Learning From Jesus How to Be An Effective Military Leader
Jesus has been portrayed in many guises: He was a communist revolutionary, the founder of modern corporations, a homosexual, a married man, a vegetarian, and if He were alive today He would drive a hybrid.
Now we have Brigadier-General Gregg F. Martin, who doesn’t exactly portray Jesus as a military leader, but as probably the greatest strategic leader of all time (Harper’s, May, Readings section): “Jesus of Nazareth was a great strategic leader, probably the greatest who ever lived. From humble beginnings 2,000 years ago, his movement grew out of a band of twelve followers to more than a billion today…. Despite many opportunities to move into more glamorous pursuits, he kept his mission focus.” Martin goes on:
– “HOW TO BE NUMBER ONE: Prior to Jesus, leaders sat at the top of the organization pyramid…. Jesus inverted the pyramid: he got down in the trenches and served the troops. When put into practice, the radical paradigm of leadership unleashed unbelievable power, trust, and love.”
– “TELL IT STRAIGHT: Jesus did not offer fun or good times. Instead, he called for self-denial and sacrifice. What a recruiting message! Don’t sugarcoat or sweet-talk the demands of your profession. This way, people will trust you and you’ll end up recruiting the right ones.”
You May Also Enjoy
If a new generation of Catholics has arisen which is largely ignorant of what it means to believe, then Cardinal Hume must take part of the blame.
Asserting Total Reality at a Deeper Level... Indefensible Assertions... Espoused, Not Betrothed... Should We Mourn the Loss of Wax Candles?... Against All Evidence?... The True Reasons for the Loss of Faith... We Get What We Deserve... The Way of St. James: A Pilgrim's Report... Deus Vult!... & more
I fantasize that some contemporary Nathan the Prophet might chat with the President, not about sins like adultery and murder but about social sins. I’m afraid a Catholic bishop would not be right for the part.