being of their team.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, because, let's be real, those out-of-touch CEOs who are clueless about what's actually going on with their employees they're not exactly winning any popularity contests, are they?

Speaker 2:

Not at all. And this compassion thing, it's not about these big grand gestures, it's the everyday stuff that really matters. Are you checking in with your team, like actually checking in on them beyond deadlines and projects? Are you creating a space where they feel comfortable being themselves, where they know they'll be met with empathy and understanding? That's what compassionate leadership looks like in action.

Speaker 1:

So it's about building that foundation of trust, that open communication, those genuine human connections within the workplace.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely, and you know that leads us perfectly into the next principle, which is all about empowering your team. The book highlights this by pointing to how Jesus sent his disciples out to teach and heal, and he gave them both the responsibility and the authority to do that.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so it's not just about delegating tasks to check things off a list. It's about delegating the power to make decisions, to really own those tasks. That's a different way of looking at it.

Speaker 2:

It is. Think about it when you empower your team to make decisions within their realm of responsibility, you're not just freeing yourself up, but you're fostering a culture of ownership. People feel like they have skin in the game and that can spark some serious innovation. It's like saying hey, I trust you to make good judgment calls and actually contribute in a meaningful way.

Speaker 1:

Which makes a lot of sense because the opposite of that micromanaging every little detail that can really stifle creativity and initiative, it sends the message that you don't trust your team to handle things.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. And that takes us to the third principle, which is a big one, leading by example.

Speaker 1:

This one seems pretty straightforward Actions speak louder than words, right?

Speaker 2:

100%. It's one thing to say you value integrity or hard work or open communication, but it's another thing entirely to actually embody those values in everything you do, every decision you make, every interaction you have. Employees they pick up on that stuff. They can tell when a CEO's behavior doesn't match up with the company's values and that kind of mismatch. It erodes trust faster than almost anything else.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, hypocrisy is a surefire way to kill morale and make everyone cynical.

Speaker 2:

You got it Now. The fourth principle is something I think we can all appreciate, regardless of our leadership style Communicate with clarity and purpose. The book mentions how Jesus often used parables to teach. There are these simple stories with really profound messages, but they were easy for people to understand and remember.

Speaker 1:

Especially these days, with so much information coming at us from all sides, being able to get to the point is a valuable skill. Nobody wants to sit through a long-winded presentation full of jargon. That could have been a two-sentence email.

Speaker 2:

I hear you. It's about making sure everyone's on the same page, that they understand the company's vision, their role in achieving it and what success actually looks like. And that takes clear, concise communication, no fluff, just the good stuff.

Speaker 1:

Ditch the corporate jargon and just tell it like it is. I like the sound of that. So what's next on our list of Jesus CEO principles?

Speaker 2:

Principle number five is a powerful one Embrace humility. The book talks about the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet, which was unheard of at the time. It was a radical act of service that went against all the social norms.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's a pretty striking image. Not exactly a power move you'd expect to see in a corporate setting.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and that's the point. Humility in this context means recognizing that you don't have all the answers, and that's okay. It's about being open to feedback, even when it's tough to hear, and it's about being willing to say hey, you know what? I was wrong.

Speaker 1:

So it's about cultivating a culture where everyone feels safe sharing their thoughts and feedback, no matter where they are on the totem pole.

Speaker 2:

Precisely Because every voice matters. You can learn from anyone, regardless of their title, and you know what that leads us to our sixth principle, which kind of shifts the focus from the individual to the bigger picture. It's all about focusing on the long-term vision.

Speaker 1:

And that's got to be tough in the business world where there's so much pressure to focus on the here and now, quarterly earnings, short-term gains, always chasing the next big thing.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely, and the book makes this connection to how Jesus often talked about a kingdom. Which was this grand, long-term vision that went way beyond the immediate concerns. In the same way, a strong leader, they need to paint a clear picture of the future for their company, and I don't mean just the next product launch or marketing campaign. This is about a vision that guides every decision, inspires action and gives everyone a sense of purpose, something they can all get behind.

Speaker 1:

So thinking beyond that immediate horizon and focusing on the legacy you want to leave behind.

Speaker 2:

Exactly Now, are you ready for the final principle? It's a big one.

Speaker 1:

Deal me with it.

Speaker 2:

It's about prioritizing people over profits.

Speaker 1:

Wow. Prioritizing people over profits, I mean. That's practically unheard of in today's business world, where it seems like everything revolves around the bottom line. So, how does this principle, this ancient wisdom, actually play out in the modern marketplace?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I know it might sound a little radical at first, but the book actually argues that when you genuinely invest in your employees and, by extension, your customers, that's what really drives long term success. Invest in your employees and, by extension, your customers, that's what really drives long term success.

Speaker 1:

It's about moving away from just thinking about transactions and profits and towards, like genuine care and shared investment in each other. So you're talking about building a company culture where people feel like they're valued as human beings, not just cogs in a machine designed to make money.

Speaker 2:

Exactly and think about it when people feel valued, when they feel respected, they're going to be more engaged, more productive and more likely to stick money. Exactly and think about it when people feel valued, when they feel respected, they're going to be more engaged, more productive and more likely to stick around. They're also more likely to go above and beyond for their colleagues and customers because they actually feel invested in the company's success.

Speaker 1:

It becomes a we thing, not a me thing, you know, it's amazing how this whole concept of servant leadership really turns that traditional power dynamic upside down.

