The Maxwell Leadership Reading PlanSample

Lessons from a Lousy Leader

Jesus’ story of an unrighteous manager teaches us lessons about shrewd business and a few subtle truths about leadership. This lousy leader...

1. Violated rule number one: Leadership is not to be used for personal benefit (v. 1). He forgot that leadership is about giving, not getting. Leaders lose the right to be selfish.


2. Learned that a leader cannot hide his heart (vv. 1, 2). Leadership rises or falls to the level of the leader’s integrity. Leaders are vulnerable.


3. Was proactive in facing problems (v. 3). He surmised how he could address the problem. Good leaders aren’t afraid to face reality.


4. Understood the value of relationships (v. 4). He utilized the relationships he had developed already. He received a return on his investment.


5. Understood the nature of his influence (vv. 4, 5). Since leadership is influence, leaders know with whom they have influence—and they go there.


6. Learned the keys to motivating others (vv. 5–7). Everyone is motivated in different ways. He found ways to make friends and get results.


7. Reminds us of the value of godly leadership (vv. 8–10). In the end, his master praised his shrewdness; but Jesus has a deeper lesson for us.