From Booklist , 01/01/95:
This book may surprise many readers, who, from the title, might expect one more contribution to the genre of religious handbooks for corporate success (meaning, how Jesus can make you wealthy). But the book delivers an often insightful series of meditations on Jesus' interpersonal style, focusing on what set him apart as a leader. In a nonacademic way, Jones has contributed to an academic tradition of leadership studies that focus on characters from the so-called great books. To my knowledge, Jesus has not been a popular subject for such studies, but the success of the movement with which he is associated makes him a plausible candidate. This book's strength lies in its ability to surprise two very different groups of readers: those put off by a title slanted toward corporate success and those attracted by the title's promise of a step-by-step guide to such success. To the extent that Jones comes from left field to surprise both groups, she practices what she preaches. Along the way, she dispenses practical and pithy advice for anyone (whether CEO or not) who works with other people to get things done.
Copyright© 1995, American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title.
Synopsis:
Spirituality, ethics, strength, and inspiration are at the heart of this motivational handbook for corporate success. Following the example of Jesus--a "CEO" who took a disorganized "staff" of 12 and built a thriving enterprise--Jesus, CEO details a simple, fresh approach to motivating and managing others that is translatable to any business. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title.
Synopsis:
Now in paperback, this national bestseller provides the key to visionary leadership by drawing on the lessons of the greatest leader of all. Following the example of Jesus, Laurie Beth Jones details a simple, profound, and often humorous approach to inspiring, motivating, and managing others.
Card catalog description
The world is changing at almost breakneck speed, and the leaders who succeed will be the ones who can marshal their most powerful resources - human intelligence and energy - in the most effective ways. With principles embedded in spirituality, ethics, and strength, acclaimed motivator Laurie Beth Jones brings us Jesus, CEO - a bold yet sensitive inspirational handbook for leadership success. After many years in business Laurie Beth Jones was struck by the notion that Jesus' leadership approach with his staff ran counter to most of the management styles and techniques employed today. Dismayed to find invaluable human energy and intelligence untapped and underutilized, Laurie Beth Jones has made it her goal to help empower people in all layers of leadership - encouraging them to re-view the divine excellence in themselves and in those they serve. By harnessing the three categories of strengths behind Jesus' leadership techniques (the strength of self-mastery, the strength of action, and the strength of relationships), each of us can become the empowered leaders that the next millennium will require. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title.
Customer Comments
dmckay@infolane.com from Fremont, CA , 01/04/98, rating=9:
A Keeper
As a store manager, this book helps me stay focused on doing it right, and not just for profit. The questions at the end of each chapter help create new ideas and leadership skills. Some chapters will hit you straight between the eyes. Business and Christianity can coexist. It helps me be a better manager. A daily devotional for anyone in business. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title.
sthrall@netonecom from Grand Rapids, MI , 09/06/97, rating=10:
Jesus/CEO goes one step beyond Covey
One of the more interesting theories by author Jones is that a way to deal with bad people and experiences is to look at these events as possible warning areas that keep us on track to our true destiny. Dwelling on bitter past events and encounters with evil doers will only deter your calling to higher experiences. In fact, these people and events may have been placed in our lives for a reason, just as they were during the life of Jesus. I picked up this book on a fluke, and had no idea that it correlated so well with the excellent teachings of Stephen Covey. It is a must read for anyone who holds thoughts of revenge for a past injustice. Stephen Thrall
wingtai@breakthrough.org.hk , 07/13/97, rating=8:
Timeless Wisdom for Executive Leadership
In terms of training and learning, Jesus could be the benchmark for business executives. Jesus set an example for rallying the greatest potential of human resources of a group. After years of business experience in advertising, marketing, and business development, Laurie Beth Jones was disturbed that many management styles and techniques practiced today ran counter to Jesus' leadership. She determined to rediscover the wisdom of the ancient sage for empowering people in all layers of leadership to review the divine excellence in themselves.
The visionary leadership of Jesus, Jones contended, was threefold: strength of self-mastery, strength of action, and strength of relationships. In the strength of self-mastering, Jesus was genuine to face himself and He stuck with his mission. He was grateful to others and He was constantly in a state of celebration. He felt a sense of destiny and had a passionate commitment to the cause.
In the strength for action, Jesus had a plan, formed a team, and took action. He took the long view and said, "Why Not Me?" In His strength of relationship, Jesus gave His followers a vision of something greater than themselves. He was always affirmative, spent much time with his team, and set an example for them. He played with them and loved them to the end.
In a world of business writings looking for the newest trends, creating the new jargons, reducing secrets of success into simplified formulae, and concentrating on skill sets, Jones restoration of Jesus' life could be a fresh perspective. Character-building is more important than skills. Relationship goes further than benefits. The person is more important than the achievements. For continual learning, one needs to be familiar with the first century as well as the 21st century. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title.
A CEO , 06/29/97, rating=9:
Inspires change and insightfullnes
As a CEO myself, I will attest to the excellent inspiration that it relays to the executive. The chapters are short and to-the-point. I recommend keeping it in your desk and reading a chapter a day or so to develop more insight into the leadership technique that worked for God. As I learned from reading the text, I realized the wisdom of Christ is not really ancient at all...but are simple lessons in interacting with and leading people that are timeless in nature. This book could change the nature of our corporations and World if it were required reading for business leaders.... The only thing that the author didn't emphasize more is the importance of communicating with our boss, Jesus, through prayer, and constantly asking for his guidance in our actions. He will makes us stronger and abler leaders. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title.
A Reader, 09/20/96, rating=3:
Undoubtedly well intentioned, but biased.
The book starts well and has some real gems and insights. She interprets the bible from her own Christian point of view and for her own purposes. No problem, we all do this. But I consider my God to embody the very best of both men and women and the steady undercurrent of gender bias in this book was disturbing, especially given the high ambition of its title. A letdown. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title.