I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. …
Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. …
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
Character Check Am I developing leaders around me? How can I show appreciation to them?
In Business Terms Dictators do not develop strong leaders for succession.
Once I was asked if I’d be interested in becoming president of a manufacturing corporation whose long-term dictatorial leader had recently died. I knew my team approach would not be profitable, for the subordinates had been taught to act on orders, not to think through solutions. I couldn’t in good conscience ask people who hadn’t taken responsibility for years to begin to think for themselves. The corporation needed a younger dictator to keep the company successful.
Historically, a benevolent dictator with great ability is the roost efficient leader for most organizations over the time of his service. Long term, however, he is frequently a detriment to the health of the organization after he leaves.
In corporate management I was taught that the perpetuation of healthy organization is management’s first responsibility, and so leadership development at all levels is of prime importance. Successful succession is a leader’s responsibility and often a test of his character.
—Fred Smith, Sr.
Something to Think About Three helping one another will do as much as six men singly. – Spanish proverb
