The Lodestar

Jesus Christ is one of history's most well-known figures, notable for his divine character and how he led his disciples. His leadership style, based on a desire to help others, has affected many people and continues to influence modern management theories.

At the time, Jesus' leadership style was unusual as he positioned himself as a servant rather than a leader or a boss. The most obvious example of this subject in John's Gospel is Jesus washing his disciples' feet, a chore traditionally assigned to the lowest of servants. Jesus thus exhibited the qualities of a genuine leader: humility, selflessness, and putting the needs of others ahead of one's own. 

His statements, such as "the last shall be first, and the first last," and "the greatest among you shall be your servant," put established authority and hierarchy in jeopardy. He pushed for leadership with love, compassion, and humility rather than power or might.   

Moving ahead in time, the example of Jesus Christ's servant leadership has a far-reaching influence. The leadership model Jesus provided is a beautiful alternative to the defective leadership riddled with corporate scandals, political power struggles, and leadership crises.  

Servant leadership is increasingly vital in today's workplaces. Organizations may increase loyalty, morale, and productivity by investing in their people and the communities in which they operate. This model emphasizes the need for leaders to actively listen to their teams' concerns, display empathy, and build mutual respect. 

In today's multicultural, interdependent society, Jesus' themes of acceptance and love for one's neighbour are especially relevant. Servant leadership cultivates mutual regard and cooperation across ethnic, religious, and social boundaries.  

The ethical underpinning of servant leadership, as demonstrated by Jesus, also assists current leaders in dealing with the complex moral difficulties they encounter. Leaders are reminded of the importance of honesty, kindness, and serving the greater good.  

As a result, Jesus Christ's teachings, which have been around for over two thousand years, are still applicable in today's leadership setting. His example of servant leadership illuminates the route forward for today's leaders, encouraging them to follow him by prioritizing the needs of their followers before their own.

Author: Prajwal Sudhir Joglekar lives in the vibrant city of Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka. Currently, he is a student at Leonard Theological College. His endless thirst for fascinating subjects is the driving force behind his studies and insightful posts. PJ's passions outside of academics include exploring new places and connecting with diverse individuals.