Imagine for a moment that a top manager calls a special meeting and, bringing a sink and towel, begins to wash the feet of his employees. Such a scene at a corporate party would be considered very strange at best, or even incredible. Yet, when we read the stories of the life of Jesus Christ in the Bible, this is exactly what He did. And it was just as shocking then as it is today.
Jesus led His group of twelve disciples for three years. At that time, they did not yet know that His ministry on earth was coming to an end. He decided to teach them a very clear, albeit startling, object lesson. After pouring water into the laver and taking a towel, Jesus began to wash the feet of His followers, as described in John 13:4-17. Washing feet was common in those days, since the roads they walked on were dusty and dirty, but it was always done by humble servants, not masters.
Can you imagine this scene? An awkward silence filled the upper room, and Jesus' disciples exchanged fearful, distrustful glances. Finally, one of them, Peter, known for his fiery temper, expressed his shock in words of humble defiance: “Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet” (John 13:8). To which Jesus replied: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Jesus had a purpose to set a lasting example of how true leaders should serve those they lead.
In today's business world, we often see daunting changes as people climb the corporate ladder. Those who were once good-natured, considerate and flexible undergo a radical transformation as they move up the hierarchy. They become rude, rude, arrogant and unapproachable, forgetting about their employees. They begin to see only what they want and who they want.
At what point in the ascent does this “metamorphosis” occur? Climbers often suffer from “altitude sickness,” the consequences of which are devastating. In thin air, a lack of oxygen can create serious mental disorders, sometimes irreversible. Is there an analogy with the corporate ladder?
The reasons for such radical changes demonstrated by rising leaders can be traced back to one of the three most common weaknesses that plague leaders: POWER. Other weaknesses that are written about in many authoritative sources are money and sex, but more on that another time. For now, let's look at power, describing it as the ability to rule consciously, and sometimes arbitrarily.
Leaders, intoxicated by the prestige and power at their disposal, adopt a “command and obey” approach. They do not provide any opportunity for discussion, debate or argument. At worst, these leaders succumb to temptation that goes back to the Garden of Eden, as described in the first chapter of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. “...you will be like gods, knowing good and evil,” the tempter told Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:5).
Rulers, politicians, bureaucrats, executives, CEOs, managers - all can be tempted to seize power. This is why one of the last acts of Jesus of Nazareth before He was betrayed and crucified was to wash the feet of those He led, including even Judas, the very one who betrayed Him shortly thereafter.
Can you imagine a similar scene or equivalent action taking place where you work? If you hold a leadership position, can you do everything seriously and sincerely? Proverbs 22:4 gives us something to think about: “Humility follows the fear of the Lord, riches and glory and life.” Genuine humility and a willingness to serve those we lead is the force that inspires a team to achieve excellence!
Sergio Fortes is a corporate strategic business consultant, consultant-trainer and mentor. He was an active member of CBMC Brazil and coordinated the translation of “Manna for Monday” into Portuguese for over 20 years. He is committed to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to make disciples.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 11:2, 15:33, 16:18, 21:24, 28:2; Mark 10:42-45; Philippians 2:3-4
Difficult task
Cultivating a genuine spirit of humility and developing relationships that focus primarily on the needs of others can be difficult. If this is something you would like to do, having the support of others can be very helpful. Who can you team up with in this endeavor - one or more people you know and trust, can ask to support you - and, in turn, receive mutual support? How can you start this today?
