I recently just finished a course on Organizational Leadership. As part of the Rady School of Business – a world-renowned graduate program – at UC San Diego – a nationally ranked university – the class was impressive. My professor had a resume longer than some books I’ve read and her network includes some winners of this little award called the Nobel Prize. The course (and the business minor program I am a part of) has one main goal: to teach and equip students how to be as successful as possible as they navigate the business world. As in how to get the highest paycheck possible. As in learning all the ins and outs of using whatever (or whoever) it takes to get to the top. As in the fast track to getting CEO on your business card.

            Yet by studying leaders that the business world reveres, by dissecting the idea of leadership as seen by a secular institution, I only really learned about one person: Jesus.

            Many people don’t believe that Jesus is the son of the living God, like I do. Yet history proves he was a real person, and many see him a great teacher at the very least. I now see Him as the greatest and most revolutionary leader the world will ever witness – and not just because of my religious biases. Let me try to explain.

            There is a key distinction in leadership that most people miss today – the difference between leading and managing. Jesus did both of these flawlessly, as He was able to cast vision for thousands of people while also implementing the small steps it took to make that vision a reality. His vision was not only easy to understand but easy to apply  – which made His change efforts successful. I think everyone can agree that the man Jesus, whoever you believe He is, changed this world.  Why else would we still be talking about Him today? The ability to manage while leading and to create lasting change is two of the hardest tasks leaders attempt to tackle. Jesus did both effortlessly.

            A lot of groundbreaking ideas about leadership are coming to light as more and more people are researching impactful, inspiring, and authentic leaders. The best leaders know to take time to themselves, because solitude allows one to reflect deeply. Jesus did this many times, as he retreated from crowds to be alone and to pray. Successful leaders also surround themselves with individuals who they trust to speak up when needed, who have the same core values (yet are different enough to bring up new ideas and points of views), and who will provide unconditional love when it is needed most. Ever heard of the 12 disciples? Exactly. There has been a recent rise in narcissist leaders, especially in American society. We are quick to see their large bank accounts and large egos, and translate that to true success and strive to mimic them. Yet new research is showing that in the long run, most companies flounder under such leadership. A “Level 5 Leader”, as named by Jim Collins, is the highest, most coveted, and hardest level of leadership to achieve. It is accomplished by humility – something far too many people these days overlook. Not meekness, not weakness, but true humility. Coupled with fierce resolve, these leaders are unstoppable. Jesus knew this two thousand years ago; He even claimed the kingdom of Heaven belongs to the humble. We see politicians like Bill Clinton running countries or businessmen like Steve Jobs making millions, and want to throw humility out the window – if they are successful without it, then why can’t we?  But I believe there is a reason Ghandi is constantly quoted and revered by so many; our world thirsts for successful, world changing leaders who see beyond themselves.

            I could go on and on about how Jesus perfectly executed nearly every characteristic or quality I learned leaders must possess. He navigated politics. He was keenly aware of groups’ cultures. He even practiced tough empathy. Yet in an attempt to stop sounding like a research paper, I will leave you with my personal favorite: Brand new, cutting edge research – completely changing many business’ orientation programs and training sessions – is now showing that the best way to teach a lesson is by telling a story. Jesus called those parables.