"If You Can't Get Along With Them, You Promote Them!" (Matthew 20:26-28)

The other day, I learned of an interesting management technique. I was lamenting to a colleague that it was so difficult to hire good employees. Their resumes may be stunning and their interviews, courteous and encouraging. However, after they are hired, I soon discover they are not team players; they do not play well in the sandbox.

My colleague shook his head and smiled.

“Yup. Same problem I had at another company that I worked. They had an interesting solution. If you can't get along with them, you promote them!"

“Wha?”

He chuckled. “Not all of them, of course. But it seemed that whenever someone with an inkling of talent revealed themselves as a poor team player, instead of trying to make a square peg in a round hole fit, management promoted them and created a new position for them!”

Tongue in cheek comment or sound business advice? Sadly, I, too, have witnessed this in action within several very large organizations which I have been involved. I do not have any firm statistical data for the efficacy or merit of this strategy but common sense informs me that if someone is not a team player at one level of the organization, it is unlikely, they will succeed at another, higher level of management.

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,  and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,  even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV)

The disciples of Jesus were jockeying for positions of leadership with Jesus. Jesus saw right through their actions recognizing they were not team players, only seeking to advance their own interests. But instead of promoting them or dismissing their intentions, Jesus challenged His disciples with a startling proposal. If you want to be a leader, then learn to serve one another!

This is what Jesus Christ did. He gave His life as a willing sacrifice to receive the punishment for our sins by being crucified and dying on the Cross. He gave His life to serve mankind. And God honored His sacrifice by raising Him from the dead.

In business and in life, if you cannot get along with others, learn to serve them. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God will honor and bless you for your sacrifice!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.