Page 124 - The Bible On Leadership

110 THE BIBLE ON LEADERSHIP

ments in their next task or project, simultaneously developing their
skills and increasing their desire.
Although the term ‘‘performance management’’ will not be found in
the Bible, the elements of this technique are found in almost every
one of its chapters. Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the most pleasant
environment ever designed, the Garden of Eden, was a result of their
failure to act according to the performance guidelines their superior had
communicated to them. (It also might have been helpful if they had had
some prior experience with forked-tongued consultants and ‘‘forbidden
fruit.’’)
Noah, on the other hand, responded positively to his leader’s encour-
agement to reach seemingly unattainable performance goals. Realizing
the consequences of nonperformance, he paid close attention to the
boss’s blueprint for both an escape plan and the boat that would carry
him through the worst environmental (and moral) crisis the world had
ever experienced. While Adam and Eve managed to spoil the world’s
most ideal environment, Noah managed to survive the most adverse
one. Ironically, they had the same boss! Even the best leader needs com-
petent, responsive employees if he is to achieve maximum performance.
The ancient Hebrews and early Christians were not exactly out for a
stroll in the park (or even a ‘‘brief tour’’ of the desert). Moses had to
constantly encourage his people during the forty years in the desert,
when the Promised Land seemed as far away as Pluto might seem to us
today. Realizing the daunting scope of building the First Temple, David
gave his son Solomon large doses of encouragement. Jesus promised his
disciples, who had left good livelihoods as fishermen, that he would
make them ‘‘fishers of men,’’ which had less immediate, but more long-
lasting payback.
Consequences figure heavily in the Bible. In most cases, the ‘‘play-
ers’’ are told exactly what will happen to them if they adhere to or
deviate from ‘‘company policy.’’ Jacob knew that he would have to flee
precipitously if he stole his father’s birthright from his physically
stronger brother, Esau. Christ foretold that Peter would betray him
three times; he also wisely let Peter live with the consequences of his
actions rather than punish him directly. And positive actions usually