Leadership with the soul

Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. – John 8:9

‘Management’ in the Oxford dictionary defines it as ‘the process of dealing with things or people.’ Managing people is more critical to an organization than managing things. We have to deal with people, lead them and take them along the direction of the company’s vision. Leadership is the function of mind.

Let us look at the incident in Jn 8. A mob brings a woman who was caught in adultery to Jesus. They demand justice and instant action.

If confronted by such a situation, how would we have reacted? Our trained minds would have started firing ideas on all cylinders. We might have reasoned with the accusers or reminded the woman why her punishment was well deserved.

Now contrast that with Jesus’ response. He said, All right; let him who has never sinned throw the first stone – v 7, NLT, Jesus’ focus was on the soul, rather than on the mind. He didn’t appeal to their rationality; He addressed their souls.

This response broke the crowd into individuals. They were no more a leaderless crowd comfortably cloaked in a collective identity. They were individual souls, called to reflect on their own inner selves. From the woman to the accusers every soul was considered important and held accountable.

I had just joined a big firm as its HR Head. The transporting contract was due for renewal. The contractor offered me a bribe. Much to the contractor’s dismay, I told him I needed two days to consider renewing the contract. Later, I gave him the renewal terms with the cost reduced by 30 percent. He was very angry and challenged, ‘Let me see how long your honesty will last.’ I didn’t try to convince the man of fairness of my decision and I didn’t cower. Instead, I asked him, ‘Do you pray?’ ‘Yes’ he answered, ‘5 times a day.’ I responded: Choose either prayer or dishonesty; both don’t go together.’ The discord between his faith and action struck him. He apologized and agreed to the more justifiable terms. My association with him in the many years that followed was smooth and fruitful!

Father, help us to lead with the heart. Amen.

From Management Devotional 2020 published by Christian Manager of Christian Institute of Management.

Please refer to the full narrative in https://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A+1-11&version=NIV