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Lessons from a Lousy Leader

Jesus’ story of an unrighteous manager teaches us lessons about shrewd business and a few subtle truths about leadership.

 This lousy leader: 

1. Violated rule number one: Leadership is not to be used for personal benefit (Luke 16:1). He forgot that leadership is about giving, not getting. Leaders lose the right to be selfish.
2. Learned that a leader cannot hide his heart (Luke 16: 1, 2). Leadership rises or falls to the level of the leader’s integrity. Leaders are vulnerable.
3. Was proactive in facing problems (Luke 16:3). He surmised how he could address the problem. Good leaders aren’t afraid to face reality.
4. Understood the value of relationships (Luke 16:4). He utilized the relationships he had developed already. He received a return on his investment.
5. Understood the nature of his influence (Luke 16: 4, 5). Since leadership is influence, leaders know with whom they have influence—and they go there.
6. Learned the keys to motivating others (Luke 16: 5–7). Everyone is motivated in different ways. He found ways to make friends and get results.
7. Reminds us of the value of godly leadership (Luke 16: 8–10). In the end, his master praised his shrewdness; but Jesus has a deeper lesson for us.

Journal Prompt: What is your biggest takeaway from the lousy leader?