We've all been there. One day we can do no wrong and the next day nothing. On Friday, we're the "Golden Child" and on Monday we're fodder for the water cooler. Or maybe, on Friday we're a Zero but on Monday, we're the Hero. Either way, the fickle nature of business can be frustrating.
Consider Esau and Jacob. Not only did Jacob usurp his brother's birthright, but with the influence of his mother Rebekkah, he stole his brother's blessing too!
When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me—me also, O my father!” But he said, “Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.” (Gen 27:34-35, NKJV)
What a travesty! But how does this apply to business?
Again, we've all been there, either having been the Golden Child or the Zero, or having watched it from a safe distance. The whole situation can stress even the healthiest of organizations - and it can break organizations with pre-existing fissures. But what do we do about it, Servant Leader?
Well, we look no farther than the same 27th chapter in Genesis for the answer.
And Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me—me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: “Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; And it shall come to pass, when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.” (Gen 27:38-40, NKJV)
Through all of this, where are Isaac's servants? As one of the patriarchs of the Hebrew Nation, his servants were many. In Isaac's advanced age and fragile health, we can trust that they were close, hearing Isaac's instructions to Esau, watching as Rebekkah and Jacob planned to foil Esau's blessing, possibly opening the folds of the tent to allow Jacob, arrayed in Esau's garments and wearing sheep skins, to enter Isaac's bedroom. What is their role or responsibility in all of this?
What is your role as Servant Leader in your organization?
You see, our role as servant leader is neither to endorse nor commiserate. Our role isn't to board the Golden Child train or share in the water cooler fodder. We don't cheer one or the other, don't throw the flag and call the foul. We stand on our faith, trust in God's and the C-Suite's vision, and ensure our teams are resourced for whichever direction the winds may blow, whether Zero or Hero. As long as no ethical or legal issues arise, then our role as servant leaders is to tend to the success of the company, not get bogged down in the political whims of the day.
Secondly, Isaac's second blessing was nothing to ignore. Although it wouldn't see Esau become head of the Hebrews, it would see him become a powerful nation in his own right. Admit it, Servant Leader, some of us aren't cut out to be the Chief Executive Officer of any firm. We're better suited as deputy or vice. After all, the spotlight isn't always friendly.
And if legal or ethical lines do get crossed, remember that Jesus overturned the money changers' tables not because they were doing business in the temple, but because they were cheating the people. (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18)
