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Biblical
Principles and Management
Keith Starcher
DayStar Consulting, Inc.
Adapted
from Biblical Principles & Business: The Practice by
Richard C. Chewning
Although the
Bible may not have a lot to say about the function of
management, it does provide insights for us as managers, that
is, as people who develop ideas and attitudes about how the
management function should be carried out. And these insights
will often run counter to human tradition and the basic
principles of this world (Colossians 2:8). For example, Matthew
20:20-28 provides a glimpse of these differences.
It appears
that the disciples were very ambitious, seeking to move up the
‘power’ ladder. And power is the name of the game in
management. After all, management has been defined for decades
as ‘getting work done through others.’ We accomplish what we
need to accomplish through mechanisms built on power and
control. Jesus knew the management philosophy of the day (‘lord
it over them’ and ‘exercise authority over them’). And in verse
26 He states, “Not so with you.” Jesus does not just offer an
alternative. As God of the universe and King over the same, He
commands us as follows:
Instead,
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son
of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His
life as a ransom for many.
Thus, you
and I must use our positions of authority to more effectively
serve the needs of others. If you are the CEO or business
owner, you have the privilege of being the slave of all because
you have greater access to resources that can be used in service
to others. Now comes the question:
Do you know
of any role model in the marketplace that effectively
demonstrates the management philosophy taught by Jesus?
What would
this servant leadership look like? The author defines it as
“serving the needs of others as they work at accomplishing their
jobs.” Secular management philosophies show power usually
serving the manager. Jesus’ model has the manager using his
power to serve others.
|
Use
of Power in the Secular Model |
Use
of Power in the Biblical Model |
|
The
manager tends to withhold decision-making power |
The
manager willingly shares decision-making power |
|
The
manager tends to make the plans and uses subordinates to
carry them out |
The
manager eagerly involves subordinates and others in the
planning process |
|
The
manager tends to seek recognition and reward for himself |
The
manager seeks to recognize and reward others |
|
The
manager tends to promote his own ideas, ignoring all
others that conflict with his |
The
manager encourages and promotes his subordinates’ ideas
and is not threatened when they are better than his |
|
The
manager tends to view subordinates as a means to an end |
The
manager views subordinates as the organization’s most
valuable resource |
|
The
manager tends to be interested in what is best for
himself |
The
manager’s first concern is what is best for others |
So how does
this work in the workplace? What are some practical things that
you and I can do to serve others where we work?
-
Subordinates – Meet with your subordinates individually to
find out how you can more effectively meet their
work-related needs.
-
Superiors – Meet with your manager to determine how you can
better serve his or her needs. You can discuss your own
performance and how to improve it. You can verify your
manager’s expectations of you.
-
Peers –
Many times we see our peers as competitors. Talk to your
peers one-on-one and find out how you might be of service to
them. Don’t expect anything in return.
-
Customers, Suppliers, etc.—Your job is to serve people.
Meet with these stakeholders one-on-one to determine how you
can more effectively meet their needs (and these needs may
change frequently).
In all of
the above, ask God to help you “go beyond” what people (and the
law) require of you. Truly serve them from a heart of love, not
just to make money (I Timothy 6:5).
You and I
must realize that people are either drawn toward or pushed away
from God by our actions in the marketplace. What better reason
can we have for applying biblical principles to management than
to show our love for Christ as we serve others?
Keith
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