Speaker 2:

Right, and the book really leans into that. It challenges leaders to rethink their definition of success. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder or making as much money as possible. It's about using whatever influence you have to lift others up to create this positive ripple effect that goes way beyond just yourself ripple effect that goes way beyond just yourself, I've got to say.

Speaker 1:

This has given me a lot to think about. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, I want to pause for a second and talk about how we can actually put these principles into practice, because it's one thing to talk about leading with compassion, but it's another thing entirely to actually live it out every single day. What advice does the book give for people who want to embody these principles, you know, in a real practical way?

Speaker 2:

That's a great question, and the book really stresses that it's not about some overnight transformation or like completely overhauling your leadership style. It's about making this conscious shift in how you see things and then taking it one step at a time.

Speaker 1:

We don't need to start washing our employees' feet in the break room.

Speaker 2:

Probably not the best idea, although it would definitely be memorable. But seriously, start small. Pick one of these principles that really speaks to you and find ways to work it into your everyday interactions. See how it feels, notice how people respond and adjust as you go.

Speaker 1:

So it's about choosing a principle, trying it out and then paying attention to how it affects your team and the overall vibe. For instance, if someone wanted to work on that leading with compassion thing, what would that actually look like?

Speaker 2:

It could be as simple as really making an effort to connect with your team on a personal level, instead of just firing off emails or having those super task-focused meetings. Schedule some regular check-ins where you genuinely ask how are you doing? And I mean that both professionally and personally. And here's the key Actually listen to the answer. You'd be amazed at what a difference that one small change can make.

Speaker 1:

It's about making those human connections, reminding your team that you see them as people, not just employees.

Speaker 2:

Or let's say, someone's drawn to that idea of empowering their team. They could look for opportunities to delegate, and I don't just mean tasks, but also the authority to make decisions in their area. Trust your team to figure things out, give them the space to learn and grow and just be there to offer support and guidance when they need it.

Speaker 1:

So it's like loosening the reins a bit, letting your team surprise you with what they can do.

Speaker 2:

Exactly Now. What about leading by example, that one's huge? Take a good hard. Look at your own actions. Are you actually living by the values you're preaching? Are you walking the walk or are you just talking the talk? Because, trust me, your team knows the difference.

Speaker 1:

So practice what you preach right. Be the change you want to see. Don't just talk about integrity. Show them what it looks like. Don't just praise hard work, Roll up your fleas and get your hands dirty alongside them.

Speaker 2:

Now you're getting it and remember this isn't about becoming some kind of perfect CEO. It's about creating a more supportive, more positive and, ultimately, a more productive environment for everyone positive and ultimately, a more productive environment for everyone.

Speaker 1:

It's about shifting away from that us versus them mentality and moving towards. We're all in this together. Exactly, and when you approach leadership from that place, it can have this ripple effect throughout the entire company. It creates a culture where people feel valued, respected and empowered to do their best work. It's not about squeezing every last drop of value out of your team. It's about investing in their growth and wellbeing, which, as we've been saying, ultimately benefits everyone involved.

Speaker 2:

Right. And while this might all seem a little overwhelming at first, the key is to remember you don't have to do everything at once. Pick one principle, one interaction, one decision at a time. Small changes can lead to huge results.

Speaker 1:

That's reassuring. It makes these principles seem much more attainable, even for someone who might not see themselves as the typical leader type.

Speaker 2:

I love that because, you know, one of the things that's so compelling about this book is how it challenges that whole traditional view of leadership. It's not about wielding power or barking orders. It's about using your influence to lift others up and create a more positive and productive environment for everyone.

Speaker 1:

It's a really refreshing perspective, and one that seems to be resonating with more and more people, no matter their background or industry, and one that seems to be resonating with more and more people, no matter their background or industry. So, as we reflect on this whole Jesus CEO thing, what's the one thing you want our listeners to take away from today's conversation?

Speaker 2:

You know, the key takeaway for me is that, no matter what you believe or what your leadership style is, there's so much timeless wisdom to be found in these principles. They offer this really practical roadmap for creating a more compassionate, more empowering and, ultimately, more successful work environment.

Speaker 1:

It all boils down to this True leadership isn't just about profits, it's about people.

Speaker 2:

A hundred percent, and when you leave with that in mind, it can transform not only your company, but also your own life.

Speaker 1:

That's a powerful message, and one that I think we need to hear now more than ever, so as we wrap up our deep dive into the Jesus CEO what's one final thought you want to leave our listeners with today?

Speaker 2:

It really makes you think about how we define success, doesn't it? It's not just about the numbers, it's about the impact we have on the people around us. Exactly. And there's this really thought-provoking question the book asks and I'd love for you to kind of sit with it for a minute as we wrap things up here. They ask and I'd love for you to kind of sit with it for a minute as we wrap things up here. They ask what would it look like? I mean, really picture this. What would your workplace, your team, even your personal relationships look like if you approach them with this, like servant hearted leadership style? What would change? What would you discover?

Speaker 1:

Wow, that's a powerful question and it really makes you challenge those assumptions we have about leadership, about success, even about ourselves. Maybe leadership isn't so much about the title we have, but about the impact we make on everyone we encounter, you know, every single day.

Speaker 2:

Couldn't have said it better myself. And you know, if just one of these principles resonated with you, if it sparked even the tiniest idea about how you might show up a little differently as a leader than I'd say mission accomplished for today's deep dive.

Speaker 1:

This has been a fascinating conversation for sure. So until next time, keep those brains engaged, Keep asking those tough questions and, most importantly, never stop exploring those unexpected places where you know wisdom might be hiding in plain sight.