4-MAT Book Review Assignment: Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest
Leadership Role Model of All Time
Paolino Curto
LEAD510: Biblical Foundations of Leadership
February 2024
Contents
Abstract..........................................................................................................................................1
Concrete Response.........................................................................................................................2
Reflection........................................................................................................................................3
Action..............................................................................................................................................4
Bibliography...................................................................................................................................7
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Abstract
Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All
Time provides a holistic framework for effective leadership. In a thorough examination of the life
of Jesus, foundational truths for authentic leadership are explored and explained by Blanchard
and Hodges. At its core, this book embodies the introductory remark that “when a leader chooses
to allow Jesus to transform him or her from the inside out, that choice will have an effect on
everyone and everything that leader influences.”1
The servant leadership model, while seemingly paradoxical, is most ascribed to Jesus.
Blanchard and Hodges explain how servant and leader are complimentary terms and how Jesus
effectively leads from servitude. Examining Jesus as the greatest leadership role model is
challenging and daunting. This book explains how a Christian can follow in the way of
leadership Jesus exemplified so brilliantly. Blanchard and Hodges explain that leading like Jesus
is a transformational journey that “involves aligning our hearts, heads, hands, and habits.”2
A significant distinction made throughout this book pertains to a leader’s “EGO”. The
greatest obstruction to leading like Jesus occurs when one “Edges God Out”. This occurs when
you “replace Him as the object of your worship; as the source of your security, self-worth, and
wisdom; and as the audience for and authority over your daily work and life story.”3 Edging God
Out is expressed in fear and pride and not only renders a leader ineffective for positive change
but can damage the lives of those one is leading. Similarly, Blanchard and Hodges explain the
essentiality of “Exalting God Only” for the leader, which sees one keep God in the rightful place
1 Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role
Model of All Time (Thomas Nelson, 2016), xi.
2 Ibid., 35.
3 Ibid., 50.
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as the complete object of our worship and commitment. The leader committed to Jesus and
exalting Him only exemplifies humility and “God-grounded Confidence”4, which is prescribed
for positive and influential outcomes.
This book does not hide the fact that leading like Jesus will be difficult. For most,
adapting to Jesus’ leadership model by nature will necessitate significant changes. Humans are
fearful of change for many reasons (Blanchard and Hodges provide a comprehensive list in
chapter 31), but leading like Jesus demands a change in knowledge, attitude, behavior, and
cultural norms for the leader and those being led.5 A lasting positive change lies in the balance
when a leader humbly walks as Jesus did and puts others before themselves.
Concrete Response
My mentor challenged me to develop a personal mission and vision statement when I first
became a Christian. I thought this was odd, but in hindsight, I have seen how valuable it has been
to mark my life with a clear mission and vision. I was immediately reminded of this event in my
life after reading Blanchard and Hodges’s statement that “it’s important for you to have a
personal compelling vision that tells you who you are (your purpose), where you are going (your
picture of the future), and what will guide your journey (your values)”6 and that it is also
essential to lead others with these factors in mind.
Crafting a personal mission and vision for my life greatly influenced my values and
serves as the primary way I make important decisions in my life. My mentor reinforced the idea
of having a personal mission and vision statement by sharing Colossians 3:17. I am daily
4 Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role
Model of All Time, 80.
5 Ibid., 247.
6 Ibid., 141.
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reminded of this as I open my devotional book and see the inscription of my mentor: “Colossians
3:17 – Eddie”. Having developed a personal mission and vision, I could adequately assess
leaving the job I had, pursue the call to ministry, and understand how to live uncompromisingly
for Jesus.
My mentor understood that “True success in leadership depends on how clearly the
organization’s values are defined, ordered, and lived out by the leader.”7 Eddie exhibited
evidence of authentic, Jesus-focused leadership in how he lived his life. He viewed himself as an
“organization” that was on a mission for Jesus. Because of that, he regularly encouraged and
empowered me to do the same, regardless of my occupation, position, or abilities.
