This week is a celebration of the most important events in world history – the ultimate sacrifice of the true Servant Leader on behalf of His people. If you’re a Christian, you recognize the importance of Jesus’ leadership and sacrifice to, literally, save a fallen world.

If you’re not a Christian and perhaps only believe Jesus was a “great man” or a wise prophet, there are many leadership lessons to learn from His life and teachings as a servant leader focused on His purpose and those that would follow Him.

Today, your employees are seeking more than a paycheck, they are desperately seeking meaning and purpose in their lives, much like people have been seeking meaning and purpose since the beginning of time. For example, Ramsey Solutions’ purpose is to provide people [who are in debt] with HOPE. Imagine being an employee in the Ramsey Solutions shipping & receiving department packaging up an order and knowing the person on the receiving end of that order had HOPE (hope that their marriage might be saved, their home wouldn’t be foreclosed on, their children would have the opportunity to go to college, etc.) because of his/her efforts. Employees find meaning and purpose by helping others find meaning and purpose.

Without meaning and purpose desperation can turn to hopelessness. Consider the fact that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between 2006 and 2016, the suicide rate for young people, aged 10-17, skyrocketed 70%, the suicide rate among girls between the ages of 15 and 19 rose to a 40-year high in 2015, and according to Tom Simon, a CDC report author, it’s not just young people, “We know that overall in the US, we’re seeing increases in suicide rates across all age groups.” As of 2016, suicide levels were at 30-year highs. How many of your employees are desperate and hopeless?

Employees who “fit” into the OC of your organization and see a distinct connection between what they do and the impact they have on the world around them find meaning and purpose in their work. When employees make this connection they experience much higher levels of engagement which translates into higher job performance and satisfaction. As a leader, your role in helping employees find meaning and purpose is critical. These guidelines can help:

  1. Define Core Values – what does your organization stand for and why?
  2. Align your actions to support the core values.
  3. Communicate a compelling vision and mission – something larger than life.
  4. Delegate – share BOTH responsibility and authority.
  5. Select and develop your succession plan and equip them to lead.
  6. Empower your team to lead.
  7. Provide guidance and feedback.
  8. Trust them.
  9. Get out of the way.
  10. Recognize and reward

Jesus is more than a wise man or a prophet, He is the Savior of a fallen world. His ministry provides all of humanity with everlasting purpose and meaning. If you’re looking for the ultimate OC “fit”, I invite you to come to know Jesus this blessed Easter season.