Jesus Christ, CEO

by Angus MacFarlane

Jesus, CEO Management secrets from the founder of the world's most successful organization How to lead with complete agreement How to manage with compassion How to do the impossible John R. Colt, PhD. Best-selling author of Business as Un- Usual "A True Genius!" -Reader from New York Introduction Whatever your personal beliefs, the person known as Jesus is at the very least an important historical figure. He is many things to many people. Some say he is more than just an ordinary carpenter. Others say he is more than just an ordinary man. Others even say that he is less. No matter what one's personal beliefs are, one thing is the organization he founded is the single most successful organization ever created within our civilization. The debate over the origins of Jesus, principally as to the identity of his father (or Father), has raged on for centuries, and while we tend focus on the differences of opinion between people, we sometimes overlook the obvious common ground beneath our feet. This book is planted as a seed in that common ground. This work is meant to be purely an examination of the management principles that brought about the success of the organization founded by the historical Jesus. It is not meant to take sides in the debate over the divinity of the man, which is beyond the scope of this effort. Rather, it is meant as an impartial and pragmatic study into the actions and thoughts that have led to such a successful and enduring organization. This work is important, as we may discover some answers to the questions of those who want to understand the lessons of history on leadership and management. How did he do it? What were his thoughts as he laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a movement more powerful than any government on earth? We are fortunate in that we have documentation from the early days, documentation that sheds light directly onto both his actions and his personal thoughts as he built the foundations of his church. Some of the documents include the four official Those of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Additional testaments, such as the gospel of Thomas, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, add new and relevant insights into what we know from these official gospels. The New Testament also contains a description of the events of the early management of the organization, after the departure of the founder, in the book of Acts. Additionally, we have two-thousand-year-old correspondence between one of the early leaders of the movement and his chief lieutenants containing instructions and reflections on successful management in the letters of Paul. There is much controversy over the identity of Jesus. There are controversies over who he was, where he came from, where he was headed and what his mission was, just to name a few. These controversies are not merely academic. Proponents of the various points of view hold their positions as fervently as any point of view can be held. Many have defended their points of view with their lives and other lives have been taken in defense of some of the opinions regarding the controversies surrounding the life of Jesus. Not many CEO's can boast that kind of devotion. One interesting historical item is that it appears Jesus was only actively involved in the direction of his organization for three years. Now, that is not a long time to lay the foundations of such a huge organization, even if, as some maintain, he had outside help. Three years is less than most people take to finish college. So, given what we know of the outcome of his efforts some two thousand years later, he seems to have made some good moves. His legacy has not only survived, but also thrived. Can Jesus' leadership style be described, defined or emulated? From all accounts, it seems that his charisma was second to none, as he held audiences spellbound. Anyone who has had to speak in public knows very clearly how difficult it can be to move the hearts of listeners, and to keep their rapt attention. Yet he did it with seeming ease. He also led with ease. His instructions were usually carried out without question. Even when his commands were doubted, they were still carried out. His opinions were sought in all matters large and small. How many managers can lay claim to such strict and unquestioning obedience without resorting to coercion? What attracted followers to this leader? It was probably a combination of traits. He was clearly confident both in his abilities and his opinions. He rarely, if ever, doubted his own capacity for accomplishment. Whatever others believed about his ability for making things happen, he himself did not seem to entertain doubts. He was very clear about his beliefs, and did not hesitate to act on these beliefs. This one trait alone, if developed by managers and potential leaders might be sufficient for success. Jesus, however, was to be in possession of much more than more just this one trait. The magnetism felt by his contemporaries during his th...

Paperback

Published December 27, 2002

About the author

Angus Hikairo Macfarlane was a New Zealand academic and professor at the University of Canterbury.