Book Review On Jesus, CEO - Questions

1. What are the main themes in the book as they relate to the world of work?
2. How can I see these themes being applied in my experience of the workplace?
You must first set a mission in your life; it could be your professional life as well. Having set your mission, you have to set your goal, short or long-term, in such a way to achieve the goals without any deviation from your original mission, regardless of the changing scenario in your professional or business environment. You must not give room to others, like the devil in the case of Jesus, coming to you with attractive packages so as to compromise on certain key values on the way to achieving your mission. Secondly, a strong belief about your self would guide you toward your goal, in addition to motivating your own family or team. Thirdly, the strong belief you have about your self would give you the mental strength to do the most difficult thing toward achieving your goal.
3. Does the book have a message for me that can empower me at work, enhance my own spiritually and / or my own sense of self?
Jones points out that Jesus began using the phrase “I AM” after his wilderness experience of putting himself to test (Jones, 1994, p.2-5). Having succeeded in the test, he began to use “I AM” to describe himself. The message here to you is to defeat the weaknesses that have been holding you back against achieving success, and affirm your presence to your team always for any support or guidance. Your team members should feel that you are always there to help them.
Jones narrates the story of prophet Balaam’s life being saved during a journey upon his donkey. In the middle of the journey the donkey refused to move in spite of the kicks it received from its master. At last an angel showed Balaam that the donkey did not move at her instruction because it had perceived a death trap set on the way for Balaam. Balaam was moved to tears at the donkey’s action and kissed the animal thankfully. Jones uses the phrase ‘kicking the donkey’ as a metaphor to refer to people who keep on fighting instead of a paradigm shift to approach the issue when things do not work even after putting much effort (Jones, 1994, p.47-49). The message is, leaders connected in spirit with their higher awareness always recognize the need to shift plans, instead of wasting resources on plans that do not work, and find new opportunities when a plan does not work.
4. What do such messages require of me and of my workplace?
You have to defeat your temptation to take short cuts to success and fight spiritual deprivation and reaffirm yourself to move toward your goal with a renewed energy. Like Jesus’ often repeated affirmations, “I am the way, I am the light, and I am the vine,” you may often use self empowering affirmations like, “I am achieving my goal, and I am inspiring my team” to enrich your spirits. At work place you have to motivate your team when a plan fails to work out. They should feel that there is always an angel to warn them from taking the wrong path, and you are that angel.
5. Do the themes relate business to the global environment in which it functions each day? How?
Jesus took his message to the entire world and he stressed his disciples the need to branch out. He looked at the whole world as his territory and as a fertile field where he can cultivate and reap harvest (Jones, 1994, p.108-109). Jesus also had a long-term view with a global perspective, and preached to masses from hills so that maximum people hear him and take his message around the world.
6. Would I recommend the book to other workers and / or managers and why?
Jones has explained Jesus’ leadership wisdom in a concise form, explaining one key point in each chapter. The chapters are ideal for daily reflection to practicing managers and leaders. Each lesson teaches management wisdom quoting Jesus’ actions and deeds. The book helps practicing managers to take appropriate decisions, taking inspiration from JESUS, the world’s favorite CEO. You can recommend this leadership manual to your team members to empower your team and achieve your mission.