How to lead like Jesus in different cultures
Devotional week 21
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt 20;25-28.
I still recall the shocked expressions on my colleagues' faces as we gathered around the conference table in our office in Central Asia. The microfinance bank we had started a few months earlier was running smoothly. However, some customers were already failing to repay their loans as agreed.
‘How do you think we should deal with this?’ I asked.
The reaction was not what I expected. Instead of offering suggestions for solutions, my colleagues appeared confused. No one spoke up.
It took me several years to understand what had happened that day. I come from Norway, which is considered one of the most egalitarian societies in the world. Our workplaces have flat structures, and as managers and leaders, we are accustomed to seeking advice from our employees. The situation in the country we had moved to in Central Asia was different. Here, the hierarchies were still strong, and the employees were used to being instructed on what to do. When I asked how we should solve the problem that had arisen, it caused confusion. Some were likely also uneasy. As a leader, I was expected to have all the answers. When I asked for advice, their interpretation was that I didn't know what we should do. This created uncertainty.
Servant leadership is often upheld as the Christian way of leading, and the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet is frequently cited. However, Jesus did not wash his disciples' feet more than once. More commonly, we see that he, in keeping with more hierarchical cultures, gives instructions on what his disciples should do. Jesus acts both as a servant leader and as someone who instructs with authority, expecting his disciples to follow through.
What, then, is the right and biblical way to lead? This is a substantial topic that cannot be covered thoroughly in a brief text. So, let us just look at two reflections.
As Christian leaders, we cannot rule over our co-workers. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus says that this is how the rulers of this world behave. We should not follow their pattern. Whether we are in hierarchical or egalitarian cultures, we must lead with respect for our co-workers.
As Christian leaders, we recognise that God has designed everyone uniquely. He has given us various gifts and strengths. I believe God calls us, as leaders, to help our employees identify their God-given design and assist them in developing the skills He has provided. When we do this, it will bring joy and support to our employees. It will also foster a positive work culture that will benefit our companies or organisations. Furthermore, God will be pleased when He sees that we faithfully lead in the manner He intended us to.
Challenge
Think about the employees you lead or work with. How can you help them develop the gifts and skills God has given them?
Pray
Dear Jesus, help me to lead in a way that honours you. Help me to see your divine design in the people around me so that I can help them develop the gifts and skills you have given them.
By Steinar Opheim
