“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” ~ John 15:15
REFERENCE:
Friendship takes every relationship to the next level. We often downplay friendship, but it is a powerful force. A marriage stands a better chance if the spouses are friends; you would do better in math if your teacher were your friend and would relax to let a doctor who is also a friend perform surgery on you. Friendship makes other relationships run smoother than usual.
Friendship gives you access to people’s hearts, resources, and support. Solomon said, “A friend loves at all times.” Think about it. He added that a friend “…becomes a brother when he goes through adversity with us,” and that “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” If these are true, he who wants to be a great leader should tap into the power of friendship.
What a man says on his deathbed is the most important to him. Jesus was about to be killed, and He met with His disciples. He affirmed His lordship over them that He was Master, and they, servants. However, He changed the dynamics of their relationship to that of friendship. He knew it would take friendly leadership to lead the disciples to carry on His legacy after His death and make the sacrifices they later made for His cause.
A friendly leader is a strange concept to many people today because they don’t want to be less regarded by the people they lead. Hence, they will rather stand aloof, issue commands, give directives, stay put in their office, avoid being at the cafeteria at the same time or in the same car with their subordinates, and generally ensure that their lines don’t cross. But is this the best way? What made Jesus reverse that in His organization? Why did He become a friendly leader?
You may feel taken for granted, but you gain more with your team by being a friendly leader. The billionaire, John D. Rockefeller, had daily lunch with his close squad, where he talked with them. Steve Jobs had lunch almost daily with Apple design genius Jonathan Ive. These leaders understood the root meaning of the word ‘company’ (to share bread). They strengthened their personal and professional relationships by gathering their team daily for a meal.
In subsequent episodes, we will discover the steps taken by Jesus to become a friendly leader.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Proverbs 18:24, Mark 6:30-32, and I Kings 12:6-7
TO DO:
Come up with one thing you can do this week to strengthen your relationship with your team, workers, or staff. Take note of the impact.
Insightful thoughts!
Leadership, really, is taking people on a journey and helping them to enjoy the ride. I ask for grace to lead with empathy and love, in Jesus’ name.