Reflection
Blanchard and Hodges state the importance of a leader to maintain supportive
relationships. A supportive relationship is one in which the parties can be vulnerable and
unguarded but simultaneously are committed to being honest and providing valuable feedback,
even if it is challenging to bring to the surface. Great leaders likely have these relationships in
place and should diligently nurture them. What should the many leaders who do not have these
relationships do, however?
While one can reach out to his sphere of influence, the task of developing these
relationships should not be taken lightly. Many may wonder how to identify someone who would
be a good fit for this type of relationship and, even further, how to foster a supportive
relationship in the way Chapter 16 emphasizes. At the end of the chapter, the question is posed
when addressing someone who may not have supportive relationships: “where might you look?”8
7 Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role
Model of All Time, 150.
8 Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role
Model of All Time, 122.
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The easy answer may be church or in your small group, bible study, etc. However, what might
one do if there are no viable candidates for supportive relationships in these environments?
Moreover, if there are, what might one do to establish and begin such a relationship with
someone?
Often, it is daunting and difficult for people to trust someone and be vulnerable. Usually,
quality time is a significant factor in establishing a supportive relationship. This is exhibited
chiefly in the time Jesus spent with his disciples and the more intimate time he spent with three
of the disciples. Providing a more in-depth look at why Jesus had supportive relationships with
the disciples, as well as how much time He spent with them and how he fostered those
relationships, would serve a modern leader well in doing so in his or her life.
Action
Having readFLead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role
Model of All Time, I have identified two actionable steps I will implement to lead like Jesus. Of
all the “being habits” mentioned in the book, Blanchard and Hodges describe solitude as “by far
the most elusive in our modern world”9. Having seen the adverse effects of a life void of solitude,
I will plan a course of action that is representative of the approach to solitude that Jesus carried
out in his earthly life. Secondly, I intend to practice the “doing habit of obeying God and
expressing His unconditional love”10. I will primarily accomplish this by demonstrating
selflessness and sincerity in all areas of my life.
9 Ibid., 95.
10 Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role
Model of All Time, 211.
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To effectively implement a Jesus-centered form of solitude in my life, I realize that I first
need to acknowledge the importance it will play in leading effectively. I have misunderstood that
an identifier of a good leader is a filled calendar, a long list of important tasks to accomplish, and
the attention of many. While all these elements were evident in Jesus’ earthly ministry, solitude
was the means by which His resolve would be strengthened to accomplish His mission.11 The
solitude Jesus practiced was intentional time alone with the Father. It was preemptive, highly
relational, and exuberated a state of being that shed the weight of His mission and busyness of
life.
Jesus often withdrew early in the morning to be alone with God. As I examine my life,
even my apparent times of solitude are frequently infiltrated by the world's worries, demands,
and cares. To change course, I plan to begin each morning by withdrawing from busyness and
spending time in prayer. However, the time I will spend in prayer will be void of a “to-do list”12.
I will seek to focus on my relational connection to God and His goodness and listen for His
voice.
Selflessness and patience are identified as two of nine elements on Henry Drummonds’
“spectrum of love”13. When I consider this spectrum, I notice that I often exhibit the opposite of
these two characteristics in my leadership. With one of my coworkers, my patience wears thin,
and I easily become selfish and withhold grace from this person. I desire to be a better servant
leader who is rooted in love by considering my coworker before myself. I will accomplish this
by reminding myself that this is a person whom God loves deeply, by praying for her and asking
if she has any prayer requests, and by having a personal conversation with her on a day in the
11 Ibid., 97.
12 Ibid., 98.
13 Henry Drummond,FThe Greatest Thing in the WorldF(Chicago: Revell, 1891), 18.
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first week of each month that centers around what is going on in her life (I know that she would
greatly appreciate this).
Bibliography
Blanchard, Ken, and Phil Hodges. Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest
Leadership Role Model of All Time. Thomas Nelson, 2016.
Drummond, Henry. The Greatest Thing in the World. Chicago: Revell, 1891.
